Tips for Boarding Your Dog Over the Holidays

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are upon us. Halloween is a thing of the past, and in a few short weeks, it will be time to put out the turkey and all the trimmings. If your holiday plans involve travel and your four-legged friend can’t make the voyage, chances are you will be boarding your pup. This can be an anxiety-inducing experience for both pets and their owners, but with a little bit of preparation, you both can enjoy your time away from one another.

If you have a dog boarding facility that you frequent, great! But if you’re looking for a place for your pooch to call home, keep these few questions in mind as you search for the perfect place.

• What is the staff to dog ratio? Ideally, your boarding facility will have one staff member for every 10 – 15 dogs.
• How are the staff members trained?
• In the event of a medical emergency, how does your boarding facility handle it? Are there medical personnel on staff? Or can your pup see his regular veterinarian?
• What is the frequency with which dogs are exercised?
• Do dogs sleep in cages, and if not, what are the sleeping arrangements?
• Is there an outdoor play area for your pooch? If so, how is it secured? And if not, are animals taken on leashed walks to get some outside time?

Once you’ve settled on a boarding facility, keep in mind that you will need to be prepared to drop off your dog while you’re hectically trying to get ready for your own trip. As such, here are some additional things to keep in mind:

Up-To-Date Vaccinations: Most boarding facilities will require that your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations, so make an appointment with your vet long before it’s time for their drop-off.

Leave Any Favorites At Home: Your pet’s favorite blanket or toy should stay at home. While it might make their stay more enjoyable, these types of things can easily go missing during playtime or cleaning.

If you’re looking for a home away from home for your dog in St. Louis, please contact us. We’d love to offer your pooch a first-class daycare experience! Baxter’s K9 Complex is located just off the Page Extension (MO-364), just five minutes from 270 and Page Avenue!