The holidays often require families to travel out of town. Flying or driving with your pet often doesn�t make sense. Flying is expensive and dangerous for many animals. And driving with a pet is stressful for them and you. Additionally, it can be challenging to find a place to stay where your pet is welcomed.
The solution for many
families is to board their pets during the holidays. Yet boarding your pet is
akin to finding a nanny for your children. It�s important to find someone who
will care for your pet and love them almost as much as you do. Let�s take a look
at some tips to help you find the best situation for your beloved pet.
#1 Visit Any Kennel by
Yourself First
Finding the right
boarding situation requires ample planning time. Ideally, you�ll be able to
visit a few in your area and talk with the owners. Ask to see where the pets
play and where they sleep. Don�t schedule an appointment, but rather stop in.
This way you�ll be able to see the reality of the kennel. Are the animals in
the kennel happy? Are they playing? Does the space look clean and well maintained?
Are the employees happy and alert?
#2 Ask Questions
During your visit it�s
important to ask a lot of questions. Ask about playtime and feeding time.
What�s their schedule? What do they do when there�s an altercation between
animals? If you have a small breed, do they have a separate area to play? What
if an animal needs some quiet time - is there a place where they can rest? Do
they have a veterinarian on call? How many people are on staff over the
holidays and weekends?
#3 Trust Your Instincts
If a place doesn�t feel
right, trust your gut. If you don�t feel comfortable leaving your pet at a
kennel, it�s going to affect your entire trip away. There are wonderful
boarders and kennels in your area. Wouldn�t you rather leave your pet with
someone you trust so you can relax and enjoy your holiday?
#4 Read Reviews and Ask
for Recommendations
One of the best ways to
find a great boarding situation is to ask friends and associates who have pets.
They may be able to refer you to a great place. And it�s a lot easier to leave
your pet with a new person if they�ve been recommended by someone you know and
trust.
#5 Consider a Pet Sitter
Many people want to make
a little extra money during the holidays. If you know of a college student or
responsible teenager who you trust, consider asking them to pet sit for you.
This way your pet doesn�t have to deal with a new environment. They can stay in
their home where they�re comfortable. And you can trust that your pet sitter is
exercising and feeding your pet. You may even ask for regular updates via text
message or Facebook to make you feel a bit more comfortable with the situation.
Boarding your pet during
the holidays can be stressful for both you and your pet. Take the time to find
the right situation. Trust the person you�re leaving your pet with and you�ll
have a more enjoyable time away.
Article by: Clem c. Benton, Jr.
http://www.12path.com/529680767744/