Planning a holiday should be an exciting time but pet parents often experience anxiety about leaving their dog while on vacation. In today's post, our Westfield vets share tips on what to do with your dog when you travel.
Leaving Your Dog While on Vacation
Our veterinarians understand how difficult it can be to decide where to leave your beloved pet while you are away from home. Whether you're going on vacation for a few weeks or on a business trip for a few days, you'll need to find appropriate care for your dog. Although finding the best kennel or boarding facility for your dog can be difficult, doing some research into the options available near you, as well as the features each service provides, can help to make your decision easier.
Dog Boarding For Vacation (Or Any Time Away From Home)
You can rest assured that today's dog boarding facilities aren't the depressing places they once were. While you're away, your dog can be pampered and have fun socializing and playing. Kennels are kept clean and odor-free, and dogs are lavished with love and attention.
A quick Google search can help you find animal boarding facilities in your area that range from pet spas and doggie summer camps to medical boarding for dogs who need extra love and attention, with prices ranging from extravagant to affordable.
If you're trying to decide which boarding facility to take your dog to, make sure to look into a few different options in your area to find one that meets both your pet's needs and your budget.
Dog Boarding Facility Features
The daily boarding fee is a good indicator of the level of service provided at a particular dog boarding facility. If your dog will be treated to luxurious hotel-like spaces with comfy sofas to lounge on and televisions to watch, you will pay more than if you board your pet at a standard facility with clean roomy crates and a fenced dog runs.
A fun camp experience may be ideal if you want your dog to enjoy an active outdoor adventure while you're traveling. Dog camps across the country provide plenty of time for your dog to explore the outdoors, as well as additional facilities for swimming and playing with other dogs in some cases.
As you narrow down your list of preferred kennels it's important to keep in mind that extravagant facility features don't necessarily add up to better care for your pet, and can get very pricey.
The Right Level of Service for Your Dog
Dog care while you're away is typically priced according to the level of service you select. Luxury kennels will be significantly more expensive per day than standard kennels.
Standard boarding care for dogs at most kennels and boarding facilities includes:
- A clean, roomy kennel for your dog to sleep and relax in
- Exercise time outdoors before breakfast so your dog can stretch their legs
- Breakfast served in the kennel
- Out of kennel playtime in the middle of the day to allow your pup to burn off energy
- Dinner served in the kennel
- Evening bathroom break
Added extras commonly available at standard kennels and pet boarding facilities:
If you are looking for something a bit more special than a standard boarding facility, many facilities also offer the following services:- Specialized veterinary care
- Training
- Grooming
- Shuttle services to and from the facility
Choosing The Best Kennel for Your Dog While You Are on Vacation
Pet parents often experience anxiety about leaving their dog while on vacation. Finding the right dog care for your vacation will ultimately come down to personal preference, price, and availability in your neighborhood. With a little research into the services available in your area, you will be able to find just the right level of care for your fur baby, at a price you can afford.
Medical & Standard Dog Boarding at Westfield Animal Hospital
At Westfield Animal Hospital we understand that it can be stressful to leave your pet - especially if they are ill, or when they are recovering from a procedure or surgery. Our goal is to put help put your mind at ease by providing your dog with the care they need while you're away. We provide complete boarding services for pets with a disease or medical condition that requires medication and/or monitoring that some standard boarding facilities may not be equipped to accommodate.
Our friendly and experienced staff at our dog boarding facility are here to provide the care your dog requires while you are away on vacation or away from home. We provide standard boarding for healthy dogs who require a safe and friendly environment while you are away. Consider your dog's stay at a kennel to be a vacation for them as well. We will make certain that your dog receives plenty of love and attention to keep them happy and content.
