Boarding Your Pet
Your pet wants to be with you, no matter where you go. But when a vacation, a business trip, or other occasion takes you away from home, you can't always bring the four-legged members of your family along for the ride. Having a friend or neighbor visit your home to give your pet food, water, and brief exercise may easily accommodate shorter trips, but for longer periods, your pet may require more specialized arrangements.
Depending on the type of pet you have, you may have limited options when it comes to temporary pet care. For dog and cat owners, there is the option to board your furry friend at a kennel, at a veterinarian's office, or at another “pet resort.” Here, we address some common questions to help you decide if boarding your pet while you're gone is the best choice for you.
What Is Boarding?
Boarding your pets means temporarily leaving them at a facility designed to care for pets. Boarding facilities can vary greatly, from simple crate or cage housing with daily opportunities for exercise, to elaborate resorts with round-the-clock care. The kind of boarding that is best for your pets depends largely on their personalities, needs, and your budget.
Why Choose Boarding?
Boarding your pets allows them to be cared for by a trained staff while having time to socialize with other animals. In this setting, your animals receive more attention and stimulation than if left alone and under the care of a sitter. The professional staff will also supervise your pets, so even if they're skilled at finding ways outside or getting into other types of trouble, your animals' safety is guaranteed.
How Much Does Boarding Cost?
Prices for hosting your animal companion in a boarding facility vary tremendously between businesses. It's important to compare pricing and services when choosing boarding. Some prices may include extra play or exercise time, special one-on-one attention, grooming or other available services, or they may charge additional fees for anything but a standard bed and board.
Are There Risks to Boarding?
If your pets aren't used to a crate or cage, are strongly aggressive or submissive, or become anxious or uncomfortable when their schedules are interrupted, boarding them may put them at risk for higher levels of stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, some facilities may be less than accommodating to your pets, so make sure to visit boarding sites and observe the animals being kept there. You should also ensure that the facility offers clean, spacious areas to run and play, clean water and food, and friendly staff willing and eager to interact with your pet.
If you're still having trouble deciding if a kennel or other pet boarding facility is right for you, try searching online for boarding reviews and tips for choosing the right one. You should be able to drop off your furry family member with confidence in knowing that he or she will be will cared for. If you'd like information on other temporary pet care options, take a look at our Pet Sitting page to learn more about hiring one-on-one, in-home pet care.