Every pet owner knows their furry friends are much more than just animals; they’re family. So, when disaster strikes or an unforeseen emergency makes caring for your pet impossible, it’s essential to have a safe, reliable plan in place for your pets. In these instances, pet boarding can prove invaluable. Still, deciding to send your pet to a boarding facility during an emergency can be a tough choice. The key is understanding what boarding can offer, identifying the right timing, and choosing the right facility.
Whether it’s a natural disaster or home emergency, prepping your pet and understanding the resuming process post-boarding can be instrumental to helping both you and your pet navigate through difficult times. This article explores when and why to consider pet boarding during emergencies.
What is Pet Boarding?
Pet boarding is a service that offers safe and secure accommodations for pets when their owners cannot care for them temporarily. Depending on the need, this can range from an overnight stay to a few weeks.
Benefits of Pet Boarding
Pet boarding offers numerous perks, including:
- Security and Safety: Pet boarding facilities are designed to provide a secure environment for your pets.
- Constant Care: Your pet is under constant supervision and receives dedicated care.
- Comprehensive Care: Everything is taken care of, from feeding to cleaning and medical checks.
- Socializing Opportunities: Your pets also get to interact with other pets.
When to Consider Pet Boarding During an Emergency
Emergencies come unannounced and can leave you confused and worried about your pet’s well-being.
Natural Disasters
Emergency pet boarding can be a lifesaver during natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. It offers a secure environment away from the disaster zone, reducing potential risks to your pets. Some pet boarding services, such as those in an animal hospital in Turlock, CA, even have a built-in veterinary hospital for emergencies. This ensures that your pet gets immediate medical attention if needed.
Home Emergencies
When we think of pet emergencies, we often jump to situations like natural disasters. It can be easy to forget that emergencies can occur in our homes and affect our pets’ welfare equally. Here are some examples of home emergencies when considering pet boarding could be crucial:
- House Renovations: Major renovation work can create a chaotic and potentially hazardous pet environment. Loud noises, unfamiliar people, and dangerous equipment or materials can induce anxiety in pets or harm their well-being. During such instances, boarding your pet ensures they are elsewhere, safe and stress-free.
- Pest Infestations: Having a pest issue at home and requiring fumigation is not an ideal environment for your pets. The chemicals used can be harmful to them. In these cases, boarding your pet for a few days until your home is safe for them to return is your best option.
- Plumbing or Electrical Issues: Instances like serious water leaks and major electrical repairs mean your home can be unsafe for pets. A pet boarding facility can offer a safer alternative if the repairs indicate substantial work where your pet may risk injury or stress.
- Fire/Smoke Damage: In the unfortunate event of a fire, even after the danger is controlled, your home might be filled with distressing smoke smell or bear fire damage, making it an unsafe and unsettling space for pets. Professional fire cleanup could take days, during which pet boarding provides a secure place for your pet.
Choosing a Reliable Pet Boarding Service in Emergencies
Choosing a reliable pet boarding service during emergencies is critical. Below are some aspects to consider:
Evaluating a Pet Boarding Facility
Before selecting a boarding facility, assess it based on the following:
- Physical Parameters: Check for sufficient outdoor space, cleanliness, temperature control, and secure gating.
- Care Services: Review feeding schedules, types of food offered, and the availability of veterinary care.
- Staff: Ensure the staff is professionally trained and there are enough members to cater to all pets.
Services such as dog boarding in Turlock are examples of well-equipped pet boarding facilities.
Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Boarding Facility
Knowing the right questions to ask can save you from unforeseen problems.
- What are the policies and procedures during emergencies?
- What accommodations do they provide for special needs pets?
- What additional services do they offer, such as exercise and grooming routines?
To learn more about these and other features, directly consult with boarding facilities like Emergency Vet, which offer comprehensive services.
Verification of Credentials
Finally, verifying the credentials of a pet boarding service ensures its legitimacy and reliability during emergencies.
Preparing Your Pet for Boarding
If an emergency strikes, a well-prepared pet can cope better with the changes. Remember the following tips for preparing your pet for boarding:
Health Checks and Vaccinations
A comprehensive health check-up by a vet and the necessary vaccinations can help keep your pet safe during its boarding period.
Socializing Your Pet
Your pet needs to be comfortable around others. Gradual introduction to a boarding setting can help reduce anxiety.
Providing Comfortable Items
Don’t forget to pack their favorite toy or blanket. Familiar items can contribute to making their stay more comfortable.
Post Emergency: Reuniting with Your Pet
Picking up your pet after the emergency subsides is filled with relief and joy. However, adjustments will be needed.
Regaining Normalcy
Give it time. Regular schedules and familiar routines can help your pet adjust faster post-boarding.
Maintaining A Relationship With the Boarding Facility
Having strong ties with your pet boarding service can prove beneficial for future emergencies. Be sure to keep the channel of communication open.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, being prepared for emergencies as a pet owner is not just about having disaster plans for humans. It includes considering the welfare of your beloved pets, too. In an emergency, the best you can do for your pet, besides providing love and care, is to ensure their safety and comfort. Pet boarding can be a valuable option. We’ve covered everything from knowing when to consider it, selecting a reliable service, and preparing your pet for the experience.
