We all love going on holiday but when members of your family are pets it can be very daunting going away and leaving them behind. Before deciding on whether a kennels or cattery is the right solution, here are 7 questions to ask yourself first to help you make the right decision;
1. Is my pet healthy enough to stay in a kennels or cattery?
First of all, start by asking your vet this question. If they say no, ask them if they can suggest a suitable alterative for your pet. If your pet has a preexisting condition requiring medication, so long as it’s not contagious, your vet may still say yes. However, you then must discuss this at the time of booking as every kennel and cattery will have different rules around this. Some might say yes while others will say no.
2. Is my pet up to date with all necessary vaccinations?
All licensed and insured kennels and catteries have a legal requirement to only accept pets on their premises who arrive with a valid vaccination certificate. This is to show that they are fully vaccinated for the duration of their stay. If you are not willing to keep your pet fully vaccinated for personal reasons or if you have to go away at short notice and they are out of date, then you will have to find a suitable alterative where vaccinations are not compulsory.
3. Is my pet too young to be boarded at a kennels or cattery?
Like medication, each kennel or cattery will have their own rules when it comes to age. When it comes to young pets, they have to have completed all of their vaccination boosters first which will dictate the earliest they are allowed to go. Once they have completed their vaccinations some places will accept them right away. Others state that they will have to be at least 4 months, 6 months or even a year old so you always need to check first.
4. Is my pet too old to be boarded at a kennels or cattery?
Technically, there are no age limits so long as they are still fully vaccinated. If your pet is still fit and in good health and has stayed in kennels before then there is no reason to stop if they are happy going there. Some places will have age limits especially for new boarders. If your cat or dog is old and has never stayed in a cattery or kennels before then it’s probably not a good time to start as it’s not worth the risk to their health.
5. Does my dog have a suitable temperament to stay at a kennels?
If your dog (especially if it’s a large breed) is likely to bite or attack strangers, then you would be taking a big risk sending them to a kennels. Not only will the people looking after your dog be in danger entering a small space with your dog, but your dog’s well-being will be put a risk as they need to be handled regularly to be looked after properly. Instead, you would need to look for a place that specializes in difficult behavior training.
6. Do I have a friend or family member experienced enough to look after my pet?
Often, the best person to look after your pet is a trusted friend or family member. However, this is not always possible if your pet needs someone more experienced to look after them for behaviour, health or special diet reasons. Also, if you plan on going away a lot as a family, then there may be no one suitable left at home. Some rescue pets are often happier at a boarding facility than at a different house because they are already used to the kennels/cattery environment and need someone experienced to handle them.
7. Do you have the right personality to cope with leaving your pet at a kennels or cattery?
At the end of the day, there are no guarantee’s no matter who looks after your pet while you are away. You know your pet best and your own tolerance for risk. If you can’t bear the thought of something happening to your pet in your absence, then it is unlikely you will enjoy your holiday anyway. You’d be better to stay at home with them or take them on holiday with you.
