How Can You Help A Nervous Pet Feel More Comfortable Being Boarded?
Traveling with pets can be even more of a challenge than traveling with young children -- and if you're not planning on staying in a pet-friendly location, you may be considering boarding your pet at the vet's office or a kennel. However, if your pet tends to be shy and is reluctant to leave your side, boarding may be a traumatic experience for both of you. How can you help your pet feel more comfortable while being boarded? Read on to learn more about some coping mechanisms that can help ensure your pet has as much fun on his or her "vacation" as you do.
Practice with short trips
If your pet only leaves your home for vet visits and boarding, it's understandable that he or she becomes nervous as soon as you get out the leash or carrier and may be fully panicked by the time you've loaded him or her into your vehicle. By taking your pet on short trips with you, you'll help him or her become acclimated to traveling with you and help avoid any battles that may arise when it comes time to leave.
Once you've conquered any nervousness associated with traveling by car, you may wish to drop your pet off at a friend or relative's house for a short period of time while you run errands. By leaving your pet away from home but returning quickly, you'll be able to reassure your pet that you will always come back after leaving.
Investigate your boarding options
Not all boarders are created equally -- and depending upon your pet's personality and interests, some may be better-suited than others. If your pet enjoys being active outdoors, you may want to look into a boarder that specializes in outdoor play or has a fenced area for pets to romp on their own all day. If your pet tends to feel more secure in private, calm environments, you may want to select a boarder who accepts only cats (or dogs) and has a smaller facility.
To learn more about boarding options, contact a business like Wags and Tails Kennel.
Look into medicinal remedies
Although you may be reluctant to "drug" your animal, there are a number of calming herbs, oils, and medications that can help minimize your pet's fear or apprehension at being boarded. Being stressed for a lengthy period of time isn't good for your pet's health or mental state, so reducing this stress by any means necessary (including mood-altering chemicals) has a positive effect in the long-term.