Suppose you’re planning a vacation or business trip, and you’re worried about where your dog would stay while you’re away; dog boarding facilities could be a suitable option for you and your dog. In most cases, lodging your dog in a dog boarding in Phoenix is like giving your dog a perfect fun vacation too. So it is a win-win for everyone.
However, selecting a suitable dog boarding facility could be challenging for many people, especially first-timers. To make it easy, we have compiled a list of tips to follow to make the process easy and smooth. These tips should help you make better decisions.
Do a Comprehensive research
The first step towards choosing the best dog boarding facility is to search for the top facilities around you. You can use top search engines like Google to find dog boarding centers around you. Once you find the ones you like, check through their websites and reviews. Read through their dos and don’ts, check their gallery for pictures of their amenities.
Endeavor to only consider facilities with amenities such as a playground, swimming pool, and other things that’ll meet the needs of your dog; a well-equipped facility will make your dog active.
In addition, you can ask around from friends, family, and neighbors about highly recommended dog boarding facilities. If a dog boarding facility comes well-rated, you can be assured that the center has offered quality service to other people’s dogs.
Book a Facility Tour
When searching for a dog boarding facility, you shouldn’t rely solely on the online search engine’s results. You and your Dog must visit the facility before deciding whether to lodge your dog or not. Most dog boarding facilities allow potential clients to walk through their facilities, check the amenities, and engage the staff.
The tour aims to check and analyze your dog’s reaction and body language in the new environment. The facility tour also allows you to see how other dogs are treated. Make sure you ask as many questions as you have on your mind. In some dog boarding facilities, your dog will be allowed to meet other dogs and spend a little time with them. During this period, pay attention to how your dog acts with the other dogs.
Take Your Dog to the Veterinarian
Vaccination is crucial for your dog and the other dogs’ safety. Most standard dog boarding facilities require that your dog’s vaccination be updated, e.g.parvo, rabies, bordetella, and distemper. Endeavor to call your veterinarian weeks before lodging your dog to ensure the dog is updated with all the vaccinations. You can also ask for a copy of the vaccination certificates as evidence.
Pack your Dog’s Favorite Bedding and toys
Staying in a new environment with completely new people can get your dog a little nervous and uncomfortable. It’s therefore essential that you pack things that can ease the tension and make your dog feel relaxed and at home. Your dog’s favorite bedding and toy will help your dog feel better and get acclimatized with the new environment.
If your dog has a favorite eating bowl, you can take them along. Also, if your dog has a favorite dog treat, endeavor to pack the treats too. If you have a dog sensitive to a new food, you can also take some food along. However, it’s essential to double-check with the dog boarding center to see if any of what you pack is prohibited.
Bid your dog a brief Goodbye
Dramatic and long farewell when dropping your pet in a boarding center will alert your dog that something unusual is about to begin. When you say a quick bye and act normal, it’ll be a great help to your dog. Regular goodbye will reduce the anxiety and hyper consciousness of your dog. Behave as if you’re coming back soon like you always do whenever you go to work or hang out with friends. You can drop off your pet quickly through the curbside dropoff offered by the facility or quickly at the reception.
In conclusion, your dog’s stay in the boarding facility will be less strenuous if you’ve prepared your dog a few weeks before lodging. Consider practicing crate training at home, as most facilities use dog crates. Also, helps your dog increase their socialization skills by regularly walking and playing at the dog park with other dogs before lodging. These will help your dog enjoy the stay at the dog boarding facility.