Is Your Best Friend Ready for Summer Vacation?

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer vacation season. In the flurry of booking flights, hotels and car rentals for themselves, many vacationers forget to plan the family pet's vacation.

Step 1: Make a reservation

Book your pet's boarding stay as soon as possible. Summer is the busiest season for boarding, and many kennels fill up early.

If you've never boarded your pet before, be sure to visit the facility and ask questions. Just stop in during regular business hours and ask for a tour. (If you are told you must make an appointment, be wary: the staff may have something to hide.)

Step 2: Prepare your pet

Making reservations isn't all you need to do. To get your pet ready:

• Update vaccinations. A top-quality kennel will require proof that they are up-to-date. Take your pet to the veterinarian one to two weeks in advance of your departure date.
• Purchase a supply of pet medication and special food (if any). Be sure to include an extra day or two, just in case you are delayed returning from your travels.
• Pack a familiar toy for your pet's stay, but don't bring his favorite in case of possible loss.
• Prepare a list of contacts. Include your veterinarian's phone number, your contact information at your vacation destination, and a local contact to serve as your "backup" in an emergency if you can't be reached.

Step 3: Enjoy your vacation

When you deliver your pet to the boarding kennel, give him an affectionate good-bye and leave. Don't cause a prolonged farewell scene, which will only create anxiety for your pet. Instead, use a happy tone of voice as you turn him over to the staff and he will feel reassured.

If this is your pet's first time boarding and you are anxious about how he will do, make arrangements with the kennel staff to call and check in. A quality kennel will understand that pets are part of the family and will be happy to take a call from a worried pet parent.

To make boarding a bit easier for first time clients, Best Friends has instituted a special "first night free" program. Check with your local Best Friends center for details.

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