For a lot of dog lovers, it is difficult to be away from your pet for long periods of time without getting worried.
However, at times you may find that you need to leave your pet for a few days, perhaps to go on a business trip or in another location that may not be able to accommodate your pet.
Leaving the pet alone is not an idea that sits well for most animal lovers.
In such cases, you may want to consider dog boarding.
There are many places that offer doggie daycare and grooming services.
Here are a number of factors to consider when picking a boarding place for your dog.
Choosing the best one ensures that your pet is looked after while you are away.
Factors to consider • Sleeping quarters Take a tour around the facility to see how they house their dogs.
In a lot of cases, dogs are placed in cages.
If your pet is not used to being placed in a cage or is not suited for smaller enclosures, you may want to consider looking for more lavish accommodations such as a dog hotel.
In a dog hotel, your pet will be provided its own bed and toys.
Keep in mind that this will be a more expensive option.
• Exercise and interaction Your dog needs to move around and stretch its muscles.
There are some dog boarding places that take dogs out for a walk twice or thrice a day.
If your pet is used to running around, you may want to consider finding a place with its own yard where the dogs can roam.
You may also want to inquire about the place's protocol on grouping dogs to play with each other.
Also try to ask if they offer additional services such as dog grooming to keep its fur nice and clean while you are away.
• Food Placing a dog in a new area can be a stressful experience.
Even more so if your dog is being offered food that it is not accustomed to.
An alternative way is to ask the staff on whether they would allow you to bring your pet's regular food.
Ask if there are any additional charges for bringing food to your pet.
Giving your dog its regular food will offer added comfort in what could be considered a stressful situation for your pet.
• Health issues Heaven forbid that your dog gets injured or sick while being housed in a dog boarding area.
Although there is little possibility of this happening to your dog, it is best to consider as many possibilities as you can to keep your dog safe and comfortable while you are away.
Check whether the place has a clinic or is located near a veterinary hospital.
You may feel more comfortable in taking your pet to your usual vet.
Ask the personnel if they can transport your pet to own vet in the event of an emergency.
These are only some of the factors dog lovers consider when looking for a dog boarding place.
There are many others, depending on your dogs needs.
Always consider if your dog will feel comfortable in such a place as this will act as their temporary home while you are away from home.