Seasonal Pet Boarding Tips

The holidays are coming up quick. Are you planning to travel this year? If so, you may need to bring your canine buddy to a doggy hotel while you are away. Fido would love to go everywhere with you, but that just isn’t feasible. Traveling—especially by air—can also be very stressful for Man’s Best Friend. Your pup will be both safe and comfortable in a pet resort. A Washington DC vet offers some seasonal boarding tips in this article.

Book Early

The holidays are a very busy time for kennels, and spaces often fill up fast. Don’t wait until the last minute to reserve Fido’s spot!

Be Prepared

Any decent kennel is going to request copies of your furry pal’s vaccination records and registration. (Note: if you board with your vet, they would already have that information.) Make sure Fido is current on his parasite control and vaccines, including the Bordetella vaccine.

Ask What To Pack

Kennels are all a little different on what they do and don’t want you to bring. Some want to use their own bedding and toys, while others prefer you bring Fido’s things. If you’re not sure, check with the staff. Pack a few days’ extra of things like food, treats, and medicine, in case there are delays.

Try A Trial Run

Before leaving Fido at his hotel for a week or more, bring him in for an overnight stay. This will make it easier on him when you do go for a longer trip, as he’ll already be familiar with his home away from home.

Choose A Great Kennel

We can’t overstate the importance of this one. There are many wonderful kennels out there, but there are also some that aren’t that great. Look up reviews, ask for referrals, and just pay attention to how the kennel looks and operates. You don’t want to trust just anyone with your furry best friend!

Consider Boarding With Your Vet

We may be tooting our own horn here, but there are definite advantages to boarding Fido at his doctor’s. The staff will already have his records, and will be familiar with him. You may also be able to bundle in services such as grooming or a checkup. You just can’t beat one-stop shopping when it comes to convenience! Do you need to schedule boarding? Contact us, your local Washington DC animal clinic, today!