There are a few different options for pet care if you are planning on going away such as hiring a pet sitter or using pet boarding services. There is also the chance that your pet may require veterinary care and consistent monitoring, in which case medical pet boarding is available. Today, our Kingman vets discuss medical pet boarding, how it differs from others options and when you might need it.
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 a service where you take your pets to be taken care of. You may be more familiar with the other pet boarding name, a kennel. 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.
While locations may allow toys and bedding from home for pets under normal boarding circumstances they may or may not allow it for the pet that is being medically boarded, for the reason of keeping the environment hygienic. Double-check the specifics of the policies on medical boarding at your chosen boarding facility.
You will be expected to bring any medication your pets in currently prescribed as well as your pet's food if it has been prescribed by a vet.
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.