What to look for in a Pet Hotel
Everybody needs a vacation now and then. While it’s good to get away from it all and recharge, pet owners will, of course, be concerned about the safety and care of their furry friends because they can’t always come along. That’s where pet hotels come in. Boarding your dog or cat in a pet hotel can be a great option, but not all are created equally. To find the right one for your pet, consider the following:
Make sure the facility can appropriately house your pet, especially for overnight care. Some pet care facilities are designed for daily drop-offs and pick-ups, not extended stays. Be sure to choose a place that not only offers overnight care, but can adequately provide for your pet in terms of a place to sleep, eat, and relax away from others.
Visit the facility yourself. Seeing with your own eyes where your pet will stay is important, both to establish a rapport with those working there and to get an idea of what kind of environment your pet will be in while you’re away. You know your pet better than anyone else, so this will help you decide if it’s the right place for him or her. For example, if your pet gets overwhelmed by unfamiliar animals, then places with communal playing or eating would be less than ideal. Similarly, if your pet doesn’t like to be alone for very long, you may not want a place where they’d be isolated. Keep your pet’s comfort in mind at all times.
Look for appropriate spacing. One absolutely essential thing to look for while visiting the hotel is proper spacing. Cramped quarters are a warning sign that this might not be the pet hotel for your companion. Ensure that the feeding area and bathroom area aren’t close together because most animals would feel uncomfortable with this. You’ll also want to check that pets are properly separated; mixing cats and dogs together is not usually a recipe for harmony.
Ask about amenities. Boarding your pet isn’t cheap, so it helps to know what you’re getting for the cost. Sometimes veterinary and grooming services are available, allowing you to combine your pet’s stay with a checkup or a bath, and some facilities offer discounts on boarding if you spring for services like these. Other places offer one-on-one time with your pet to keep them from getting lonely. Go with the pet hotel that offers the best bang for your buck.
Assess safety and supervision. Last but not least, make sure the place where your pet will stay maintains an excellent standard of sanitation and safety. When you visit, it should look and smell clean. Confirm that this business requires every animal to be properly vaccinated. You should also be confident in the staff’s ability to handle your pet’s needs, as well as be on hand to handle any crises that may arise.
How to Choose a Boarding Kennel for Your Pet [Humane Society]
Boarding Your Dog (and Cat) [PetMD]
11 Questions to Ask When Picking a Kennel [Care.com]