7 Things You Should Do Post Pet Boarding 

Now that you’ve returned home from your holidays with grandma or that cruise to New Zealand, your first stop upon leaving the airport should be to pick up your pet from the boarding service where he’s been living for the past 7 days or so. You’ll want to arrange your travel so that you can arrive at your boarding place of choice during business hours.

You will undoubtedly be worn out from your trip, but it’s worth taking care of some important post boarding tasks.

1. Before you leave with your pet from the boarding facility, take a few moments to look him over head to toe. You can check for scratches, parasites, skin irritations, anything that wasn’t there prior to boarding. Your pet will, of course, be overjoyed to see you, but try your best to judge the animal’s overall reaction to the facility’s staff. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them directly. Enquire about your pet’s behaviour and obedience and whether anything happened that you should be aware of. A great boarding facility will keep detailed notes about your pet’s stay. The employee that helps you check out should be happy to help you with getting your pet loaded up and ready to head home. If your pet required medication, don’t forget to ask for it before you leave! 

2. Although cats usually cope well with boarding, dogs can sometimes get a bit over-excited by the return home. Over excitement may cause your dog to pant and act thirsty. However, he would have had plenty of access to water at the chosen facility. If he is panting, then it would be wise to ration his water until he calms down. K9 Tail Shakers suggests providing your dog with a few ice cubes in lieu of water until he has settled back in. Food should be withheld for at least three hours to eliminate the risk of digestive upsets and bloating or vomiting. He should be totally calm before you offer food and water to him.

3. Once you return home with Fido or Fluffy, make sure Fluffy has access to a back yard, or take Fido for a walk. Excitement and change of routine may also cause a change in routine in their urination or bowel movements.

4. Spend some quality time with them. This will help them calm down during the excitement stage. Unpacking the suitcases can wait for an hour or so. Just show them affection or get their favourite toys and play. They will rightfully expect to be showered with attention.

5. You can often have your pet groomed in the same place you have boarded them. Scheduling the grooming for the day of pick-up could save you some time after returning home. It’s important, nevertheless, to groom your pet after boarding. If you have a cat, a good, long brushing will suffice. A dog should get a nice soapy bath and an invigorating brush.

6. When you unpack the boarding supplies, make sure that everything you originally took has been included in your bag. Be sure to launder bedding and any machine washable toys that were taken to the borders. Wash any plastic or rubber toys with a mild detergent.

7. And last but by no means least, please help other pet owners have a peaceful, stress free trip by going online at PetStayAdvisor and share and honestly rate the boarding service or pet sitting service that you have used. Your personal experience and your pet’s are invaluable to people just like you who are looking to find a trustworthy and reliable boarding service. Sharing your favourable and negative comments alike will help the pet owning community that surrounds you! Stop. Review. Our pets thank you!

 

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