Boarding a dog isn’t easy. Before you even get to the tearful farewell, you must check things like vaccinations, research the facility, and ensure your boarders will be happy and healthy. This process can be stressful and confusing, but we are here to help!
When you have to leave your pet behind for an extended period, we can help you get a handle on all of the information and aid that your boarding facility will need to provide deeper and more comfortable care for your beloved pet.
When to Start Preparing for Boarding Your Dog
You won’t have time to get through a full vetting process once you’re in the midst of your vacation plans, so it’s best to get started early. Around the Holiday season, when many families travel, even small delays can throw your plans into disarray. It is best to start researching boarding facilities as soon as you know your travel date.
It may take a few weeks to find the right dog boarding facility for your pet(s). We recommend personally visiting the facilities, meeting the staff, and determining if you are comfortable with the level of care provided. This doesn’t have to be a long visit, but it’s critical to get a feel for the people and facility that will care for your dog.
Double-Check Your Dog’s Vaccine Status
Find out the boarding facility’s vaccination requirements as early as you can. Some facilities have more strict requirements for pet vaccination than others. If your pet is required to have a Bordatella or Influenza vaccine, please call the front desk to schedule an appointment so we can ensure they are protected.
If your dog’s vaccination history has gaps when compared to the boarding requirements, you should schedule vaccination appointments as quickly as possible. Your pet(s) should be vaccinated at least 48 hours before boarding, as immunity can take several days or weeks to develop for some vaccines.
Other Non-Vaccination Preventatives
Not all healthcare preventatives for dogs are vaccinations. Some very common preventatives include heartworm, intestinal worming, and flea treatments. These kinds of treatments should be up to date before dropping your pet(s) off.
Fill Medications and Provide Your Boarding Facility with an Outline
Do you have a pet that requires regular or geriatric medical care? Knowing that your dog will have their medications and other care is not just important for their health, but it is important for your peace of mind. Provide the boarding facility with an outline of your pet’s medical history and current medication.
Check your stock of any medications to ensure that your boarding facility will have a complete regimen for your dog. You can also provide the boarding facility with our information to call if there are any questions or concerns.
Bring in Health Records and Medical History
Without knowing your pet’s health history, your boarding facility won’t be able to tailor their care to your dog as they care for them. Ensure the facility has all updated health records for your pet(s). The importance of well-maintained health records is something that we are careful to monitor. We have fully digitized records of all our patient’s records, allowing us to provide detailed information when necessary.
When Boarding Your Dog, Come to Catoctin Veterinary Clinic for Vaccinations and Health!
Dog boarding is an essential part of pet care, as we can’t always bring our furry friends wherever we go. Whether you’re flying abroad or staying with family or friends who have allergies, it’s often kinder to everyone involved to board your dog. However, knowing how to prepare a pet for boarding is vital to responsible and thoughtful pet ownership.
When you are boarding your dog or any other kind of pet, you should discuss the potential options and necessary information with your veterinarian. Call us today at (703) 777-8447, and we can recommend good boarding facilities, provide tips on what to look for, and help provide any information you need – come on in, and we’ll get started!