Pet Boarding

Have you ever wondered what to do with your pet when you are gone for an extended vacation or only a few days? There are many options to consider when searching for boarding for your pet while you are away. From a boarding kennel to an in home pet sitter you have a wide range of options of pet care. All the different pet boarding types will be discussed in detail here so you can decide on the best situation for your pet.

Leave pet with a friend or family member

If you are fortunate enough to have a friend or member of your family willing to take care of your pet while you are gone consider yourself lucky. This option of pet boarding is definitely the cheapest path to take. A friend can help you out immensely when trying to find a place for your pet while you are away from home. You can have them take your pet to their house or you can have them come visit and care for your pet in your home. Either way you can choose what works best for you and the person helping you. This option allows your pet to spend time with someone they already know and will ease the stress that you are gone.

And while leaving your pet in the care of a friend, remember that the cost may be free, but it is always a good idea to offer the caretaker some type of small compensation for watching your pet for you. They are doing a favor for you and it is nice to recognize them in some way for doing so.

Pet Boarding Kennel

Another option for boarding your pet is to take him or her to a local boarding kennel. Your best bet with searching for a boarding kennel is to first ask friends for their recommendations or referrals. If that is not possible then you can do a search online for boarding kennels or pet boarding near your home. Big cities are more likely to have larger chain kennels that have locations throughout the country or are associated with a pet store. In addition to the big name boarding kennels there are also small local kennels which may suit your pet better. The smaller kennels probably board fewer pets at one time than the large kennels if that is a concern for your pet. Ultimately you have to choose where to take your pet to be boarded while you are away.

If you are unsure about taking your pet to a kennel, all it takes is a phone call and most will be happy to have you come in for a tour of their facilities. That way you can see where your pet will be spending their time. One tip to keep in mind when choosing a kennel for your pet is to make sure that they require your dog have received the Bordatella shot which prevents "kennel cough." Also, all of your pet's vaccinations should be up to date before bringing your pet in to be boarded.

The average daily rate for boarding a pet at a kennel varies greatly due to location and type of facility. Ask your local kennels for a price list before boarding. And remember, if you think taking your dog to a kennel means they will be cooped up in a cage most of the day; ask the kennel if they can provide personal time with your dog so they can get out of the cage and play with a person or other dogs. It never hurts to ask.

Boarding with Veterinarian

A pet boarding option similar to taking your pet to a kennel is boarding with your veterinarian. Some veterinary offices are equipped to also take in pets for boarding for several days. Boarding at your veterinarian's office is probably at a much smaller scale than most kennels. Your veterinarian is familiar with your pet's health issues and is able to care for your pet at a moment's notice if something were to happen while your pet is in his or her care.

While it is not very common for your veterinarian to have a boarding facility in their office it's always a possibility. And it is another option to include on your list of boarding choices for your pet.

Pet Sitter

For those who do not want to drop their pet off at a boarding kennel and leave them surrounded by other dogs and cats another option is to hire a pet sitter. Pet sitting has grown in popularity in recent years due to the number of people wanting to pamper their pets. A professional pet sitter will do just that.

When hiring a pet sitter, he or she will come to your home for an initial interview. You will be told how their business operates and you are able to discuss your pet's routine. Once the interview process is complete you can decide if you feel the pet sitter is a match for your pet and your household.

If you decide to hire a pet sitter he or she will need a copy of your house key to keep on file. That way whenever you plan a vacation or a few days away from home your pet sitter is only a phone call away. You will be able to call and set up how many visits you'll need them to make at your house while you are gone. It's as simple as that. And when you return from your trip, your pet will be happily waiting for you in your home.

No matter which pet boarding option you choose when finding a place for your pet while you are away, be sure to find the best fit for your pet. You know your pet's habits and activity levels the best and since your pet cannot speak to you, you need to make that decision. Hopefully one of the options discussed here will work for you and your pet. Enjoy your time away from your pet and don't worry because they are receiving the best pet care possible.