As summer is just around the corner, you must already be planning a long vacation with your family. However, it’s not possible for your furry pal to go wherever you go. So, where will it stay while you’re gone? In situations like these, one option that you can never go wrong with is – dog boarding services.
Pet parents like you want the best for their furry friend, and boarding facilities provide your dog with the utmost comfort and attention it deserves. These services ensure you have a blast on your trip without worrying about your furry pal.
However, leaving your dog in boarding is a daunting task, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Also, you probably have a lot of unanswered questions.
Therefore, to help you understand what to expect from the experience, we’ve compiled some useful things that you should look for before leaving your canine companion in a dog boarding & accommodation in Sydney.
Researching Boarding Facilities
The first step in finding a good boarding for your dog is research. It’s essential to conduct thorough research regarding all the boarding services that you know of or you will find. This research will give you an insight into their services, which is a huge boon when finding the perfect boarding.
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Finding Suitable Options
To find suitable options, start by conducting a Google search on “dog boarding in Sydney.” This will provide you with options available near you. Avoid choosing facilities that are far away from your home, as it can be difficult for you to commute that much. In addition, you can visit different accommodation websites to learn more about the facilities they provide and their pricing details.
Apart from this, one of the best ways to find a reputable boarding is by seeking recommendations from friends and family. Pet parents who have first-hand experience with these facilities can provide you with genuine recommendations.
Also, checking the facility’s social media accounts is a good idea, as boardings usually post about their activities on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, providing a glimpse into the overall experience.
Facility Inspection
Now that you’ve gained knowledge about their reputation and the basic facilities provided by them, it’s time to conduct a thorough inspection. To do that, it’s highly recommended that you visit the facility yourself.
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Scheduling a Visit
Visiting the dog accommodation allows you to see the environment firsthand and get a feel of how your dog might be treated. Also, it gives you a chance to ask the questions that you feel necessary before boarding your dog.
Some questions that you might consider asking include:
- How do you handle emergencies or medical situations?
- What is the staff-to-pet ratio?
- How often are dogs exercised and socialised?
- Can you accommodate any special needs or requests?
- What is your vaccination policy?
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Assessing Cleanliness and Safety
In a boarding kennel, many dogs are kept in a single space, so it’s not always possible to keep it clean and sanitised. However, a reliable boarding will have strict policies regarding hygiene and cleanliness. So, make sure that the facility looks, feels, and smells clean when you visit it.
In addition, observe the safety measures while you are at the facility. For instance, at a secure accommodation, there would be securely fenced exercise and play areas.
Along with that, make sure that all the dogs at the facility are fully vaccinated. It protects your dog from any potential diseases they might be exposed to while socialising with other dogs.
Staff Qualifications and Training
The staff of the boarding will be responsible for the care and well-being of your canine companion. Therefore, it’s important to know about the staff at the facility. During your visit, look for answers to questions like
- How do they interact with the dogs?
- Are the dogs happy around them?
Other factors that need to be considered in terms of staff include:
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Certified Caretakers
Talk to the staff members at the facility and learn about their experience and expertise in handling dogs. An experienced caretaker will be better at understanding and handling different kinds of dogs and will be able to give them personalised attention.
Also, ask about the necessary certifications that they hold. Many caretakers have some kind of formal certification related to first aid, animal behaviour, and other relevant areas. This ensures that your dog is in safe hands.
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Staff-to-Dog Ratio
There are some boarding facilities that are in the business only for the money. Due to this, they put together many dogs under a single roof with just one staff member. Dogs, especially those with anger issues, can easily get worked up in this scenario. So, if you see a lot of dogs and a single human, it is a red flag.
A reputable and good accommodation will have plenty of trained and dedicated staff with adequate knowledge of dog behaviour and a smaller group of dogs per caretaker. A lower staff-to-dog ratio would mean that each dog receives more individual attention and care.
Daily Routine and Activities
Every dog boarding has a different schedule. So, it’s advised to inquire about their routine beforehand to see if it aligns with the needs of your pup or not.
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Exercise and Playtime
Exercise is a crucial part of the health and well-being of a dog. Therefore, you should not shy away from asking about the exercise plan at the facility.
A good boarding will provide your furry friend with lots of opportunities for physical activities. Some questions that you can ask while inquiring are:
- What is the exercise and playtime routine for dogs?
- Are there interactive toys or enrichment activities to keep them engaged?
- How much time will they spend outside the cage or kennel?
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Feeding Schedule
Dogs usually have set feeding schedules even when they are at their homes. So, it’s important to understand the feeding schedule at the facility you are about to leave your dog for their well-being.
Feeding on time helps maintain the digestive health of your dog and will also keep it happy throughout the duration of the stay. In addition, ask about the type of food they will feed your dog. See if it suits your dog or not.
If your dog does not like the food provided by the boarding, it’s appropriate to provide the facility with your dog’s regular food. As dogs have sensitive stomach, any change in their diet can also lead to health issues.
Conclusion
In the bustling excitement of vacation planning, don’t forget about your furry companion’s comfort and care. Choosing the right dog boarding service in Sydney is essential for a worry-free trip. Keep in mind that a bit of research, a visit, and a few questions can go a long way in ensuring your dog’s well-being.
For those in Sydney, Noah’s Ark Pets stands out as a trusted name in pet care. With our experienced staff and top-notch facilities, you can rest easy knowing your canine companion is in excellent hands during your vacation. We go the extra mile to ensure your furry friend feels right at home.
So, don’t wait up! Book your dog’s stay with us today!