Category: pet travel

How To Choose the Right Cat Boarding Facility

cat boarding miami

How to Choose the Right Cat Boarding Facility

We always want the best for our furry friends, and picking a cat boarding facility can be a tough job. You’ve spent a bunch of time Googling pet boarding in Miami, reading reviews, and trying to figure out which one is going to make your cat happiest in your absence. As a cat owner myself, I know the feeling! That’s why I’m sharing some of my top tips for choosing the right cat boarding facility.

It all starts with a tour…

Don’t bother calling ahead; you want to see what the place is like on any given day! Ask them for a look around. A good facility should have nothing to hide, and will gladly give you a tour. Remember to keep your hands out of kennels and suites for your own safety, and stay out of the way of other employees at work.

Take a whiff…

cat boarding miamiAs much as we love our pets, no one wants to walk into a place that smells like old cat urine. Take a deep breath. Does it smell like it hasn’t been cleaned in a while? Keep in mind, because you’re going in unannounced, it IS possible that a pet has just used the restroom and is contributing to the smell. It happens! Check to see if an employee is going to clean it up.

Ask some important questions…

Not sure what those questions should be? At Scottie Paws, we get a number of questions about cat boarding and have answered the most frequently asked ones below. If you’re not located near us, feel free to use these questions to help your search!

1. Is there a special space for cats, like suites or enclosures?

At Scottie Paws, we offer both kennels and specialty cat enclosures, complete with a cat house (a favorite among our feline friends!).

2. What’s the emergency protocol? Is there a designated emergency vet?

We monitor all pets for signs of illness, and you can bet we will call you immediately if an emergency arises. We will also take your cat to an emergency vet if necessary.

3. What’s the cleaning schedule? What products are used?

We clean daily and after any pet accidents that occur using specialty, pet-safe cleaning productscat boarding miami made specifically for grooming salons to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. Suites, enclosures, and kennels are deep-cleaned between stays as well.

We also use only our own stainless steel bowls for food and water, which are swapped out and washed twice daily. Why? Plastic bowls harbor bacteria and can cause acne in pets; stainless bowls do not.

4. What’s the feeding schedule?

We provide feedings twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. If your pet has special needs, we will work to accommodate them!

5. How often is litter scooped?

We scoop litter twice daily – once in the morning, and once in the evening.

6. Is brushing or one-on-one playtime offered?

Of course! You can also add on any cat grooming services so your kitty goes home fresh and clean.

7. Can I bring my own bedding, litter, and toys?

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Absolutely! Boarding can be stressful, and we want your cat to feel as comfortable as possible. The familiar smell of their own bed, toys, and litter will reduce stress and remind them of their home and their favorite person in the universe- YOU!

In order to keep our air fresh, we ask that you please bring clumping litter.

Now that you know what to look for, we hope you choose Scottie Paws, located in Miami, FL for your cat’s next boarding stay. We would love to have you!

cat boarding miami

What You Need to Know About Traveling With Your Dog

traveling with dog

Let’s Talk About Traveling with our Dogs

We love adventuring with our dogs! Seeing them explore new sites, smell new smells, and meet new people (and dogs!) fills our hearts with joy. But there’s a lot to consider before deciding to take your furry friend with you. Read on for everything you need to know about traveling with your dog!

The Basics

I frequently embark on crazy road trips where I have to take my dog and cat. You should see my packing list! 

Remember to consider your own pet’s special needs, like medicines, as well as the length and destination of the trip. If traveling with my dog somewhere cold or snowy, for example, I always pack her jacket and a jar of Musher’s Secret for her paws.

traveling with your dog

HOTELS

The good news: there are many pet-friendly hotels out there. The bad news: hotel policies can vary in strictness and cost. Let’s take a deeper dive.

Did you know that some hotels restrict based on size? Many only allow dogs under 25lbs. For those of us with medium, large, or XL pups, the options are more limited. If traveling with more than one dog (or a cat!), be sure to check with the individual hotel as some don’t allow more than one pet in the room.

What about other requirements? Some hotels require that your dog remain crated while they’re alone in the room, if they allow the dog alone at all. Also, many hotels will not provide housekeeping service if your dog is alone and/or uncrated. If you don’t mind re-using your towel a couple of times (it’s great for the environment!), this may not be a deal-breaker, but its definitely something to consider.

And then there’s cost. Many hotels require a pet fee which can vary from a one-time fee to daily charges. There are some hotels that do offer free stays for your dogs, however. These include Aloft Hotels, La Quinta Inn and Suites, and Kimpton Hotels, which has one of the most adorably pet-friendly policies out there.

Always call your hotel directly to verify their pet policies BEFORE deciding to take your pet!

traveling with dog
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ACTIVITIES

Alright. So you’re packed and your pet-friendly hotel is booked. What about when you get there? If you’re taking a trip to somewhere that is not dog-friendly and is an all day activity, like a theme park, it’s best to leave Rover at home unless you’ve found a local doggie daycare that will take him for the day. Leaving your dog locked in a strange place without you all day may make even the most relaxed dogs anxious, which can lead to unusual or destructive behavior, like forgetting their potty-training or chewing up that hotel remote (oops).

Are you vacation plans more outdoor focused? Awesome! Read up on the leash rules and pet friendliness of your destination. It may seem surprising, but dogs aren’t always welcome at beaches, national parks, and hiking trails. If they are, remember to keep your dog on a leash to avoid injury or loss, and to prevent them from potentially hurting wildlife or damaging trails. It can be tempting to let your dog off-leash in these areas, but the unfamiliar smells can cause them to run off and the terrain can be dangerous. Remember to pick up after them!

What about city-specific trips? Some cities are definitely more dog-friendly than others, and may allow you to eat with your dog on an outdoor patio, come into stores, and I’ve even come across dog-friendly boat tours! I think walking is one of the best ways to explore a new city, and I love enjoying the views with my dog at my side. When there are some non-dog-friendly sights on your trip, make a plan to get back to the hotel for a midday dog walk and playtime.

DOG BOARDING

Okay, okay. So this section is about choosing to travel without your dog instead of traveling with them. It’s definitely something to consider, however, when planning your next vacation. Let’s face it- sometimes bringing your pet along with you is not the best option for either of you, so it’s worth exploring the alternatives.

Dog boarding is a great way to ensure your dog is safe and cared for in your absence. It will help most closely mimic their routine, and, if the facility offers daycare (like Scottie Paws, which offers grooming, boarding, and daycare in Miami!), it can even help them burn some energy while you’re away.

The best thing about boarding? You can enjoy your time off knowing that your pup is in good hands!

dog boarding miami