Do your research and choose the best boarding kennels and pet sitters

FOR many people booking pets into boarding kennels or finding pet sitters is the first item on the agenda when it comes to booking a holiday. It’s important to find a place where a pet is happy as this is not only good for the animal, but it will also give you peace of mind. Animal lovers that are receptive to their pet’s needs will already have a reliable person to call on whenever they need to go away because it’s important, as much as practical, that you try make a pet familiar with the place it will be boarding at.

Some owners will pre-visit kennels to try and familiarise their pet with the place. You can do this for a week or two before you leave so the dog or cat will associate it as a place where it comes to visit, but will eventually leave again.

Under no circumstances should you dismiss lightly the care of your pet when you decide to go on holiday. Unlike children, pets will not understand the reason why you’ve suddenly abandoned them in a strange place. This can be a stressful time for animals so it’s vital you plan ahead. Some dogs absolutely love a visit to boarding kennels as it brings them into contact with other animals they can socialise with, whereas some are timid and anxious. If a pet suffers from separation anxiety it might be prudent to find a smaller run pet sitter as opposed to a larger boarding kennel. The latter is just as likely to give an animal plenty of TLC, but a committed pet sitter will take a more hands on approach.

There are many fine boarding kennels and pet sitters in Kerry but it still pays to do some research. Visit them and ask to look around. A good boarding kennel should be open, spacious with not too many dogs as this is a sign the ratio of dogs to carer is higher than is ideal. You want your pet to receive as much attention as possible.

Check that safety and security measures are in place as most dogs are born escape artists and you need to inform the kennel staff beforehand if your dog has a knack for escaping! Check to see what kind of living quarters they have. Are they a mixture of indoor and outdoor? What’s the exercise routine like? Exercise can be a great way of distracting and calming anxious pets.

Also, make sure your dog has booster injections prior to boarding them as ailments like ‘kennel cough’ can be common. Research is important when boarding a precious pet and when your heart is in the right place there’s nothing you won’t do to ensure they get the best treatment. Quite often word of mouth is a good way of finding a suitable kennel or pet sitter, while a chat with your vet is also helpful as they are in contact daily with pet lovers through their practice. Whatever you do make sure you don’t take pet care lightly. It can be an anxious time for them and an emotional experience for you, so don’t take shortcuts. Find the best holiday home for you and your pet.