Are you planning on going away for the holidays? Good for you! Many people take their dogs with them on vacation. However, your pooch may actually be better off staying in a kennel while you’re away. Here, a Des Moines, IA vet discusses some benefits of boarding Fido.

Avoid Travel Mix-ups

While thousands of pets do travel safely each year, unfortunately, there are sometimes incidents where things don’t go smoothly. Also, if your furry friend gets away from you in an unfamiliar place, he may very quickly get completely lost!

Peace Of Mind

Sometimes it’s best to just err on the side of caution. If you know Fido is safe and sound in a kennel, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Personalized Care

Many of our canine patients have specific care needs. Fido may need to take medication, for example. Your furry best friend will be in good hands at a professional kennel, and will get the TLC he needs.

Reduce Stress

Dogs love to explore, but they don’t necessarily understand the concept of travel. Plane rides can be very scary for Fido, especially if he has to ride in the cargo bay. Long car rides can also be taxing. At the end of the day, your pup may just be more comfortable being boarded.

Make It Easy On Your Host

Even though Fido is part of the family, he may not be as welcomed as you are. If your host has other pets, your canine friend may not get along with them. And if you’re staying somewhere without pets, your host may not be thrilled about the smells and fur that come with having a dog around.

Tips

There are some things you can do to make boarding easier on Fido. Before leaving on a long trip, bring your pooch to the kennel for an overnight stay. That way, he’ll already be familiar with his home away from home. We also can’t overstate the importance of choosing a great kennel. Ask your friends, family, and/or vet for recommendations. Last but not least, make sure to read the kennel’s policies and procedures thoroughly. Find out what to pack for your pet, and when you can drop him off and pick him up. Please contact us, your Des Moines, IA vet clinic, anytime. We are here to help!