Worrying about the happiness and comfort of your pet while you take some much needed time to de-stress and recharge batteries is normal. Taking a vacation is an essential part of maintaining a great quality of life. Being away from our canine and feline companions can add to the stress of that vacation – making what should be a relaxing experience into one filled with anxiety.
However, arranging boarding for your pet need not conjure up images of bare concrete floors, loveless days and substandard food. There are animal hospitals and specialist providers who go that extra mile to provide a hotel and spa for pets – where they will enjoy the same stress-free experience as you will during your vacation.
So how do you make sure that the hotel and spa for pets that you select has everything that your furry companion would require to enjoy the time away from home?
Firstly, the hotel and spa for pets facility must be modern and designed to ensure the comfort of the pet. But as important as the facilities itself is the attitude of those who manage and staff the hotel and spa for pets. Your (and your pet) need the assurance that the professionals who will be providing care and companionship during the time that you are separated understand that special bond of companionship that you share with your pet – and the central role that a pet plays in your life. Talk to them – and talk to others who have used the services of the hotel and spa for pets that you have selected.
Once you have done that and have a certain peace of mind, there are other hotel and spa for pets services that you need to ensure are in place at the boarding facility.
Make sure that the hotel and spa for pets has a pest control plan in place. Ideally, your pet should be supplied with a medication that prevents flea infestation – as should all the pets in the facility. Next, take a walk through the hotel and spa for pets. Is it clean, is the bedding of great quality? Are there places where the pet can exercise? Ask to see the food that your pet will be fed while you are away. Does it meet the accepted requirements as far as a quality diet is concerned? Are there a variety of ‘suites’ available in different sizes so that your pet can really stretch out and feel at home. There should also be a number of packages with various degrees of luxury – aside from the core requirements listed here.
Find out how often housekeeping visits the enclosure that your pet will be calling a temporary home. It should be at least daily -and the bedding should be washed each day and supplied on a rotational basis. Add ons like soothing music and the human touch with some petting and plenty of love should be part of the hotel and spa for pets packages.
Have a chat to the professionals who will be taking care of your pet – this will ensure that when you return from your travels you will be relaxed and ready to enjoy their company once again – and so will they.
