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Face it…even though we may love the idea of taking our pets with us when we go to visit family for the holidays or when taking a vacation, the reality of travelling with your pet is often filled with frustration and anxiety for both of you. Your pet has needs that can’t easily be met on long drives or flights. Food, water and urination schedules are thrown to the wayside, chaotic changes of environment, and cumbersome, uncomfortable pet carriers will make both of you wish you had just left your best friend at home.
Leaving your dog behind (even if only for a few days) is serious, and preparations must be made to ensure that your pet is well taken care of. Fortunately, there are a few options that will keep your pet happy and safe, and leave you feeling relaxed and able to enjoy your time away. Boarding has become an increasingly common option for dog owners, but before deciding to leave your pet with a kennel, you should seek out local alternatives, instead of leaving your best friend behind bars…
The first thing to consider is what impact leaving your pet behind will have on him/her. Just like their human counterparts, dogs can (and often do) suffer from separation anxiety and being locked up in a kennel is not going to ease that anxiety. Boarding options that include socialization, routine feeding, exercise areas and lots of human interaction will help alleviate some of the stress of your absence and give your pet the loving care it deserves.
The next thing to consider is safety and security. Your pet is going to wonder where you are and will want to look for you. Because of this tendency, pets can escape from boarders who are inexperienced, and this is the main reason why owners may opt for the kennel stay, rather than a more comfortable solution. Your dog’s safety is of utmost importance. Boarding facilities should have well-maintained fencing, lockable gates and be free and clear of harmful substances or sharp objects. Other important considerations involve the living quarters. The best boarders will have temperate bedding locations, good ventilation with easy access to a fenced outside area and proper lighting. Exercise areas should be large enough for running and playing but contained to a small enough area for proper security and supervision.
If your vacation is not going to last long and you will only be gone for a few days, a boarding facility may not be necessary. You could ask a trusted friend or neighbor (who your dog has met a few times) to come by to put out food and water, take your pet for a walk and play with them two to three times a day, or even consider an in-home dog sitter.
At Atlantic K9 Training, we offer a boarding service in which your dog receives individualized training, socialization with other dogs and one-on-one time with the trainer. Our team works with your dog to make sure he or she has an enjoyable stay and will pair your dog with dogs of a similar size and behavior to ensure they have happy playtime while outdoors. Dogs that board with us receive the same attention that we provide during our daycare program, but with extended stay care that allows for extra attention and cuddle time at night!
Check out our Services page for more information about our boarding program or any of our other of our In-Home Dog Training programs.
