Do you have to board your pet? Have you never done this before? Finding the right boarding facility to meet your dog's needs can be difficult. Below are a few tips from our Woburn vets to help you choose the right medical boarding facility for your pet.
What are my options for pet care?
You must ensure that your pet is well-cared for if you'll be away from home for an extended period of time. Pet care is classified into three types: sitting, pet boarding, and medical pet boarding.
Pet Sitter
Think of a pet sitter as a type of babysitter, but for your pet rather than a human child. Your pet sitter might be a professional you hire for a fee, or a responsible friend or family member.
Pet sitters provide varying levels of service, but their primary responsibility is to regularly check on your pet, dispense food, take your four-legged companion on walks and/or bathroom breaks, and give your pet some interaction and playtime to keep them active and prevent them from becoming depressed.
Pet Boarding
People who provide pet boarding services take care of your pets while you are away. Your pet would stay in a kennel for a specific number of days (as outlined in your contract with the pet boarding facility) so you can be sure your pet is being monitored and cared for by professionals at all times.
The quality of service provided by most pet boarding facilities has significantly improved in recent years. While some places provide simple standard packages to meet your pet's basic needs, others offer more of a summer camp-like atmosphere, with a variety of activities to keep your four-legged companion entertained.
Still others are spa-like environments where your pet will be pampered to their heart's content. Because service varies widely, we advise pet owners to visit and closely inspect any facility before signing a contract.
Medical Pet Boarding for Pets Who Require Medication or Post-Surgical Care
Medical pet boarding is similar to normal pet boarding, with an added service. Medical pet boarding comes with veterinary supervision and administration of any prescribed medications your pet may require on a regular basis.
When a Pet Needs Medical Boarding
Our team typically recommends medical boarding if your pet needs extra care that would not be accounted for with a general boarding service. Pets in these circumstances may:
- Have a pre-existing medical condition
- Be recovering from surgery
- Be extremely young (kittens and puppies)
- Be a senior
A pet sitter or typical boarding facility may not be trained to properly administer medications, especially if the medication requires the use of needles.
At Ledgebrook Kennel, our team provides general and medical boarding services for cats and dogs in Woburn, so your furry friend can have a safe, comfortable place to stay while you are away.
One major advantage of medical boarding is that staff are trained professionals who understand your pet's medical history, administer medication, and adjust dosages as needed. They'll also know what symptoms of complications to watch for based on your pet's medical condition and history.
Requirements for Medical Pet Boarding
Most pet boarding facilities require a list of necessary vaccinations. You can also learn whether you are permitted to bring toys, bedding, or food for your pet. Confirm your pet boarding facility's vaccination policy for animals being boarded for medical reasons.
While a facility may allow toys and bedding from home for pets under normal boarding circumstances, they may or may not allow it for the pet that is being medically boarded to keep the environment hygienic and prevent the spread of disease. Double-check the specifics of the policies on medical boarding at your chosen boarding facility.
You will be expected to bring any medication your pets have been prescribed as well as your pet's food if it has been prescribed by a vet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition or boarding needs.