Everything you need to know about boarding your pet
Do you ever find yourself with questions about pet boarding in Miami? Scottie Paws is here to help! Please read on for everything you need to know about dog and cat boarding.
Dog Boarding
While there are many great trips you can take with your dog, there are some situations where your dog may simply be better off at home. There’s a lot to consider before choosing to take your pet with you!
Research your hotel’s policies as well as those of the places you plan to go. Ask yourself:
- What activities can my dog enjoy with me?
- Will I be able to maintain my dog’s routine?
- Are there any places that might be scary or unsafe for my dog?
A great option to consider while you’re away may simply be boarding your pet. This will help mimic their routine, while keeping them safe and attended-to in your absence.
Acclimating your dog to boarding
A great way to minimize your dog’s stress when boarding is to get them acclimated to it ahead of time. For dogs who may be used to the quiet of their home or for adopted dogs who may have spent time in noisy kennels, boarding can be a stressful time. Their routine is interrupted, they miss their person, and there are so many new smells in the air.
It’s a great idea to work your way up to longer trips by boarding your dog for shorter periods of time, like overnight or a weekend. If your boarding facility requires temperament tests, be sure to get a full report from the staff on how your pet did!
Cat boarding
While not offered everywhere, some pet boarding facilities may include special accommodations for your cat. This may mean separate kennels or entire cat suites specifically set up for your feline companion. Are your dog and cat inseparable? Check with your boarding facility about keeping your pets together!
Before you choose a facility, check out our blog post for what to look for when making your selection!
Pet boarding vs. pet sitting
Choosing to board vs. hiring an in-home pet sitter is a big decision. While there are many factors to consider, the key differences are these: pet boarding means you take your pet to a facility for care and pet sitting means you allow someone into your home to care for your pet while you’re away.
Making this choice will depend heavily on you and your pet’s comfort. Read our in-depth post on what to look for, what questions to ask, and what to consider for either option.
Before you board
Shots, food, bedding- oh my! There are many boarding requirements to know before boarding your pet. This may include vaccination requirements, temperament tests, and spay/neuter requirements. And what about the other stuff? How much food should you pack? What about toys and treats? Will they have a bed provided or should I bring one?
Knowing the rules of your chosen boarding facility is an important part of the pre-boarding process. Save yourself the headache, and do your research early!
Choosing the right boarding facility for your pet
There are many great and not-so-great options out there for choosing the right boarding facility. Some important questions to consider:
- Do they offer cage-free or kennel boarding?
- How often are dogs taken for potty breaks?
- Are there any daycare options?
- What happens if my pet runs out of food?
- What are the cleanliness standards of the facility?
There are many horror stories about boarding facilities out there. Illness, fleas and ticks, and pups in cages all day… we know. We’ve heard them all. That’s why we made Scottie Paws, which specializes in grooming and pet boarding in Miami, FL since 2013!