Things You Need to Consider Before Boarding Your Pet

Dogs are part of your family. So it becomes increasingly important to find a pet boarding facility where they can feel at home while being away from home. With a lot of pet parents fully immersed in their hectic schedules, it becomes difficult for them to look after their pets and leaving them alone at home for an entire day is hard enough. Or maybe, you are planning a trip where, sadly, you cannot take your pet along. Either way, you need a temporary and loving home for your pet where they will get good care.

But before you consider pet boarding in Cocoa FL, there are some things you must consider.

1.   Size and staffing

The safety of a facility largely depends on the number of staff available. Consider a play yard with 20 dogs and only 2 attendants overseeing them. In the event of a fight breaking out between two dogs, it's not uncommon for other dogs to join in, potentially resulting in harm to one or more dogs, including your own.

During your visit to the kennel, it's essential to meet with the director and inquire about the following:

 Occupancy: How many kennels are typically occupied on an average day?

 Trainer on staff: Is there a certified trainer on the staff? If so, how often are they onsite  to oversee training sessions?

 Availability of trainers: If a trainer is not on staff or onsite, is there one available if the need arises?

  Staff training and background: What training and background does the staff possess? Are they equipped to handle rough play or fights among dogs?

2.  Safety

If a pet boarding facility lacks the following safety measures, it does not meet the standards for ensuring the well-being of your beloved pet. Make sure to check for the following:

Commitment to safety: Does the establishment visibly prioritize safety? Are there clear signs that instruct visitors and staff to conduct them safely?

Escape prevention: Are there features such as double gates, tall fencing, or other mechanisms in place to ensure that dogs cannot escape from the facility?

Tag and collar policy: Are dogs' tags and collars kept on or removed when they are in the playground? Keeping them on can pose risks of injury or worse.

3.   Cleanliness

When entrusting your pet to a boarding facility, it's important to consider the cleanliness and overall environment, using your senses of sight, smell, and hearing. Also consider if they provide pet grooming in Cocoa FL. While perfection may not be realistic, there are certain expectations for a home away from home for animals:

Cleanliness and odour: The facility should have a clean and fresh odour, and the kennels should look reasonably clean. Pay attention to any foul smells or signs of uncleanliness, as these may indicate poor hygiene practices.

Overall environment: Take note of the general cleanliness of the facility, including common areas, play areas, and sleeping areas for pets.

Bottom line

Having your dog stay at pet boarding in Cocoa FL can be overwhelming for both you and your pet. But if you do a little research and spend some time preparing your dog, you can both have a great experience and an even better reunion.