Do you have a furry friend who needs to be looked after while you’re at work?
Are you planning on going away for the holidays and need someone to watch over your cat or dog?
If so, then this blog post is for you! Read on for our list of pet daycare tips.
What to look for in a pet day care
When finding a pet daycare you can trust, the same guidelines apply when choosing a child care centre.
Your pets are just as sensitive to uncomfortable or unclean conditions, so be sure that the facility is clean and well-maintained.
You don’t want to leave your pet anywhere that they may get sick!
Additionally, make sure that any staff members who care for your animals are properly trained to handle pets and know how to deal with bite wounds.
Make sure that the facility has a plan in place for pets who have been bitten.
What to bring with you when dropping your pet off
When you drop off your pet at daycare, make sure you’re prepared with all of the information the staff will need.
You’ll want to give them.
Dog identification
A current photo (or description) of your pet, including their height and weight
Any medical information you have on your pet
i.e. allergies or an illness that may require special care
What they can be fed
Anything unusual about your pet – what makes them comfortable/not comfortable?
Who to contact in case of an emergency
It’s also helpful if you leave a list of any medications your pet is currently taking.
How to find the right one.
There are several things to look for when choosing the right daycare or boarding facility.
Location.
You’ll want to see that the facilities are located in a safe area and that they use appropriate safety measures like secure fencing.
You’ll want to see that the facilities are located in a safe area and that they use appropriate safety measures like secure fencing.
Staff expertise.
Make sure the staff are familiar with common pet issues (like allergies and injuries), so they can adequately treat your dog or cat if something happens.
Common pet issues
Make sure the staff are familiar with common pet issues (like allergies and injuries), so they can adequately treat your dog or cat if something happens.
Cleanliness.
A clean facility is a healthy one! Make sure that the place you choose for looking after your pet is up to your standards.
A clean facility is a healthy one! Make sure that the place you choose for looking after your pet is up to your standards.
Activities.
You’re looking for a daycare that will provide your pet with plenty of exercise and attention! If you have any concerns.
It’s always okay to ask questions about their activities.
You’re looking for a daycare that will provide your pet with plenty of exercise and attention!
If you have any concerns, it’s always okay to ask questions about their activities.
Cost and payment options.
Make sure you know exactly what it will cost to board your pet with them, as well as what they accept as forms of payment.
We hope these tips help you find an excellent place for your pet!
Remember, the most important thing is that your dog or cat will be in good hands while you’re out.
What you should know about boarding your dog.
When it comes to boarding your dog, there are a few things that you need to know.
Here’s our list of dog boarding tips:
1. Are they licensed and insured?
Look for dog boarding facilities that your local government licenses.
You should also make sure that the facility is insured.
That way, if anything happens, you know that the people taking care of your dog will be covered.
2. Do they have a play area?
As you search for dog boarding facilities, look for an outdoor area where the dogs can run and play.
This will help ensure that your dog will be active while they’re in the care of others.
3. Are there other pets around?
If you have a dog who is not good with other dogs, you must find a place to be separated from the rest of the pack while he stays at the facility.
If that isn’t possible, an extended stay might not be the best option for your dog.
4. Does the facility include any extras?
If you travel on business often (or find yourself away from home often), consider boarding your dog at a place that provides other services like bathing or grooming.
That way, when you return and pick up your pet, they’ll be fresh and clean.
Tips on choosing a vet near you.
We know it can be hard to find a vet near you.
After all, sometimes the added pressure of needing an appointment quickly when your pet becomes ill – or even worse, has an emergency!
Here are some tips you should consider as you search for veterinary clinics in your area:
1. Ask your friends and family members for recommendations.
If you already have a veterinarian, ask them for recommendations about other clinics in your area or just a referral if they’re better equipped to handle your pet’s needs than they are.
This will also help out your regular vet, who may appreciate the added business!
2. Use online resources and ratings to find veterinarians near me.
Use sites like Yelp!
Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau to see what others in your area have said about local clinics.
That way, you can quickly spot any red flags.
(like a high number of bad reviews on one business) before ever stepping foot in the door.
3. Visit each clinic, or at least call ahead.
When you visit a veterinary clinic that seems like a good fit for your needs, remember to ask plenty of questions and do some research on your own about any red flags or concerns you may have.
You also want to make sure they are correctly licensed and insured.
And finally, after you’ve narrowed it down to your top pick or two, always call ahead and ask for a quote.
Ensure they include everything in their cost that will apply to your pet’s treatment, so there are no surprises (such as an add-on fee) when you get ready to pay.
4. Ask about pet health plans.
Many veterinary clinics offer pet health care plans, which can take some of the stress of unexpected vet bills off your shoulders.
Ask the clinic you’re thinking about visiting if they have such a plan and what it covers to ensure it carries the right amount of coverage for your needs.
Things to consider before getting a dog or cat.
When you’re ready to add a new pet to the family, there are several things you’ll want to consider, not only from a health standpoint but from a financial one, too.
Here are some things to think about as you search for the right pet:
1. Do I have enough time to care for a pet?
Even though dogs have been known to “hold it” in the house if they’re not taken outside regularly, they shouldn’t be left in the place for very long without someone to watch them.
Cats are more independent, but they’ll need lots of love and attention, too. Many prospective pet owners underestimate the amount of time it takes to care for a pet properly.
Are you willing and able to provide that care?
2. Can I afford a pet?
If you’ve done some research on the cost of maintaining pets, then this question probably won’t come as much of a surprise.
And yet, some people overlook the cost. A dog can cost you $600 or more per year for just food and care.
A cat can cost up to $200 per year.
3. Is my apartment pet-friendly?
4. Will I be able to get flea treatment for my new pet?
If you don’t take the time to check this, it can become a huge problem.
Fleas on your pet have the potential of becoming fleas in your house – and who can transfer those fleas to you or other pets in the household.
Make sure you can get an effective treatment before bringing home a new pet!
Conclusion
You’ve just read six different blog posts on what to consider before getting a dog or cat.
It would be best if you thought about so many things, and the last thing you want is for your pet to be unhappy because of something that could have been prevented with some research beforehand.
We hope this list helps! Let us know if there’s anything else we can do to help!
