Before leaving your pet in the care of a pet care facility it is always a really good idea to visit them and explore their setup. Many people have an idea of what the facility should be (some have a vision of a miniature home for each pet) and can find the reality very different. Choosing a facility that is a member of the Pet Industry Association of Australia or PIAA will assure that the facility meets all care guidelines.West Coast Pet Centre tell us how to find the perfect boarding facility for our animals.
Once you have chosen your preferred boarding establishment, you’ll need to get your pet organized with:
- A copy of your pet’s current vaccination certificates
- Emergency contact details for you or someone you trust while you are away
- Medication, supplements or special diet your pet needs while in their care (with some extra in case your return is delayed for some reason)
Being away from your pet can be stressful but some facilities can provide updates through social media, email or even over the phone. Just remember their main concern is the care and welfare of your pet, and the other pets in their care, so they may not respond immediately.
When your pet comes home they will be tired, just like you, and may take a couple of days to settle back into their home routine. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. So how should you handle it?
- Avoid food for a few hours, let the excitement of being home again, and the investigation of their surroundings end before you feed them. Many pets will gulp down food making it look like they haven’t been fed for weeks only to bring it all back up in their excitement and exercise.
- The same with water, only small drinks at a time to prevent them making a mess.
- Some animals like to serenade the staff and other holiday makers when on holidays, this can make them a little hoarse and quiet. Again this is normal and usually happens with the animals that are vocal at home too. If this is the case enjoy the peace while it lasts, it won’t be long.
If you are happy with the boarding facility, rate them on social media and tell others about the experience, however if you have an issue or concern regarding your pet, talk to them personally. It may be a simple misunderstanding that is easily resolved.
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