Deciding to leave your pet behind, even if just for the weekend, is no easy decision for any pet owner. But you have to make this tough decision sometimes. Everybody has commitments, and everybody needs a break to get away from all their responsibilities and stress. Then why do you feel so guilt-wracked when you decide to enjoy a weekend away from home?
We are all attached to our dogs; we will miss them terribly when we’re not around them. The thought of your puppy eagerly anticipating your arrival every evening with its big, brown eyes and going to sleep disappointed can be really upsetting.
But you can’t give up on traveling for work conferences or visiting your mom in another state, or going on a vacation with your friends. Being a pet owner does not mean that you are not allowed to have a life besides your pet.
Get your family or friends to help out if you need to travel. They can take care of your dog for a few days for you. But what if you don’t have any friends or family in town that you can trust? Or what if the friends and family you have in town have no experience of taking care of a dog?
Luckily, there are many dog boardings that offer to take care of your dog for you so you can travel without having to worry about your furry friend. Do your research before deciding on a dog kennel, though. You need to know that it is owned and staffed by responsible, pet-loving people. Go to the boarding center and check out the living conditions and hygiene of the dog kennels yourself. Inquire about their cleaning routines, the kind of food they provide, how often they walk the dogs, what emergency services they provide, and other details.
Ask people who’ve previously boarded with them about their experience and if their dogs were treated right. Put your heart at ease first; if you have any doubts about a place, look at alternative dog boarders.
Don’t worry, though, a lot of pet boarding houses are available, and you will find the perfect one for your dog, where your dog will be well taken care of and will have several other dogs around to play with. Check out Twissted Whiskers Dog Boarding facility; your dog is guaranteed to have the time of its life here.
Packing Your Dog’s Bag
Try not to cry as the day of temporary separation draws close. You’ve picked out the perfect dog-boarding, but there’s still a lot to be done. Along with packing your own suitcases and bags, you need to carefully pack your dog’s bag as well. But what do you include in it?
Here’s a checklist of all the things that your dog might need at the boarding, while you’re not around. Make sure that you include spares of a couple of items, in case something gets misplaced at the boarding. Keep the bag small, but do not compromise on anything for your dog’s comfort and happiness. They need something to make up for your absence.
Let’s dive right into it. Some of the very basics that you should be packing are:
Collar and Leash with Identification
Make sure to write down your dog’s name, as well as your own name and contact information on your dog’s collar. It will make the boarding staff’s life easier; it’s not easy to recognize someone’s particular dog among the dozen others being boarded at the dog kennel.
Food and Treats
While most boardings will provide some basic food, like dog biscuits, thrice a day, if your dog is picky about a particular brand, or doesn’t adjust to changes in its diet too well, it’s a good idea to pack the kind of food it is accustomed to. It is already a stressful experience to move into an unfamiliar setting; an upset stomach from a change in diet can add to the misery. Include any treats that might cheer your dog up.
Food and Water Bowls
Some dogs are fussy about eating and drinking from their own bowls. If your dog falls in that category, make sure to pack its own food and water bowls. It can also be comforting to the dog to have its own bowl in an unfamiliar place; some semblance of normalcy in a strange, unknown place.
Bed/Basket
The dog kennels will provide soft, warm sleeping mats to every dog boarding with them, but if you want your dog to have the same level of comfort and familiarity as home, bring along his bedding, blanket, sweaters, or anything that makes your dog feel at home.
Medicines
This is very important. The boarding will already have first aid tools in possession, but any particular medicines that your dog is on will need to be provided. Also, include the prescriptions, and a detailed note with any special instructions about the administration or application of the medication.
Toothbrush/Grooming Brush
If your good boy is in the habit of getting its teeth brushed, include its toothbrush in the overnight bag. It is also a good idea to include your dog’s grooming brush or comb. Using the same brush that all other dogs at the boarding are getting brushed with can result in the transfer of fleas. Inform the boarders about how frequently your dog requires these services.
Toys
Some dogs can’t live without their favorite toy. Throw in a toy or two in the bag that your dog can play with while at the boarding. Having its favorite toy nearby may also help with separation anxiety and cheer your dog up a bit.
Documentation
Include, if you haven’t already, any forms and documents that the pet boarding house asks of you. These documents will contain all the necessary information that the boarder needs to ensure a smooth experience for you and your dog.
When it’s time to say goodbye, drop off your doggy and its bag at the boarders. Kiss it goodbye and remain calm. You’ll be reunited soon enough.
