Cuddly Critters
Pet Pros to the Rescue Advantages of Boarding, Daycare, and Sitters
By Brie Hellbusch
If there’s one thing that all pet parents know, it’s that leaving a furry friend at home never gets easier. Whether it’s for just a few hours or for an extended vacation, pets can feel anxious about being left alone, and they’re not the only ones! Leaving your pet behind can bring a sense of nerves to owners, too. Fortunately, pet care professionals can help alleviate this stress for pets and owners alike. For owners who would prefer not to leave their pets for emergencies (medical or otherwise). Some boarding facilunsupervised during the workday, pet daycare is an excelities employ staff who have specific training or certifications, lent alternative. Just like daycares for young children, pet and they may even have a vet on call. They should also have daycares usually have flexible schedules, offer entertainment an evacuation plan in case of fire. For the safety of all the and enrichment opportunities, and provide engagement and animals, it’s important to make sure the facility adheres socialization. Some facilities even offer live cameras or proto a strict policy that requires all animals to be current vide photo updates throughout the day, which can be a very on vaccinations. reassuring perk for owners. Short-term care is likely available Animals have different temperaments, just like people. for one-off situations when For a highly social, energetic pet, boarding it might be best for pets to can be like a dream come true—so many be away from home for a few friends, so little time! For other animals, leavhours—moving day or renovaing their environment can be traumatic. Pet tion day, for example. Even the most dedicated pet sitting or dog walking can be a great option If traveling for longer for these families. Pets will feel secure in their than a day trip, it may be owner can’t care for pets own home, surrounded by familiarities, and best to board your animals they’ll also be able to follow their regular diet every minute of every day. while you’re away. Short-term and exercise routine when the pet sitter is boarding, for brief vacations, around. They will receive personal attention is readily available. Some and affection and won’t be exposed to any facilities also offer long-term potential illnesses from other animals. boarding for owners who need Not all pet sitters are equal, which is why it’s extremely to be away for weeks. Cat and dog boarding facilities are simimportant to conduct research and look for a pet sitter who ilar in nature, as they both offer private areas for relaxation is credentialed or trained in pet care. For liability purposes, and optional group exercise for animals, both indoors and an owner may want to request a background check, as well out, as appropriate. Dogs are also typically walked several as proof of insurance and bonding, during the interview times a day. process. Some small businesses corral a team of sitters and Though pet boarding facilities have many things in comwalkers who are assigned to different clients. Hiring through mon, they are not all the same. Some places might only offer an agency saves you the work of background screening and the basics to keep your pets safe while you’re away, while insurance, as these aspects are handled by the business. If other facilities are more like a pet spa. Prior to making a you need a recommendation for a pet sitter or dog walker, selection, it’s important to visit the facility and ask questions. talk to your veterinarian or local friends who use this type of Make sure the boarding environment is clean and the staff pet service. are friendly. It’s important to know how often your pet will Even the most dedicated pet owner can’t care for pets be exercised and fed and how much time your pet will spend every minute of every day. A time will inevitably come when with the other animals boarding at the facility. If your pet finding proper pet care is the clear way forward. This is a rerequires special dietary or medicinal arrangements, make sure sponsible choice on the pet owner’s part and ensures that the those are squared away in advance. It’s wise to consult your pet remains in good hands. It’s well worth the time and effort veterinarian for recommendations. for the peace of mind you get when you know your beloved Many locations will allow for an initial assessment, meanpet is being well tended while you’re away. ing an owner and pet can visit the facility and interact with Sources for this article included: 123petsoftware.com, merckstaff and other animals before booking a stay. Owners should also check that boarding and daycare facilities are prepared vetmanual.com, and petsitters.org. May 2021
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