Discover the ultimate guide: 5 powerful tips to prepare your pet for boarding
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Boarding your pet for the first time can be a challenging experience for both you and your furry friend. You may be overwhelmed about how your pet will handle the situation, but there are several ways to make the process easier. Here are some valuable tips as you prepare to board your pet for the first time.
Keep The Goodbyes Short And Friendly
- Parting with your furry friend can be an emotional experience. It’s natural to feel anxious as the boarding date gets closer. However, remaining calm is critical to prevent your pet from sensing your distress.
To ensure a smooth drop-off, keep the process quick and positive. Take some time to say goodbye, but don’t linger too long, as this may make it harder for you and your pet. In addition, keep the goodbye cheerful to ease any potential separation anxiety your pet may feel.
Practice A Trial Boarding Stay
- If your pet gets anxious or experiences separation anxiety, consider a trial boarding stay before committing to a more extended stay. A trial stay of at least 24 hours can help your pet ease into the new environment and daily routine, allowing them to adjust more comfortably.
During the trial stay, you can observe how your pet responds to the boarding facility, the staff, and other pets. This will give you a better idea of how they will handle a longer stay in the future. It’s also an excellent opportunity to familiarize your pet with the new surroundings, routines, and caregivers, which can help reduce any anxiety or stress they may feel during their next visit.
Adjust Your Pet’s Sleeping Habits
- If a pet is used to sleeping with its owner in the bed each night, it will likely struggle with sleeping alone in a boarding facility. To help them adjust, it’s a good idea to gradually get them accustomed to sleeping on their own.
Start by moving their bed to a different area of the house or into another room, slowly increasing the distance until they are comfortable sleeping alone. Provide your pet with a special toy or blanket that they can associate with comfort and security, which can help them feel more at ease when they are away from home.
Update Your Pet’s Vaccinations
- Most pet boarding facilities require pets to be up-to-date with their vaccinations to ensure the health and safety of all the pets in their care. While it may seem like an extra task to add to your to-do list, protecting your pet from getting sick while you’re away and preventing the spread of illness among other pets is essential.
To prepare for your pet’s boarding stay, visit the veterinarian at least two weeks before the boarding date. Ask your vet to update your pet’s vaccinations and discuss any concerns you may have about leaving your furry friend behind. This is also an excellent opportunity to ensure your pet is healthy and address any health issues before the boarding stay.
Train Your Pet To Be Social
If your pet isn’t used to being around many other pets at once, socialization training can help ease them into the boarding experience. This training involves exposing your pet to various social situations, helping them become more comfortable and confident around other pets.
At Autumn Trails Veterinary Center, we offer veterinarian-supervised pet boarding that is safe and convenient for your furry friend. You can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind knowing that your pet is in good hands. We provide personalized care and attention to ensure your pet feels comfortable and at home during their stay. For further information, give us a call at 434-971-9800. We can help you plan your pet’s stay.
