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Home for the Holidays - Or a Kennel?

by Dr. Dawn Bookmyer, DVM

As the holidays approach, the question I hear most frequently from my clients is, “Where can I board Fido over the holidays? And can I leave Fluffy alone for a few days?”

 Unless you can get a friend or relative to care for your pet when you’re traveling, you have two choices for pet care in your absence: a boarding facility or an in-home pet sitting service. In choosing between the two options, consider the animal’s age and health. Senior pets, or those whose health is fragile, may be more comfortable at home with a sitter visiting throughout the day. Also, animals who are high strung, anxious and prone to stress certainly would be happier at home.

In searching for a boarding facility, ask your friends and veterinarian for recommendations. Visit the facilities you are considering and ask yourself (and the kennel staff) these questions:

  • Does the kennel look and smell clean?

  • Is the kennel centrally heated and cooled?

  • Are there indoor/outdoor runs? Are the dogs walked? How often?

  • How early or late can you drop off and pick up your pet?

  • Can you bring your own food? If not, what diet does the kennel feed and how often?

  • If needed, who will medicate your pet?

  • How does the staff handle emergency medical situations? Is there a veterinarian on staff?

  • Can you bring toys and blankets?

Boarding facilities run the gamut from spartan to high luxury. Remember, however, that all reputable boarding facilities will require that your pet be up to date on all vaccinations.

As with kennels, ask your friends and vet for recommendations on a pet sitter. Set up a preliminary visit with the potential sitter and watch how he or she interacts with your pet. Do they seem comfortable together? Be sure to ask the sitter:

  • Are they bonded and insured?

  • How often will they visit the pet? What is the charge per visit?

  • Will they bring in the newspaper and mail? Water the plants? Turn lights on and off?

  • Is there an extra charge for more than one pet?

  • Will they walk the dog or just let it out? Will they play with the pet?

  • How long do they stay at each visit?

  • Is the sitter comfortable giving the pet a pill? An injection?

Pet sitters should visit dogs 2-3 times per day. Cats need a minimum of one visit per day.

Whether you choose a kennel or a sitter, make sure that you leave a telephone number where you can reached in an emergency. Also, be sure to leave a number where your veterinarian can be reached.

Many of my clients ask how long they can leave their cat alone. Although cats can be very self sufficient, I would not recommend leaving them alone for more than 2 days. If the cat becomes sick or has an accident in your absence, you would not want the cat to have to wait too long for help. Also, although you can leave a huge bowl of food out for the cat, the litter box and water bowl will need attention after just a couple of days.