Your Frequently Asked Pet Boarding Questions Answered

Whether you are boarding your dog or cat for the first time or simply new to pet boarding at our animal hospital, it is natural to have questions about how pet boarding works and what to expect. Below, our veterinarian has answered five of the most frequently asked pet boarding questions.

#1: I’m boarding my pet for the first time; what should I expect?

If you are boarding your pet for the first time, there’s a good chance that you are more nervous about the boarding experience than your pet will be. While even well-adjusted pets may initially experience separation anxiety, our kennel staff’s compassionate, loving personalities will help your pet feel right at home. We follow a regular schedule to give your pet’s day structure. This includes periods of supervised playtime, off-leash activity and outdoor play. After a few days at our kennel, your pet will go home tired and happy.

#2: My pet had a negative boarding experience in the past; how can I help him adjust to boarding at your animal hospital?

If your pet has separation anxiety or is simply brand new to our animal hospital, our vet suggests scheduling an overnight “trial” prior to a longer trip. This is an opportunity for your pet to acclimate to our kennel and become familiar with our routine. Most importantly, your return the next morning reassures your pet that his is not being abandoned and that you will be back to get him!

#3: What if my pet gets sick during boarding?

Our kennel staff follows strict sanitation guidelines to reduce the risk for possible illness during pet boarding. The chances that your pet will catch a disease during boarding are extremely low. All pets must be up-to-date on core vaccinations prior to acceptance for animal boarding. Additionally, pets must also have a recent negative fecal sample and be on flea/tick/heartworm medication. However, even with these precautions, it is possible for pets to become ill. Should your pet require medical care, our veterinarian is just steps away to assist. Even better, if your pet is a patient at our animal hospital, our vet will already be familiar with your pet and have his medical records on file. This makes treating your pet as easy as possible.

#4: My pet is on a special diet; can I bring his or her own food?

We feed all of our pets a high-quality science-based diet, which is included at no additional charge. However, if your pet is on a special diet, our kennel staff is happy to accommodate your pet’s dietary needs. Please label your pet’s food and divide it into single-sized servings so we can be sure to feed your pet the exact amount that he or she needs each day.

#5: What is the minimum age for pet boarding?

Our primary concern is your pet’s well-being. Consequently, we only board pets that have been spayed or neutered, which can typically be performed starting at four to five months of age. Also, we do accept pet's that are not fixed.Talk to our veterinarian about what is best for your pet.