Man’s Best Friend is more than just a pet. He’s part of the family! Unfortunately, we can’t take our canine buddies everywhere with us. Sooner or later, you’ll likely have to board your dog. While many people only board their pooches when they go out of town, there are some other times that you may find it helpful to put Fido in a kennel, such as for weddings, births, or funerals; on moving day; and when having medical procedures done. In this article, a Plano, TX vet offers some tips to help the process go more smoothly.

Paperwork

Avoid any kennel that doesn’t require proof of your pup’s vaccinations. The only exception to this is if you’re boarding with your vet, as they would already have Fido’s information. You’ll also want to carefully read the kennel’s policies, including their standard procedure for contacting you. Some kennels may only call you in an emergency, while others may call for minor questions. Make sure that your contact information is correct and up to date.

Special Instructions

It’s important to write down any special instructions. Don’t rely on word of mouth. You don’t need to be elaborate here: the kennel staff probably doesn’t need to know that Fido regularly lets the cat bully him. They would, however, benefit from knowing that he’s terrified of thunderstorms, or that he’s allergic to dust.

Trial Run

Before leaving your four-legged buddy in a kennel for an extended stay, let him experience an overnight visit. This will allow Fido to get familiar with his hotel, which will make being boarded easier for him down the line.

Questions

Ask about the kennel’s policies for bringing in personal items, toys, treats, and food for your canine friend. This will make packing for Fido much easier!

Dropping Fido Off

Try not to feed your furry pal just before bringing him to the kennel. Fido will likely be a bit nervous in his new surroundings, and you don’t want him to have tummy troubles.

Pickup

Find out in advance what the kennel’s hours are for dropping Fido off and picking him up. You don’t want to find out at the last minute that your planned times won’t work! Do you need to board your dog? We can help! Please feel free to contact us, your Plano, TX animal clinic, for all of your pet care needs.