Feral Kittens

The success of a pet boarding facility depends on numbers of pets being booked in. The animals themselves will have come from different environments & have different needs This presents the boarding facility with problems of maintaining hygienic conditions, appropriate care & safety issues. So it might be a mistake to assume that the person that meets you at the gate of the kennels or cattery with a smile & declares they have kept all sorts of animals for years, will be capable of looking after Fido or Fluff adequately for a week or two.

In many countries, professional training is not required to open a pet boarding facility. Neither are boarding establishments monitored. In essence, pet boarding for reward is a largely unregulated industry in many countries.

Out of sight ….all the comforts of home?

So here are 10 tips for choosing a good kennels or cattery

A professional boarding kennel or cattery will ask you: -

1.For a current vaccination certificate and ask when your pet was last given a worming & flea/tick treatment.

2.For your instructions in the event of a medical emergency: payment for any medical treatment should be discussed.

3. Whether your pet has any special dietary needs or requires medications.

4. If your pet has any foibles - such as being unused to walking on a lead or being an escape artist. If your pet can be aggressive in certain situations, please remember to tell them.

5. For a telephone contact number so you can be reached whilst you are away.

In return you should ask to see: -

Cats Home!

6. The accommodation that will be offered. Look at its size, condition & cleanliness. At the very least you would expect all surfaces to be cleaned daily using a special kennel disinfectant. Look at the walls. Is there a solid barrier high enough to prevent the spread of water borne droplets in the form of sneezes & touches? Think Kennel cough, & Cat flu for instance. Are there any sharp edges that could cause injury?

Will there be adequate shelter from the sun, wind or rain? In colder climates the sleeping area should be draft proof. Temperature or climate control could be important if there is indoor accommodation offered. Think about what could happen if your, pet made a dash for freedom. Is there a secondary outer enclosure so he cannot escape? Look also at the general level of cleanliness around the site. If you are not happy, you can bet the areas you cannot see may be far worse. Do all animals already being boarded have fresh water in their bowls?

7.Is there someone there 24/7 or just during the working day?

8. Ask about the exercise regime. Will Fido always be on a lead or will he be allowed to play with other dogs?

9.You do not want to get sued if your pet escapes & causes an accident or injury to a third party. Ask whether the Boarding facility has insurance to cover this risk.

Finally, the best tip of all!

10. Be Prepared - Make sure your pet is fully vaccinated, wormed & free of ticks & fleas. Allow 15/20 days for the vaccinations to take. 10 days for a topical wormer to work & for the dog to get over any side effects.

Visit the Boarding facility in advance so you see what it is like. If your pet has not been boarded before it is a good idea to book it in for a 24hour trial period beforehand.

Griffen ran a dog rescue in Ireland until to 3 years ago.