BY TOM MURRAY
Every year, without fail, there are numerous articles about how to keep pets safe during the holiday season. Poisonous holiday plants, turkey bones, tinsel and “chewable” ornaments are just a few the dangers lurking at home. But what about those of us who travel, or host a houseful of guests during the holidays? What do we do with Fido and Whiskers?
Those not lucky enough to have a pet-loving, responsible family member to serve as a pet sitter typically turn to boarding facilities. When it comes to boarding facilities, however, not all are created equal.
How can you sniff out the good from the bad? What questions should you ask? How do you know your dog or cat will be safe and happy there? There are a few tricks to determining if the facility is the right fit for your pet, based on environment, stimulation opportunities and special care.
Comfort and Environment
First and foremost, someone should be there 24/7 to monitor pets, and maintain a safe environment. Today you have two boarding options, kennels or cage-free. Kennels are a catch-all and can be used by anyone because they keep the animals separated at all times.
Cage-free boarding is for animals that have been spayed or neutered and are sociable. This is a great option for dogs, as most get separation anxiety. Keep in mind, these are pack animals, and they feel safer and more at ease when they are among their cohorts. If you go this route, how do you know it is truly a cage-free environment and that someone is actually there all night?
One of the best ways is to visit the facility at night. Park in the parking lot and listen. Do you hear dogs howling? If so, it is a sign of separation anxiety and could mean they’ve been placed in individual rooms or cages. It might also mean the staff has gone home for the evening.
Some questions you can ask regarding comfort and environment include:
- How do you handle separation anxiety?
- Do you have someone at the facility 24/7?
- What is the employee to dog/cat ratio?
- Do you have webcams so I can watch my pet?
- What are your vaccination requirements?
- What qualifications do you require of your staff?
- What is your cleaning regimen?
- Can I have a tour of the facility?
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Routine engagement throughout the day is also key to ensuring your four-legged family member has a good experience. Find out what games they play and for how long, if they are in a group or individual setting, and if exercise is offered.
Weather permitting, it’s also important that dogs get time outside to run, play fetch and have bathroom breaks. Dogs should be allowed to interact with other dogs during this time, but they should always be kept with others of the same energy level and those similar in weight and size. Ask if there is a staff member present during activities and if there is an additional charge.
Safety and Care
Every boarding facility should also be equipped to care for pets with a variety of needs—old and young, those with special diets or specific feeding instructions, or animals requiring medication. To be sure your pet’s needs will be accommodated, you might ask:
- Do you administer medications? If so, what are the qualifications of the person administering the medications?
- What mental stimulation and exercise activities do you provide for mature pets?
- How and when are the pets fed? Do you monitor how much food they are given?
- Can you accommodate my pet’s special dietary needs? How will I know?
Leaving pets at a boarding facility for the first time can feel almost as nerve-wracking as the first day you dropped your child off at preschool. But as long as you ask the right questions, and take the time to explore and feel comfortable with the facility and staff, your furry family member should enjoy the experience. They might even make some friends.
Top 5 Questions to Ask:
- Is there someone on staff 24/7?
- How are the animals exercised or stimulated?
- How do you handle separation anxiety?
- Can I tour your facility?
- What qualifications do you require of your staff?
Tom Murray is the CEO and president of Villa La PAWS, the Valley’s premier cage-free indoor/outdoor dog daycare, boarding and grooming facility with two locations in the greater Phoenix area. For more information, visit VillaLaPaws.com.
