First Time Boarders Owning a Pet

With so many pet owners looking towards the summer holidays, Pets Training & Boarding issue a timely reminder of the importance of finding the right boarding kennel for your beloved pets.

“We tend to book out very quickly and sometimes take bookings 1-2years in advance so people do not miss out,” Kirsten Lambros, Senior Dog Handler from Pets Training & Boarding says. “We always suggest to our clients to start booking around July/August.”

For first time boarders, there are a few things to remember when booking up your preferred kennel. Pets Training & Boarding suggest asking the following questions to ensure you feel at ease when considering a boarding facility for when you are away.

• How long the facility has been operating?
• The amount of animals they hold?
• How many staff members are caring for the dogs?
• Appearance of the facility?
• What your daily boarding rate consists off?
• What are the animals fed?
• How much interaction and exercise will my dog receive?
• Customer service, how friendly the staff & the passion (level of experience of the owners)?
• Kennel size & bedding provided?
• Opening hours?
• Does someone live on site?
• Is there a vet on call in case my dog gets ill?
• Security/fencing, will my dog run away?

Asking the basic questions and being armed with a checklist is a good way to ensure all of your pets needs are covered. If your pet is suffering from any behavioural issues, your preferred boarding centre may be able to help with training during their stay.

“Be honest with the boarding centre,” Kirsten advises. “Also make sure all your questions have been answered and request regular updates on dog’s progress.”

Pet owners will also need to ensure that their pets are vaccinated with C5 coverage and have had a recent health check for any illness or abnormal behaviours. Worm, flea and tick prevention also needs to be up-to-date before entering the boarding centre.

Before you board your pet, it is a very good idea to ensure your pet is in top health. It is not recommended that you board your beloved cat or dog if you suspect they are not feeling or acting 100%.

If you are unsure about your pet’s health or have any concerns a quick vet trip will put your mind at ease of your beloved companion’s health condition. This is also a good time to ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date as too worming and flea treatments.

If your cat or dog is suffering from any ailment that requires medical treatment, ensure you have a clear outline of the medicines your pet needs and any additional information. When you arrive at the boarding kennel or cattery ensure you have:

• Vaccination certificate
• Medical information and treatments if needed
• Special diets – the food
• Lead and collar
• Up-to-date microchip information
• Emergency contact information