Even though you love your pet, there are times you won't be able to bring them with you on your travels, and it can be hard to find a good place to leave your cat or dog. Today, our Kinston vets share some pet care options to help you find somewhere you can leave your cat or dog while you are away.
Being Away From Home for Multiple Days
It can be difficult to find somewhere to leave your cat or dog while you are on vacation or away from home.
Whether you are going on vacation for a couple of weeks or departing on a business trip for a couple of days, you will need to find appropriate care for your pet. At Five Oaks Animal Hospital, our vets understand that choosing the right kind of care for your animal companion can be challenging, but researching the options available in your area, and knowing which features each service offers, can help make your decision easier.
Boarding Your Dog or Cat Boarding While Your Are Away
While it's true that pet boarding facilities were once grim, dingy places where animals stayed locked in their cages for long periods of time, times have changed!
Today, your kitty or pup can be pampered and loved while you are gone. Dogs can have fun socializing and playing with other pups and their caregivers while you're away. And cats can enjoy plenty of pats and cuddles (if they like interaction with people). Kennels for both dogs and cats are kept clean and fresh-smelling, and cat litter is changed regularly.
Nowadays, animal boarding facilities range from pet spas and doggie summer camps to medical boarding for dogs and cats who need a little extra attention and care. As with the various levels of service, the price points for pet boarding services can also range from affordable to extravagant.
If you are in the process of choosing a boarding facility for your pet, you should look into several different places in your area to find a facility that best suits the needs of your pet and your wallet.
Features at Boarding Facilities
Price is generally a good indicator of the level of service a pet boarding facility offers. If your furry friend will be treated to luxurious hotel-like spaces with comfy sofas to lounge on and a tv to watch, you're going to pay more than you would to board your pet at a standard facility that has roomy crates, fenced runs for dogs, and comfy viewing areas for cats.
If you want your dog to enjoy an active adventure while you are away, a fun camp experience could be best. Dog camps across the country offer loads of time for your dog to explore the outdoors, as well as added facilities such as swimming and playing with other dogs.
Some of the fancier cat boarding facilities have luxury cat condos that consist of cat-specific furniture to lounge on and 'cat gyms' for climbing.
While you are narrowing down your list of top kennel choices, it's important to remember that extravagant facility features don't necessarily add up to better care for your pet.
How To Choose The Best Level of Service For Your Pet
Pet care for when you are on vacation will typically be priced based on the level of service you opt for. Luxury accommodations will be far more expensive per day than a standard kennel.
Standard care boarding facilities offer for dogs:
- Breakfast served in the kennel
- Exercise time outdoors before breakfast so your dog can stretch their legs
- Out of kennel playtime in the middle of the day to allow your pooch to burn some energy
- Evening bathroom break
- Dinner served in the kennel
- A clean, roomy kennel for your pup to sleep in
Standard care boarding facilities offer for cats:
- Meals served based on your instructions
- Playtime with staff for cats who enjoy human interaction
- Frequent litter changes and bedding changes
- A clean roomy kennel for your cat to sleep in
Other services pet boarding facilities may offer:
If you are looking for something a bit more special than a standard boarding facility, many facilities also offer the following services:- Grooming services
- Specialized veterinary care
- Shuttle services to and from the facility
- Training
The Pros & Cons of Pet Boarding
- Pros: Pet boarding provides your pet with a standardized daily routine that many dogs and cats crave including meal times, walks for dogs, and social times on a regular schedule. Boarding also gives your dog an opportunity to socialize with other animals. If your pet has a medical issue that requires medications or treatments, facilities with onsite vets and a team of veterinary professionals may be preferable for your furry friend while you're away.
- Cons: Being away from home can be hard for some animals. Pets can get nervous or anxious in unfamiliar environments which could result in altercations with other animals at playtime. Pets in boarding facilities also face an increased risk of contracting contagious illnesses such as kennel cough in dogs or Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (colds) in cats.
Getting a Pet Sitter
When interviewing pet sitters don't forget to request references and a list of qualifications. How much you will pay for a pet sitter will depend upon the level of service you choose for your animal companion.
Pet sitters can help to protect your home by keeping your place looking lived-in to any passers-by. Hiring a live-in pet sitter will allow you to rest assured that someone is caring for your home at night.
Extra Pet Sitter Services
If your dog or cat requires more care than just feeding and being let out a few times a day, some pet sitters offer additional services such as:- Pet bathing and grooming
- Dog training
- Housekeeping
- Frequent dog walks
The Pros & Cons of Pet Sitters
- Pros: The main benefit of hiring a pet sitter is that your pet might find it less stressful staying at home. Additional benefits of getting a pet sitter include increased security of having someone in your home, and it can be less expensive than some boarding facilities.
- Cons: Bringing a stranger into your home to care for your animal can be uncomfortable, and certainly isn't for everyone. You may also find that the popular pet sitters in your area book up very quickly and may not be available when you need them, particularly at peak holiday times such as spring break.
Choosing The Right Kennel For Your Pet
Pet owners often experience anxiety when they leave their animals while on vacation. Finding the right level of care for your cat or dog pretty much comes down to personal preference, price, and availability in your neighborhood. By researching the services available in your area, you can find the right solution for your furry companion, at a price you can afford.
Boarding For Cats & Dogs In Kinston
At Five Oaks Animal Hospital we realize how stressful it can be to leave your pet - especially if they are ill or recovering from a procedure or surgery. Our goal is to help put your mind at ease, by providing your dog or cat with the care they need while you are gone. We offer pet boarding services for cats and dogs, including healthy animals and those with medical conditions that require treatments, medications, and/or monitoring.
At our pet boarding facility, our friendly and experienced team are here to provide your dog or cat with everything they need while you are traveling. We offer standard boarding for healthy pets who need a safe and friendly place to stay while you're away. Try to think of your pet's stay at a kennel as a vacation for them too. We will be sure to give your animal companion lots of love and attention to keep them feeling happy and contented.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.