Many veterinarians have to balance a desire to provide pet boarding services with budgetary constraints, staffing needs and other clinic priorities. Before you set your boarding prices, it’s essential to understand the costs and benefits of offering this service. Most reputable facilities follow structured daily routines to ensure consistency and comfort for boarders. Bringing familiar items like blankets, toys and treats can help pets adjust to their new environment.

Pet Boarding Chico provides a professional, safe and often enriching alternative to dog walks or daily visits from friends. It’s a convenient way for pets to get the love and attention they need while their owners are away, especially during holidays or vacations.
In addition to providing individual housing, pet boarding facilities may offer add-on services like grooming sessions or training programs. They can also arrange for pet-friendly daytime activities and meal service. Some boarding facilities specialize in luxury pet hotels, which offer spacious suites, premium bedding and televisions.
When choosing a facility, make sure to check it out in person before confirming reservations. A reputable boarding business will be happy to let you tour the premises and inspect the accommodations. Look for clean conditions and ample space for each animal. Also ask about daily routines and exercise opportunities. Ideally, a dog or cat will be on a structured schedule and have time to play with other animals, but this isn’t always possible due to space constraints.
If your pet is particularly nervous about boarding, speak with the staff about ways to help them feel at ease. Most boarding establishments will be experienced in dealing with anxious pets and can help them settle in by giving them extra attention, using calming pheromone products or offering anxiety-reducing exercises. They should also be well-versed in handling specialized diets and medications.
It’s also a good idea to bring your pet’s favorite bed or blanket, as this will help them feel more at home during their stay. You should also consider bringing along some toys or comfort items, although it’s important to check with the boarding facility first. Some may have restrictions on personal belongings due to safety or cleanliness concerns.
Before you drop your pet off at the boarding facility, ensure that they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Dogs should be vaccinated against rabies and distemper, while cats should be on heartworm prevention. Make sure your pet has a collar with updated identification information and a contact number for a friend or family member who can reach you in an emergency.
Routines
Keeping your pet’s daily routine intact during boarding is essential for their mental health. Dogs and cats are highly attuned to changes in their environment, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Maintaining regular feeding, playtime and sleep schedules can help keep them calm and content while they are away from home. When choosing a boarding facility, ask about their routine policies and ask how they will accommodate your pet’s normal routine as much as possible.
In addition to maintaining your pet’s daily routine, a quality boarding facility will offer a variety of engaging pet activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation during their stay. Whether your pet enjoys playing with their favorite toy, enjoying a group exercise session or exploring the outdoors, these experiences can make a huge difference in their overall comfort level while they are away from you.
Ask about the facility’s activity options and ask to tour the kennel area before you decide to board your pet. While visiting, observe the number of dogs and cats that are being boarded to ensure that the facility is not overcrowded. Overcrowding can increase the risk of aggression and behavioral issues, which are both difficult to deal with for boarders and staff alike.
The amount of one-on-one attention your pet receives while they are boarding can also make a big difference in their comfort level. Ask about how the boarding facility spends their time with your pet and if they will provide any updates and photos during your pet’s stay.
Lastly, ask about the pet’s health and vaccination status. Most boarding facilities require a recent vet visit and up to date vaccinations for the safety of other boarders as well as your pet. Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date prior to boarding so that you can be confident they will receive the proper care while you are away from home.
Medicine Administration
Pet boarding is the process of leaving your dog or cat at a professionally run establishment while you are away for work, travel, or holiday. Typically, these pet boarding facilities offer individual accommodations for dogs and cats, daytime activities, meals, daily text and email updates, and webcam access so you can see your dog or cat from time to time. Many boarding establishments have staff trained to recognize signs of illness or distress and will seek treatment, if needed, on your behalf. Be sure to provide a list of your pet’s medications, their dosage, and clear instructions for administration. Inquire if the facility has relationships with local veterinarians or on-site medical staff, as this can be important for pets that require special care or have preexisting conditions.
Be sure your pet is up-to-date on all required vaccinations before boarding. Most facilities will require proof of rabies and distemper for dogs, and rabies and FVRCP for cats. It’s also a good idea to have your pet microchipped before boarding, as this can aid in their recovery if they should ever become lost while away from home. Make sure your pet is on a heartworm preventative, too. Missed doses can put them at risk of developing heartworm disease, which is a life-threatening parasite transmitted by mosquitos.
Socialization
Pets are social animals and thrive when interacting with people and other pets. Boarding provides an opportunity for your pet to interact with other pets and people in a safe, supervised environment. This interaction is important for mental stimulation and reducing separation anxiety. Additionally, playing with other pets burns energy and helps your pet stay physically fit. Having access to this type of activity will also prevent the boredom that often leads to behaviors such as chewing or excessive barking.
During boarding, your pet will have structured playtime sessions with other pets and staff. These interactions are supervised to ensure your pet is having a positive experience and will not become aggressive. This is especially important for shy pets who may feel overwhelmed by the presence of other pets. The facility will pair your pet with other pets of similar temperament and provide a schedule that includes regular playtime, rest time and feedings.
When choosing a boarding facility, look for one with low pet-to-caregiver ratios to ensure your pet gets plenty of attention and can get the mental and physical stimulation that they need during their stay. Make sure the boarding facility has a schedule that includes activities such as group playtime, exercise and training classes. Providing your pet with these types of experiences will help them develop confidence and make them more adaptable to new environments and situations, even after their boarding visit ends.
The interaction with other pets and staff during boarding will also help your pet overcome any fears or anxieties they might have about leaving you while traveling. It will help them learn that the boarding facility is not a scary place and that they are in good hands when you return. Pets that are more confident and well-behaved away from their owners are generally more relaxed during veterinary visits, grooming sessions and other routine care activities.
Boarding is an excellent choice for pet parents who travel frequently and want to be sure their pet is well-cared for in their absence. Just be sure that your pet is up-to-date on all their vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, Bordetella) and on parasite control, as well as spayed/neutered.