Most pet owners feel some level or stress or anxiety when they need to booktheir beloved furkid into a boarding facility. Whilst it is necessary for manyreasons, there are a lot of considerations to make and it is easy to feeloverwhelmed.

Here are a few things that are important to consider when looking to book yourpet in for boarding, which will help you and your family feel more at easewith the decision-making process.

Does your dog suffer from allergies?

If your pet has been treated for allergies in the past, let the pet boardingfacility know, even if it was a long time ago! They might have had a reactionto certain grass seeds, or shampoos, or even food which can affect their skin,eyes, or respiration.

If you have medication or cream at home that you use as needed , be sure topack it and explain to the facility what signs to look for and when toadminister the medication, just incase they have a flare up whilst you areaway.

_Does your dog have any specific dietary Requirements? _

One of the obvious ones is food allergies or intolerances, which is relativelycommon in pets for a variety of reasons. Don’t feel nervous about leaving thisup to those caring for your pet, but instead just make sure that they have allof the instructions that they need. You can even package up your pets own foodinto individual meal portions and bring them along, for peace of mind.

You might also know that your dog has a sensitive tummy. It is important thatif you dog has a history of suffering from pancreatitis that you let the petboarding facility know, and also consider brining along their own food for thestay, as often a sensitive tummy is upset just simply from a change in dietfrom what they are used to.

Fussy eaters? That won’t be a problem, as all pet care professionals are usedto caring for pets who will sometimes need some extra encouragement to eat.Just let the pet care facility know that you dog can be fussy with food andtalk to them about what alterative foods can be used to help encourage them toeat while you are away.

Does you dog have any health concerns?

If you pet has any current health issues, or has had a recent health relatedconcern, let the staff know so that they are prepared and can be on thelookout for any relevant signs. In the case of anything recent, it is best totouch base with your pet care facility prior to boarding to ensure that theycan care for your pet under those conditions. There are some things such asopen wounds, stiches, or recent hospitalization which may make your petunsuitable to the pet boarding environment.

_Is your dog’s vaccination up to date? _

Be sure to check with your veterinarian to see if you dogs vaccination is upto date. They need a minimum of a C5 vaccination, which needs to be keptcurrent by receiving a booster every 12 months. It is also best to check whenyour pet is due to see if it falls around the time of their boarding, as yourpet boarding facility may have certain requirements for an isolation periodfollowing the vaccination.

Are there any behavioural traits about your dog that worry you?

How social is your dog? Are they used to strangers approaching them and caringfor them? Have they been to a dog park or had play dates with other dogs? Arethey afraid of water? Are they scared of thunderstorms? Do they react to thesound of a siren from the road? These things are all relevant! If you havefound them to be triggered or reactive to anything in the past, it is best tolet your pet care facility know so that they can assess the best environmentfor your dog during their stay. t

___Provided by Australian Pet Care Association (APCA)_ – Become a member withus at https://www.australianpetcareassociation.com.au/membership/application/or contact us anytime by emailing [email protected]

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