If you are going to be leaving your pets at a boarding kennel, there are a few things you should do in advance to prepare yourself and your pet.
- Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations: rabies, distemper, and parvo virus. Your boarding kennel may require other vaccinations like hepatitis and bordatella (kennel cough).
- Make sure your pet is well socialized and is comfortable around both people and pets. A pet that does not get along well with other animals, or is fearful or shy around strangers may not be a good candidate for boarding.
- Make sure your pet knows basic commands. Practice the basics — sit, stay, come — with others so your dog gets used to listening to more than just you.
- Make sure your dog walks well on a leash. If the boarding kennel you have chosen does not have off-leash runs, your dog will need to be walked several times a day by kennel staff. A dog that doesn’t behave on a leash won’t be a very good guest!
- Make sure to stock up on your pet’s food and medications (if needed). Write out instructions for feeding times and amounts and doses of any medicines.
- Talk to the kennel staff about your pet’s particular behavior issues or personality quirks. If your cat goes into a panic during thunderstorms, for example, you should make sure the boarding kennel knows.
- Prepare a contact sheet with information about your regular veterinarian and emergency vet (if you have one), plus contact information for you and a local friend or family member who can respond in case of an emergency while you are away.
- Think about a trial visit to the kennel — board your pet for a practice weekend before you go away on a long trip. This way, your pet will be familiar with the sights, sounds, and routines of the kennel.
When you drop your pet off for his kennel stay, remind the staff about any medical or behavior problems your pet has. After you check in, hand your pet over, say a friendly, upbeat, and brief goodbye, and leave. A long, emotional parting may upset your pet.