Holiday pet boarding can be daunting for pet owners and their furry friends. Going on holiday for several days or weeks may result in separation anxiety for both parties. Although being away from your dog or cat is challenging, you can prepare for this eventuality with our reliable holiday pet boarding tips, ensuring valuable peace of mind and well-being.
Dog Boarding For The Holidays
Here are several tips for preparing your dog for boarding over the holidays:
Tour the facilities: We strongly recommend visiting your local dog boarding kennel before checking in your dog as familiarity with the venue can lower your dog’s anxiety levels. If you can, booking an overnight stay prior to your trip will help your dog get used to the new surroundings. A tour will also give you the opportunity to assess the facilities and ensure that it meets your standards and requirements.
Manage your emotions: Dropping off your dog at your local boarding facility before a long holiday is similar to saying goodbye to your loved ones at the airport—it’s an emotional affair.
Pet experts recommend that owners remain calm and attempt to manage their emotions several days before the dropoff. When it’s time to go, say a quick goodbye. Drawing out farefells or allowing your emotions to overwhelm you might upset your dog.
Update your dog’s vaccinations and ID tags: Dog boarding facilities require you to show proof of your dog’s vaccination records.This helps to guarantee the health and safety of your dog and the other pets at the facility.
Schedule your dog’s vaccination with a veterinarian at least two weeks before the boarding date to allow your dog to achieve maximum protection prior to its stay. It is safest to refrain from contact with other dogs during that period to avoid illness. Your vet will update your dog’s vaccination record, ready for you to present at the kennel.
For your own peace of mind, make sure that your dog’s ID tag, registration details and microchip all contain your current contact information. This allows others to contact you if the need arises. Depending on where you are located, your dog wearing their tags may be a legal requirement. For example, here on the Gold Coast it is a local council law that all dogs must be wearing their registration tags when they are not in their place of residence.
Socialisation training: If your dog is reactive or anxious, or untested with other pets, consider socialisation training before checking them into the boarding facility. This may lower your dog’s anxiety levels and allow them to mingle with other dogs while you’re away. Socialising at the dog boarding facility can help keep your pet busy and put you at ease.
Consider your dog’s nutrition, exercise, and sleep habits: Holiday pet boarding will most likely require your dog to adjust their regular habits, including food, exercise, and sleep.
Enquire about the pet boarding facility’s meals during your tour. Most kennels will provide food during your pet’s stay, usually homemade or from a preferred brand. If your dog has an easily upset stomach, is fussy, or has medical requirements, you can request that your dog be given their usual diet. Check in with the facility for the specifics on packaging and portioning if you are supplying your own food. If possible, it is best to avoid drastically changing your dog’s diet before boarding, as sudden changes may lead to digestive upset or higher stress levels.
If your dog requires prescribed medications, make sure that you have enough of the medication for the entirety of your trip. Leave the medication with the attendants, along with the prescription details and dosage information. Some facilities may charge a fee for medication administration, so make sure you enquire about this when you book.
You should also consider your dog’s usual exercise routine and requirements when boarding. Better facilities will have daily walks at a minimum, with additional walks or play time available (sometimes at an additional cost). If you have a high-energy dog, make sure to discuss this with the facility.
Finally, many dog owners sleep next to their pets at night. When in the boarding facility for the holidays, your dog will be sleeping either alone or with another dog, if suitable. If your dog has separation anxiety, it is recommended you try having the dog sleep away from you for a few nights leading up to your holiday. This may help your dog get used to sleeping alone while you are away.
Cat Boarding For The Holidays
Similar to dog boarding, there are some steps you can take to prepare to board your cat for the holidays. These include:
Try a test run: It can be daunting if it is the first time you are leaving your cat at a cattery. You might deal with separation anxiety as you prepare for your holiday. To help both you and your cat get used to the facility, you can book an overnight stay prior to your trip.
If you like the facility, discuss your cat’s temperament, preferences, and health requirements with the attendants. Many catteries gladly accommodate owner requests, including meal prep, human interaction, and more playtime.
Update your cat’s vaccinations and microchip information: Similar to dogs, cats must also be up to date with their vaccinations to stay in a pet boarding facility in order to help protect them and the other guests. There is a two week incubation period after the vaccine is administered, so please make sure you book any necessary vet appointments with this time frame in mind.
In the majority of Australian states and territories, it is mandatory to microchip your cat. Please ensure your cat’s microchip has your current contact information so that you can be contacted in the unlikely event that something happens.
Consider your cat’s nutrition and well-being: To maintain your cat’s well-being, we recommend maintaining their nutrition routine during their stay at the cattery. Enquire if your local cat boarding facility provides the same brand you feed your pet. If they don’t and your cat is fussy, has special dietary needs, or you would prefer not to change their diet, you can provide your own food for the duration of the stay. Check with the staff about portioning and packaging directions ahead of time to make this easier.
Leave several items, including cat toys, clothes with your scent, and pet bedding to help your cat feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.
Conclusion
It’s never easy to stay away from your dog or cat while you’re on holiday. Although you want to recharge your batteries and recalibrate, ensuring your pet has everything it needs will allow you to focus on your holiday itinerary and other obligations.
Preparing for your dog or cat’s holiday pet boarding will give you valuable peace of mind, knowing that your furry friend is in capable hands. The above tips will ensure your pet’s well-being while you’re frolicking at the beach or spending time with your loved ones.
We’re Queensland’s Leading Holiday Pet Boarding Centre
Midtown Pet Centre is Southeast Queensland’s premier holiday pet boarding facility. Nestled within the lush surroundings of the Tallebudgera Valley, our facility has provided exceptional dog boarding and cattery services on the Gold Coast for more than four decades. Please contact us to discuss your holiday pet boarding needs. One of our friendly staff members will be able to assist you.
