Can’t take your pets on holiday with you? If you haven’t been able to book a house-sitter to look after your furbaby, then opting for a boarding kennel or cattery is your next best move – but how do you choose the right one?
We’ve got a checklist from Pet Heaven to help you ask all the right questions in order to rest assured that your pet will be well looked after while you are away. Before we get started, make sure you view the boarding kennels or cattery yourself so that you know all your pet’s needs are met.
- Did they ask to see your pet’s vaccine book?
Reputable boarding kennels require proof of your pet’s inoculations, and vaccinations should be dated at least 2 weeks before your pets are admitted to boarding facilities.
- Are the dogs exercised?
Find out how often the dogs are taken for a walk or how much time they spend outside their kennel every day.
- Does the kennel/cattery appear to be well maintained?
Check that the kennels are clean, safely enclosed and have a covered section where your pet can stay dry if it’s raining. Also ask if you can bring your pet’s bed and their food so that they feel a little more at home.
- How many animals are housed in each kennel/cat pen?
If you have more than one pet, ask if they can stay in the same kennel and find out if the pets share with others or have their own enclosure.
- Does the kennel/cattery have a person responsible to make sure their health is in good order?
Ask how many staff members are on site and if they are trained to look out for basic signs of your pet potentially not being well, such as identifying unhealthy stools.
