If you are taking an extended trip, and not taking your pet along, you will have to find a pet sitter or some type of boarding facility. The type of service you use generally depends on the personality of your dog. Some animals are not comfortable in boarding places. If the animal is anxious or older, a kennel may be too stressful.
Here are a few things to check on if you are considering one or the other.
- A Pet Sitter
If you live in a larger metropolitan area, you can check with the National Association of Pet Sitters to find someone to look after your dog. If this is not an option, however, you will have to conduct your own search. Check with friends, coworkers, and neighbors. They may be able to refer someone to you.
You should set up an interview with the prospective sitter to get a sense of their personality and how they interact with your dog.
Good sitters will carry insurance and have a prepared contract for services. They should have training or experience working with animals. They should know where emergency services for pets are located. And they should have contingency plans if problems should arise, for example, if they cannot get to your house as scheduled for some reason.
You should also find out how long the sitter stays for each visit and how often he or she visits, as well as what services he offers. It is also important to ask for references.
- Boarding Facility
Here again, checking with friends and colleagues may be helpful in finding a good facility for your pet. Before inspecting the place, you should do a background check. Find out if the facility has been inspected by the state and what its rating is. Make sure it can handle any special needs your pet may have. If you are boarding more than one pet, find out if the facility can house them together.
When you tour the location, make sure it is clean, odor free, and comfortable. It should be licensed. Check on the activities it offers pets, such things as group play time, walks and bedding. Observe how the staff interacts with the animals and how the staff treats the pets. Find out what vaccinations are required.
Also, determine what provisions the kennel makes to handle animals that are more aggressive. Find out how often the pets are fed and if workers will feed your pet according to the dog’s usual feeding schedule. Finally, check on how the kennel handles emergencies.
Speaking of activities for your dog, your family pet will enjoy the 4,000-square-foot dog run we have for our four-footed friends here at Barney’s Ranch. Give us a call at (469) 450-7040 for more information.