Are you leaving town soon? If you’ve never boarded your pet before, you may be unfamiliar with some of the specifics and procedures involved with boarding your furry bestie. We understand how hard it can be to leave your cherished pet in the care of other people, and we always welcome questions. In this post from your neighborhood Live Oak, FL kennel, we offer some questions you might want to ask.
How Much Does It Cost To Board At Your Live Oak, FL Kennel?
This is an obvious one, and is one of the first that many clients ask. Nonetheless, it’s absolutely worth mentioning on the list!
What Features Does Your Pet Hotel Provide?
We’ve been friends with Fido and Fluffy for a very long time. According to research, mankind began domesticating dogs approximately 12,000 years ago, and cats about 12,00o years ago. We’ve gotten to know our canine and feline pals well over time, but we’re continually learning more about them, such as how important stimulation and playfulness is. Pets require enrichment to remain happy and healthy! Many kennels now provide options for their furry wards’ amusement, including activities that may be beneficial for working dogs. For an in-depth look at some exceptional working dogs, check out our article on “Spotlight On Fire Dogs.”
How Often Will Someone Walk Or Play With My Pet?
Kennels often include a walk or two in their daily costs, unless Fido has his own private run. However, there is a bit of variation here.
Keep in mind that each dog has different needs. Generally, our canine friends need to go outside at least three times every day, or every eight hours. However, this is not universal. Puppies can often only hold it for roughly an hour each month of their age. Seniors also sometimes require shorter, more frequent walks.
Where Will Be My Dog Walked?
Some kennels walk dogs on leashes, while others utilize runs or pens. Find out where they will be taking Fido.
What Should I Bring For Boarding Pets?
Kennels all operate differently on this one. For example, some allow you to bring your pet’s bedding and toys. Others prefer to use their own. This is frequently done to ensure that everything has been adequately cleaned and disinfected, which minimizes the spread of things like fleas or viruses. Looking for comprehensive care including grooming services during your pet’s stay? Learn more about our Pet Boarding & Grooming services to see how we can pamper your pet while you’re away.
Can I Tour The Facility?
You don’t need to check every corner of the kennel. It is also reasonable to expect some regions to be off-limits. That being said, you should be able to look at the area where your pet will be housed. In fact, if the kennel says no without good cause, that’s usually a big red flag.
While on the trip, there are various warning indicators to check for:
- Dirty/small outdoor places without shelter
- Dirty pets
- Dirty kennels
- No water
- No climate control
- Refusal of a request to visit premises (without sufficient justification)
What Are The Emergency Procedures?
This is also important, as kennels may have different operational procedures.
You may also need to make some decisions here. Read your paperwork carefully! The kennel may ask you to decide whether they are authorized to seek veterinary care, or if they should contact you first. There could also be some shades of grey here. If Fido breaks a toenail, the kennel may not see the need to transport him to an emergency clinic. However, if something severe occurs, you could reasonably expect them to take him in.
You may need to offer backup contacts, especially if your cell phone will be out of range, such as if you’re going on a cruise.
Are The Dog And Cat Boarding Areas Separate?
Fluffy and Fido sometimes get along, but only after getting to know each other. If you’re boarding your cat, you don’t want your kitty to spend the week sitting next to a huge pooch!
How Often Are Your Kennels Cleaned?
Good kennels are meticulous about keeping their facilities clean. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of disease!
Are The Kennels Climate-Controlled?
One would assume that this is obvious, but it’s better to be certain. You don’t want your pet to be uncomfortable in that stifling Florida heat while you’re away.
When Are You Open For Drop-Off And Pick-Up?
This is an important one. It’s reasonable to expect that someone will be available during the weekend. However, just because staff is coming in to care for the animals does not mean the front desk is open. Many kennel offices remain open throughout regular business hours. You don’t want to realize at the last minute that you can’t drop your dog off on the way to the airport!
How Far Ahead Of Time Should I Book?
The answer to this one may differ, depending on the area and time of year. Kennels are busiest during popular travel times like the winter holidays and summer vacations. In some situations, you may be able to get your pet in with little notice, but don’t count on that: this will ultimately be determined by whether or not they are booked.
What Vaccinations Does My Pet Need?
One piece of advice we can claim applies universally when boarding pets? Avoid any kennel or facility that does not require confirmation of your pet’s current vaccinations. All kennels should require pets to be up to date on their core immunizations.
This includes the following:
Dogs:
- Canine Core Vaccines
- Canine Distemper
- Infectious Hepatitis.
- Canine Parvovirus Rabies
Cats:
- Feline Core Vaccines
- Feline panleukopenia
- Feline herpesvirus
- Feline Calicivirus in Rabies.
Then there are non-core vaccinations. The most essential are the Bordetella, Parvo, and canine influenza vaccines, which prevent kennel cough and other dangerous infections. Non-core vaccines for dogs include canine leptospirosis, canine Lyme, and the Western diamondback rattlesnake. Bordetella and chlamydia are some non-core vaccines available for cats.
Can I Board My Kitten or Puppy?
This can be a difficult one. You should never leave very young dogs or cats alone for extended periods of time. However, many kennels do not accept puppies or kittens younger than nine weeks.
Additionally, your pet’s immunization schedule can be a factor. Certain immunizations require boosters, so pets are not entirely protected until they have completed the whole sequence. If your furry friend has not received all of their immunizations, the kennel may refuse to keep them. Or, they may place them in quarantine. In any case, you should check and find out.
Additional Inquiries To The Kennel
These are the most important concerns, but there are many others you may want to know, such as how frequently the water is changed, what the food schedules are, and whether an emergency vet is on call. You may also want to know if the Live Oak, FL pet boarding facility is noisy or if there are any measures in place to reduce noise or distress.
Would you like to schedule boarding? Please contact us, your local Live Oak, FL pet hotel, now!
