A guide to Kennels and Catteries

A guide to Kennels and Catteries

A retriever dog waiting for his walk

If you and your pets are having different holidays it can be stressful for you both when it comes time to say a temporary goodbye. To minimise the stress and maximise the enjoyment follow these top tips for ensuring your furry friends have a worry-free, fun-filled time at the cattery or kennel.

Allow plenty of time to book your pet’s place in kennels or cattery as places are limited and will likely become booked up early, especially for peak holiday times.
Ask to visit the kennel or cattery before you book, this will give you peace of mind that you have made the right choice in picking a facility to suit the needs of both you and your pet.
Be sure to check the vaccination and documentation requirements that your chosen kennel/cattery may have when you book your pet’s holiday. This will ensure you have plenty of time to get everything in order and hopefully help avoid any last minute pet accommodation panic!
Provide the kennels/cattery with your pet’s favourite toys/blankets, these can help your pet acclimatise to unfamiliar surroundings and reduce stress.

A long hair cat playing with his toy

If you have a pet that requires regular medication, make sure that you provide the kennels/cattery with enough to last at least the duration of the stay (and preferably provide extra in-case of medicating mishaps or unanticipated delays in picking up your pet).
Make sure that the kennels/cattery has your veterinary surgeon’s contact details and that you have given your vet notice that you are happy for the kennels/cattery staff to bring your pet for treatment, if required, in your absence.
Ensure you provide the kennels/cattery with enough of your pet’s regular food to last the duration of their stay (and a little bit extra to cover unexpected delays). This will help reduce the risk of your pet suffering from digestive upsets.
You can also speak to your vet about adding probiotics and prebiotics to your pet’s diet to help support their normal gut function which can easily get disrupted by the excitement of being in a new environment - not surprising with all of those new smells and new people to play with!