Your Pets’ Home Away from Home

Excitement looms as your holiday or business trip draws to a near, but with that comes an overwhelming sense of anxiety as you worry about what to do with your treasured pet whilst you’re gone. Luckily, pet kenneling has come a long way since the times of cold, sterile spaces that kept our angels locked up in menial steel cages and concrete runs, with lack of human affection and socialisation with their fellow furry counterparts for weeks at a time. Some kennels may still follow this model, but there is a plethora of modern pet boarding facilities available that seem to outperform even a pet parent’s highest expectations.

With the vast choices available nowadays, it can be quite overwhelming to make a decision, so we’ve put together for you some tips on what to look for in a boarding facility as well as a few options around South Africa that come highly recommended by our Infurmation followers and veterinarians.

Pros of New Age Pet Boarding

• Most are comparable to pet hotels offering superior services and comforts for your fur baby.
• They are run by professional and accomplished staff members who are animal lovers themselves and are qualified to deal with different breeds, personalities and training.
• They provide round-the-clock care and supervision for your pet, which also means you can call to check in at any time of the day or night.
• They offer an environment similar to that of which your pet is accustomed.
• They provide bespoke services such as considering dietary requirements, treats, medication, adhering to specific routines, interacting with and exercising your fur child as per your unique instructions.
• They are responsible with regards to their acceptance policies. They usually require an initial interview with the pet and owners prior to boarding to assess that the pet’s personality and behavioural traits are well-suited to their facility. For example, if the pooch in question exhibits aggressive tendencies, they will likely be turned away as the facility doesn’t want to risk any injuries or harm to other pets or staff members on the premises. Similarly, pets not up-to-date with vaccinations and proof thereof, will be refused acceptance to prevent the risk of spreading or contracting an illness.
• They give pet parents peace of mind, knowing they are enclosed within a secured area and if they do slip past a staff member on duty, they are still fenced in by an outer wall.
• Most reputable new age boarding homes offer grooming and training services as well as daily socialisation sessions with fellow fur boarders and humans. This alleviates their anxiety levels and stimulates them physically and mentally, preventing any chance of them becoming bored and potentially destructive.
• Although the new environment may be unsettling at first, reputable boarding homes will offer specially designed daily routines, quality food, regular exercise and a warm, cosy place to sleep that will have your fur child feeling right at home in no time.

 Cons of New Age Pet Boarding

• Being able to trust another person to care for your fuzzy friend on the same level as you do, is a challenging bridge to cross but with thorough research on your part along with positive recommendations from friends, family and social media groups, you are bound to find a reputable, temporary option for your loved one. Animal lovers are exceptionally passionate, honest and verbal about service experiences concerning their fur children, so be sure to check the comments section before making a decision on a facility.
• While most boarding homes insist that all boarders have proof of up-to-date vaccinations, the risk of your pet contracting an illness in a boarding home is sometimes unavoidable. Kennel cough is highly contagious and typically occurs in a gathering of dogs so ensure your pooch is immunised against it.
• Not all pets are suited to a boarding setting and would fare better in their familiar home environment. Take their personality into consideration. As their parent, you will know what is best for them.
• Boarding facilities, especially top of the range ones, cost a pretty penny but you can weigh up the cost-benefit ratio of having a friend or relative pop in and check on your pet every now again, which will obviously be far less costly, but consider if this is right alternative for your pet.

Criteria to Consider

With such a selection out there, it’s best to ask for recommendations from either your veterinarian, reputable animal trainers or someone who’s experienced the facility first-hand. If you are unable to source reliable references, consider the following questions:

• Is the facility in possession of a valid certification, accreditation, quality assurance or awards?
• Acquire references of people who have previously used the facility and give them a call for honest feedback.
• Inspect the kennel in person and don’t be shy to ask as many questions that come to mind as your fur baby’s wellbeing is at stake here.
• Inspect the facilities where pets are housed. Are they well ventilated, clean and welcoming? Is water readily accessible? Are the facilities weather resistant? Is there a good proportion of shade and sun? Is there ample space for them to comfortably stretch their legs in and if they wish, stand up on their hind limbs?
• Is there a large exercise area with grass and enough space for them to run around in?
• How often do they get to run around versus staying in their cage?
• Is there 24-hours security and pet supervision?
• Are the staff friendly, well mannered and presented? How do they interact with the pets that are currently boarding there? Are the number of staff members sufficient for the number of pets accommodated at one time?
• Is there an on-site or nearby animal medical facility in case of an emergency?
• Enquire about additional charges, such as walks, play time or special dietary requirements your pet may need.

Preparing for your Pet’s Stay

• Pack any medications your pet is currently taking with written instructions of dosages and administration thereof. If your pet is highly strung, bring along some calming pills with instructions. This is especially important over thunderstorm or festive seasons when fireworks are expected.
• Bring along vaccination records and any other pertinent medical information that may be required.
• Pack any items of theirs that will provide them with the comfort of home, such as their favourite toy, blanket or even a shirt with your scent on it.
• Notify staff members of any habits, fears, likes or dislikes they may have, so they are better understood by their temporary caregivers.
• Give your bundle of fur a strong dip before their stay to keep ticks and fleas at bay.

Highly-Recommended Pet Boarding Homes Around South Africa

Cape Town

• Camelot – Ottery
• Purrmore Cattery – Tokai
• Frits Dog Hotel – Cape Town City Centre
• Karen’s Kitty Kingdom – Pinelands –
• Withycombe Boutique Cattery – Constantia

Gauteng

• Must Love Dogs – Fourways
• Fluffs-n-Tufts – Bryanston
• Sandton Cat Lodge – Sandton
• Puppy Palace Daycare – Parkmore
• Farm Girls – Chartwell
• Cattery on the Hill – Rispark
• Menlyn kennels – Rietfontein – Pretoria

Kwazulu Natal

• Ralun Kennels and Cattery – Pinetown
• Paws for Thought – Dolphin Coast

East London

• Paws and Claws

Port Elizabeth

• In Good Hands
• Sardinia Kennels

Please note: While these boarding facilities come highly recommended by fellow pet parents and veterinarians, it’s vital to conduct your own research before entrusting your pet to anyone, regardless of the reviews a facility may have acquired.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson