At the cats-only boarding facility, we see guests of all ages from playful kittens to sedate seniors. But if you own a senior pet, you may have more prep work before you board your cat or dog.
Older pets often have more health issues than a young or adult (non-senior) pet. Your senior pup or kitty may not have the energy for long walks or hours of play. Your pet may have a health condition that requires daily medication, or a special diet. Some pets only need medication when they exhibit certain symptoms.
Here are a few things you may want to talk to the boarding facility about when leaving an older pet:
- Does your pet have any diet restrictions? Food allergies?
- Does your pet have any physical/exercise limitations?
- Does your pet have any sensitive areas — maybe a sore hip — that should be avoided during petting and/or brushing?
- A complete list of all current and past health issues. Include medication names, dosage, and when medication is given.
- Symptoms of a health crisis.
- Emergency procedures and contact information for your regular veterinarian.
- Contact number for you and/or a local person who is authorized to make health care decisions for your pet.
Older pets may not be healthy enough to get the vaccines your boarding facility may require for guests. Talk to the boarding facility about other options — at the cats-only boarding facility, we have isolation wards where we can put cats who can’t have vaccinations for one reason or another. The isolation wards have a separate ventilation system so that germs from the ward don’t get into the main boarding room and vice versa.
You know your pet best! The more information you can give to the boarding facility, the better prepared they will be to care for your beloved friend.