If you plan on going away and you can't take your pet with you, you might be wondering what your options are in terms of where to leave your companion overnight, especially if they have health issues. Here, our Union City vets explain what medical pet boarding is and how it is beneficial.
What To Do With Your Pet When You Go Away
If you are planning on spending some time away from home then you will need to ensure that your pet is adequately cared for. There are 3 standard categories of pet care: sitting, pet boarding, and medical pet boarding.
Hiring a Pet Sitter While You Are Gone
The best way to think of a pet sitter is to think of them as a sort of babysitter but for your pet instead of a human child. Your pet sitter can be a professional that your hire or a friend or family member. The level of service from a pet server can vary. The primary role of a sitter is to have to check on your pet periodically and dispense food, take care of their bathroom breaks, and provide social playtime.
Pet Boarding For More Consistent Care
Pet boarding is an option to leave your pets with your vet overnight at a facility designed to keep them safe and comfortable. They are also sometimes called "kennels."
In recent years the level of service available has increased significantly. Some places are bare bones and will take care of the essential needs of your pet, while others are more like going to summer camp with a range of activities to keep them occupied, and others are more like spas for pets to be pampered to their heart's content. Since service can vary we recommend that pet owners check out any facility to make sure it is where they would like to leave their pet.
Medical Pet Boarding If Your Pet Requires Veterinary Care
Medical pet boarding is similar to normal pet boarding with an added perk. Your pet will be supervised by our expert veterinarians and nurses, who will administer medications and watch over them closely. Any required medications will be administered to your pet on the same schedule they are used to at home
When Does My Pet Need Medical Boarding?
Medical pet boarding is highly recommended for pets with pre-existing conditions, extremely young pets, and senior pets.
Medical boarding is for pets that may need extra care or have existing medical conditions. A pet sitter or standard boarding facility may not be trained in the proper way to administer medications, especially if it involves needles. This is a major advantage of medical boarding; the staff is trained professionals that can understand your pet's medical history and give medication and adjust doses if there are issues. They also know what symptoms to watch for based on your pet's medical condition/history.
Requirements for Medical Pet Boarding
Most regular pet boarding requires that the pet being boarded is vaccinated with a list of required vaccines. They will also state whether or not you are allowed to bring toys, bedding, or food for your pet. With most medical boarding the rule still holds for the vaccination requirement but double-check with them to see what their policy for vaccination is for pets being medically boarded.
If your pet is currently being prescribed any medication, your vet will expect you to bring it in with you at the time of boarding.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.