If you have dogs or cats at home, leaving town for any length of time probably means relying on a pet boarding service to take care of them. It’s never easy to leave your furry family member behind, but this is often the best choice when traveling a long distance away. Whether it’s your first time boarding your pet or they’ve gone before and suffered from separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to make their experience more pleasant and comfortable.

Here are a few tips for helping your pet feel at home despite your absence:

• Choose the Right Facility: The first thing you must do is find the right pet boarding facility. They don’t all offer the same level of service or have caring, attentive staff members who will treat your dog or cat just like their own. Take into consideration how clean the environment is, whether there is a veterinarian on-call to handle medical problems, if they supply socialization and exercise opportunities, and how knowledgeable their staff is.
• Socialize Your Dog Ahead of Time: Socializing with other animals is often a large part of the pet boarding process. If your pet hasn’t had much exposure to other dogs or cats, it is beneficial to have them socialize before abruptly putting them in a new setting with many unfamiliar faces, noises, and smells. Taking them to the dog park or participating in training classes will help.
• Bring Your Pet’s Own Food & Belongings: Even if the facility you select provides food during your pet’s stay, it’s a good idea to bring their food. A sudden change in diet can lead to a host of problems. It’s also important to ask the staff to maintain their mealtime routine and prepare their food in the same manner they’re used to at home. In addition, if they have a certain toy or blanket they’re attached to, you can bring that for comfort.
• Make Your Pet’s Medical Records Accessible: In the off chance your pet requires medical attention while you’re gone, it’s essential that the facility has records on hand for reference. This will ensure they know your pet’s medical history before administering any medications or performing emergency procedures. If the boarding facility you select is within your own veterinary hospital, just double-check that they have access to these records.

The more you prepare your dog or cat for pet boarding, the better their overall experience will be. The professionals at Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital are committed to making sure animals feel safe and loved during their overnight stays at both of their high-quality facilities in Columbia, MO. Contact them at (573) 449-7387 or (573) 449-3791 to schedule a walk-through, and visit them online for additional information.