Boarding Kennels or Pet Sitters – which to choose when you are going on holiday or travelling away from home?
Many boarding kennels are reputable and offer great services for looking after your beloved pet. We would never say that you shouldn’t use the services of a boarding kennel – but time should be taken to weigh up the pro’s and con’s.
There are so many questions when it comes to choosing the right boarding kennel –
- Does the facility look and smell clean?
- Is there sufficient ventilation and light?
- Is a comfortable temperature maintained?
- Do the staff seem knowledgeable and caring?
- Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations?
- Does each dog have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise?
- Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from bad weather?
- Are resting places and bedding provided?
- How often are pets fed?
- What veterinary services are available?
Once you have selected the boarding kennel you plan to use, that doesn’t mean that your dog will like it as much as you do – and cats can be just as stressed too!
- Dogs may become anxious and stressed when suddenly placed in an unfamiliar environment with strange sounds, scents, people and other animals. This can cause many behavioural changes including refusal of food and sometimes even aggression.
- A stressed dog will have a lower immune system, so even if they are up to date with vaccinations there is still a risk of them contracting a contagious illness such as kennel cough.
- Dogs can also carry disease bacteria in their own bodies which have no effect on them until they become stressed. This means that your dog could still get ill, not from exposure in the kennels but from their own immune system.
- There is also the inconvenience of travelling to and from the kennels as well as packing up your dog’s belongings – their food, toys, bedding and possibly medication. If you forget to pack something vital, you may not have time to go back home to get it.
- As there are many other dogs that staff take care of in kennels, you can’t be sure you’re your pet is getting the love and attention it needs. Sometimes you are charged extra if you want your dog to have more play time or exercise.
- They are fed and exercised on the kennels schedule, not the owners. If your dog is given food supplied by the kennels then it may cause diarrhea or vomiting.
- Dogs are also more likely to try and escape, especially if they are frightened by the new surrounding
So what happens with a Pet Sitter?
- Your pets stays in their own environment and keep their daily routine.
- They are fed their own food and get individual play and attention.
- In case of emergency, your pet is taken to their own veterinarian.
- You can meet the pet sitter beforehand to ensure that you are happy with who will be looking after your pets.
- If you choose a pet sitting company with many employees, you can be guaranteed that there will always be a second pet sitter available, if your primary pet sitter becomes ill or otherwise.
- Many pet sitting services also offer overnight stays and additional tasks such as watering plants and checking for post.
A Pet Sitter Sounds much better – doesn’t it??
Freephone 1800 30 30 10 or Contact Us to discuss your Pet Care Needs
Photo Credit: The examiner
