Pet boarding can be a difficult decision, especially for first-time pet owners who adopted their first dog during Covid. During the past two years, new and existing pet owners spent more time with their furry friends than ever before with virtual school, work from home, and lockdown. Our furry friends, whether dogs or cats are a constant source of comfort. They are our friends. They are our family. They depend on us for food, shelter, and companionship. They love us unconditionally even when we do work long hours away from home or leave for school.
But, it’s finally time for a trip to a beach resort or a mountain retreat. And, the family pet is not allowed. It is important to make pet boarding decisions that give you peace of mind so you can enjoy that well-deserved vacation knowing that your furry family member is safe and loved. When choosing a kennel or pet sitter for your dog, you should consider more than just cost.
Pet Boarding Accommodations
When choosing a kennel to board your dog, you should tour the facility. Of course, you want to ensure that the kennel is clean. You want to make sure your dog has a dedicated safe space for sleeping. Your pet should only sleep with other dogs if they are from your home.
But also be on the lookout for “excessive odor and empty water bowls,” says A&E Pet Resort Owner Aleatha Keener. “I believe what sets us apart from other boarding facilities is our attention to detail. We deep clean our facility seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
Read More: Why We Love Our Dogs
A&E Pet Resort provides doggy daycare, as well as pet boarding. So when your dog stays the night at A&E Pet Resort, he gets to play with other dogs at no extra cost. There is a yard specific to small dogs, a splash pad for water-loving dogs, and a huge sand lot for the high-energy dogs. “It is truly our pleasure to be the one that families have chosen to be a part of their dog’s world,” adds Keener, whose pet resort is in New Smyrna Beach, FL.
Pet Boarding Activities
Find out how much outside or playtime is included with your nightly pet boarding rate. You have to decide what is best for your furry family member. Some kennels charge an extra fee for 30 minutes of one-on-one outside playtime. Some kennels only have an indoor/outdoor dog run.
Read More: Why You Should Use CBD Oil For Dogs
At A&E Pet Resort, playtime is not an extra cost. They make sure the dogs get ample playtime. “We get into the dog’s world. They each have their own personality and with that comes dogs that love to play and dogs that love to lounge,” Keener says. “We do our best to fill their individual needs each day.”
Pet Boarding Cost
The cost of pet boarding varies across the United States based on the size and breed of your dog. The national average for boarding your dog is between $30 to $50 a night, according to Paoli Vetcare in Paoli, PA. The nightly cost usually includes letting the dogs out several times “to go potty,” feeding them, and a clean enclosure.
The catch is the extra fees. Some kennels, charge extra fees for individual playtime, administering medicine, and putting on a ThunderShirt for an impending storm. It just depends on the kennel. Some kennels provide TVs in luxury dog suites so the dogs have familiar sounds like when they are at home. It’s all about what gives you peace of mind so your pup is cared for while you enjoy your vacation.
Additional Services
Many pet boarding facilities offer a variety of services so your dog can get used to visiting the location long before staying for an extended visit. These services often can be done while your boarding pet stays at the facility, too. Services include grooming, baths, veterinarian care, and training. More and more pet boarding facilities are offering doggy daycare, too.
A&E Pet Resort, a family-owned kennel where the owners live on-site, offers doggy daycare, full-service baths (nails, ears, and blow-dry) chiropractic care for the animals, and non-sedation dental cleaning, and training.
Alternatives to Pet Boarding in Kennels
If you are looking for alternatives to pet boarding facilities, websites like Rover and Care.com will connect you to dog sitters, house sitters, dog walkers, and dog trainers in your area. Some people are not comfortable boarding at kennels. Oftentimes, pet sitters/house sitters are preferred when a family has multiple animals like a dog, a cat, a bearded dragon, and backyard chickens – all of which need care when the family is away on vacation. Sometimes, a family needs to travel and their pet is older and requires a bit more personalized care – a pet sitter is perfect in that situation.
Finding Pet Boarding Options for Cats, Rabbits, Lizards, etc…
Oftentimes, it is difficult to find pet boarding options for pets other than dogs. Some kennels to board cats. You just have to do a bit of research in your area. Some veterinarians and groomers board dogs and cats.
Read More: Double the Cuteness by Adding a 2nd Pet Bunny to Your Family
It’s one of those things to make sure you consider when getting a pet – who will watch him when you are away? Trustworthy neighbors and teenagers are great for taking care of cats, rabbits, and reptiles. Some family-owned pet stores even board reptiles and small animals.
Finding a pet boarding facility that you trust will give you peace of mind. Have your pup try out the doggy daycare, grooming services, or just a one or two-night stay at the kennel before you book a two-week vacation for yourself. It is important for your furry friend to build a relationship with the owners of the pet boarding facility. It also is important if your dog has never been boarded for him to see that you are coming back. Once you and your pup have a pet boarding facility or pet sitter that you know and trust, you can enjoy your vacations knowing that your dog is safe, loved, and having a good time, too.
Sources: Rover, Care.com, Paoli Vetcare.
Photo Credits: Pexels, Pixabay, Unsplash, A&E Pet Resort.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out Daily Mom’s article, The Best Family Dogs and What to Know Before You Buy, for more family vacation ideas.
💖 NEWSLETTER: DAILY READS IN YOUR INBOX 💖
Sign up to receive our picks for the best things to do, see and buy so you can relax and focus on more important tasks! Let us help you be the best version of yourself you can be!
GET MORE FROM DAILY MOM, PARENTS PORTAL
Newsletter: Daily Mom delivered to you
Facebook: @DailyMomOfficial
Instagram: @DailyMomOfficial | @DailyMomTravel
YouTube: @DailyMomVideos
Pinterest: @DailyMomOfficial
📌 LOVE IT? PIN IT!📌
