Boarding pets for the holidays

I am going to Chicago for a week for Thanksgiving and before I leave I thought I would share some boarding ideas for people.

When we leave for short trips (overnight, two days) we leave the kitties at home with plenty of food and water and make sure a friend is available to check on them.  We always board Hana (our dog), and our cats if the trip is longer.

Some people don't recommend boarding your animals, but we don't always have someone available to stay with Hana - which is the best option.  luckily we have a vet we trust who has caretakers that live at the office that can take care of Hana 24 hours a day.  She get's a huge kennel and plenty of outdoor time.  We make sure she has familiar items from home, such as her: bed, blanket (she makes nests with blankets), food dish, toys (something harmless). Write a list of medical or special dietary needs.

Make sure when you leave your pets alone that you don't leave them with any collars, harnesses on because they can get caught and things.  Also don't leave them with dog chews.  Dogs should always be supervised when consuming dog chews (bully sticks, rawhide, etc) so they won't choke.

When you board your per make sure they have current rabies vaccine, bordetella http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/kennel-cough.htm and their license, I.D tags.  You should know their microchip# too.

Provide a friend or family member with a key to your house and the information for the vet/kennel, in case you have delays in your trip or you are too far for immediate attention.  Use this person as your emergency contact.  Make sure you choose someone you can trust and who you know is available. Here are some articles to help you choose the right place to board your pet:
 
   ASPCA:http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-sitters-and-boarders.aspx

 "The Bark:" http://www.thebark.com/content/tip-sheet-choosing-daycare-or-kenne

Seperation Anxiety:

My dog Hana has intense separation anxiety.  Sometimes I don't go where I am going because she looks so crestfallen when I try to leave. If you are worried about leaving your pet at a new boarding facility I recommend doing small visits at first, even a couple of hours, rewarded with a treat so they know you're coming back.  You can try training your dog with a monosyllabic word too, we tell Hana to "wait," and she knows that means we'll be back http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/overcoming-separation-anxiety.aspx

Local boarding information:  

West Hills Animal Clinic

4325 SW Beaverton Hillsdale
Portland, OR 97221

503- 246-3321

The American Boarding Kennel Association at (877) 570-7788 or (719) 667-1600.  

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
(856)439-0324
http://www.petsitters.org/
Pet Sitters International
(336) 983-9222
http://www.petsit.com/

 

Resources for todays post:
Animal Planet: http://animal.discovery.com/
ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/
The Bark: http://www.thebark.com/