Our pets are an important part of our family, and we love spending time with them whenever possible. Sometimes, however, we need to leave our pets to fulfill other commitments, whether these be vacations or family events.
The thought of leaving your cherished friend can be a stressful one, which is why it is crucial to find the perfect Houston pet boarding facility for your pet. This will allow you to focus on your time away, without having to worry too much about how your companion is doing. It is natural to feel some apprehension about leaving them but knowing you have chosen the best option for both of you, will help relieve some of that trepidation.
Choosing The Best Boarding Facility in Houston For Your Pet
When you are starting to look for a boarding facility, you will be faced with a lot of options which can seem daunting at first. But with proper research, you can feel safe and secure in your decision on your pet’s home away from home.
The best place to start is with recommendations from those closest to you. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member who has boarded their pet, ask them which kennel or cattery they used, and how happy they were with the service they received. Everyone expects their pet to be treated as a treasured family member, and if their pet did or did not receive 5-star treatment at the boarding facility, they will make sure to relay their experiences to other pet parents. Most kennels and catteries will have reviews on Google or Yelp, and these can be used to help with your decision.
Once you have narrowed your selection to a few pet vacation homes, it is a good idea to contact them and arrange an in-person visit. During that visit, you can tour the facility and see where your fur child will be staying. This will give you a feel for the environment and allow you to see how comfortable the resident pets are. The visit will also allow you to see how well the staff are trained and how they interact with the pets.
It is important to establish that the facility is clean and hygienic. You know how playful pets can get. There may be dirt from muddy paws being tracked in, or cat litter being kicked out of trays, but overall the facility should be clean and well-kept, with the staff taking care to sanitize between handling pets to avoid spreading illness.
If your pet is on any medication, it is vital that your chosen boarding facility can administer the medicine competently. Whichever facility you choose, they should be fully aware of any illnesses or conditions your pet may have.
The Best Boarding Facilities in Houston, TX
1. Rover Oaks
Rover Oaks has been boarding your cherished furry companions since 2001 and has a stunning lakeside location just a few blocks from the NRG stadium. The staff at Rover Oaks are dedicated to providing the best possible care to the pets that have been entrusted to them. They also offer grooming and training services.
2. Meadowlake Pet Resort
Meadowlake Pet Resort has been caring for pet guests since 2009 when its first location opened. Since then they have cared for thousands of pets in their state-of-the-art facility, with the staff treating every resident as if they were a member of their own family. They also have a splash pad as well for your dog to cool down in the Texas heat.
3. Camp BowWow
Camp BowWow has been looking after pets while pet parents are on vacation for over two decades since their center opened in 2000. The staff at Camp BowWow are fully trained to look after your dog and are certified in pet first aid and pet CPR.
4. Nourish Pet Care
Nourish Pet Care has two locations in Houston and is owned by a Vet Tech who has more than 20 years of experience in the veterinary profession. Nourish Pet Care is dedicated to going above and beyond to provide the same care your pet would get in their home.
What To Do Before Dropping Your Pet Off
So, once you have selected the right boarding facility for you and your pet, there are a few things you will want to do.
It is important to check what vaccinations your boarding center will require your pet to have before they go for their mini-break. Your pet may already have had the vaccinations they need, but there is a possibility the kennels may require your pet to be vaccinated for something they previously haven’t been. It is therefore crucial to check your pet’s vaccination status with your veterinarian against the requirements of the boarding facility.
It is also a sensible idea to make sure your pet is up to date with all antiparasitic treatments before they go for their stay. Even the cleanest kennel or cattery can’t always stop fleas from moving around, so it’s best to check your pet is protected.
For complete peace of mind, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a Veterinarian to give your treasured fur baby a full health check before their stay. BetterVet is a mobile vet in Houston, TX that provides the highest quality veterinary care to your pet in their home. Making an appointment is a simple process using our website or app.
What Else Does My Pet Need To Take With Them?
The boarding facility may have rules on what your pet can and cannot take with them, but if they allow it, taking your pet’s favorite bed, toy, or item of clothing that smells like home can help settle them in quickly.
If your cat or dog is on a special diet or takes any medication, make sure they have enough to last the duration of their stay. It is a good idea to include a little extra in case of any mishaps or delays!
It is also vital that your chosen boarding center has your current contact details, the contact details of your vet, and if possible the contact details of a trusted family member or friend who can be contacted if you are unreachable for any reason.
It is also imperative to keep your pet’s microchip details up to date. If the worst case happens and they escape, having the correct contact details attached to the microchip will be vital.
The only thing left to do is to enjoy your vacation knowing your pet is in the best possible hands!
