DOGGIE DAY CARE Pat Jauch Caledonia Animal Rescue, Inc.
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hen you must be away from home, finding appropriate care for your companion animal is essential. Ideally, having someone come to your home to care for your pet will create the least disruption in its daily existence. If this is not possible, other avenues must be explored. Alternatives may include having your pet stay with friends or relatives, stay at a kennel, or possibly being boarded by your veterinarian. Registering your dog for a boarding session at a kennel can be as complicated as enrolling your child in daycare. What may seem like a simple task can develop into a major event, both for you and your pet. However, the questions that you need to ask, as well as the requirements of the boarding facility, are important for the well being of your pet. First of all, you will be away from your pet. This will cause separation anxiety and, in an unfamiliar environment, your pet’s routines will change. Feeding times may vary. Elimination options will not necessarily be on your pet’s routine schedule. There will be unfamiliar people handling your pet and taking care of its needs. This can lead to a lot of stress for the animal. In order to make your pet’s stay as pleasant as possible, check out the facility in advance. Are there special requirements for feeding? Does the kennel require you to provide your own food or are all the guests fed one brand of food? Will this create any problems for your finicky eater or for the one with the delicate digestive system? What vaccinations are required? Has your pet had all of them? Diseases, such as kennel cough (parainfluenza), can be spread rapidly when multiple animals are in confined surroundings and may result in dire consequences, so be sure that your pet is immunized. What will your pet do while you are absent? Does the kennel have a program Winter 2022
for human interaction that will lessen your pet’s loneliness while you are away? Are there options for your pet to interact with other animals? If your pet becomes ill are arrangements in place for him or her to receive veterinary care? How about exercise? Are there adequate facilities for your pet to run and play? Thorough research can help you choose the best option for your companion animal. Know your pet’s limitations and make wise choices when confining him to the care of others.
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