Here, our veterinarians offer some tips on how to prepare your pet for boarding with us at Marcello Veterinary Hospital. This includes how to help your dog or cat adjust to pet boarding in Houma and Raceland with the help of routines and some of their favorite things.
Pet Boarding in Houma and Raceland.
When you are planning to be away from home it is essential to find a clean, reliable, and welcoming place for your dog or cat to stay. Once you have chosen the boarding facility that meets your pet's needs it's time to start preparing for their stay. Below are some tips to help make your dog or cat's first boarding experience a positive one.
Check out the facility well ahead of time.
Go visit the cat or dog boarding facility where you would like your pooch to stay. Kennels that house a lot of pets can get messy quickly. While a boarding facility can't be kept fully sterile, a high-quality boarding facility will still look and smell clean. So, before booking your pet's stay visit the kennel and make sure it's kept organized and clean.
Understand the rules and policies of the boarding facility.
Before boarding your dog or cat at a new facility be sure to speak to staff about their rules, regulations, and what they offer. For example, what type of food do they feed the pets, what items can you bring from home (toys, blankets, etc.), what are their emergency procedures, or they can administer your cat or dog's medicine?
Asking about the policies, procedures, and services the facilities offer can help you determine the best home away from home for your dog or cat.
Be sure that your dog or cat's vaccinations are current.
Although each pet boarding kennel has its own criteria for maintenance, all reputable boarding facilities have one thing in common, your cat or dog's vaccinations must be up to date. They will require proof that your pet has received all of the required immunizations because many common dog or cat illnesses and diseases can spread quickly in kennel settings. This helps keep your pooch and the other pets at the facility safe. Ask the kennel in advance which immunizations they require your pup to have.
Keep your own emotions in check when you drop off your dog or cat.
cats and dogs are experts at reading the emotions of their pet parents. Your pooch will be able to tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. Your pet's mood and behavior will reflect this, making it harder for them to relax once you leave. To make the separation easier keep things simple, short, and positive.
Your dog or cat may act a little differently when they first come home.
It's important to understand that during the first few days after your pet comes home from the kennel, they may behave a little differently. Your pup might be clingy, lethargic, or have diarrhea. They may even eat or drink more than usual. However, this is a normal response to your cat or dog's excitement for coming home. But, if things don't settle down after a few days, contact your vet.
Make a plan to keep your dog or cat on track.
You can help keep your dog or cat's life on track even while you are away by working with the boarding staff to keep feeding, playtime, and bedtime all on their routine schedule (when possible). This will make your time away from home even more successful.
Create a familiar environment for your pet.
You can help make the transition to boarding smooth by allowing your pet the opportunity to meet the staff and experience the location in advance of any scheduled stay. Feel free to speak with our team about an introductory visit.
Allow your companion to bring their favorite things.
To help your dog or cat feel more relaxed during their stay at our boarding kennels in Houma and Raceland, you can bring your dog or cat's favorite toys, bowl, or blanket with them. This will help our facility to seem more like a home away from home.
Boarding Your Dog at Marcello Veterinary Hospital
We offer high-quality overnight boarding services for dogs and cats in Houma and Raceland, Louisiana.
Our team can provide your pooch with a welcoming and comfortable home away from home while you are away. We would love to get to know you and your pet.
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.