4 Sad Guilt Myths of Pet Boarding
So what are 4 Sad Guilt Myths of Pet Boarding? There are many, but we will touch on four of them today.
Do you feel guilty whenever you board your pet? Have you actually never boarded your pet out of some deep feeling of guilt?
Despite the fact that there are many wonderful pet boarding facilities in existence today, it is still not unusual for some pet owners to consider that boarding their pet is cruel. I once had a very kind pet owner tell me that she always felt that boarding her dog would be similar to mandating a short prison sentence for him.
In talking with people who have been hesitant to board their pet for the first time, I have found that often they imagine cold, dark, small kennel cages, bugs and other pests running rampant, and ill pets spreading germs and disease. Well fortunately, professional boarding facilities couldn’t be more different from this bleak picture. But being a pet owner myself, I can also understand and relate to “fear of the unknown” that we can have whenever we don’t really know what to expect. So hopefully I can dispel at least some of the misconceptions in this post called 4 Sad Guilt Myths of Pet Boarding.
I think it’s safe to say that no pet owner relishes the idea of spending time away from their home and their pets. However, with the reality of life, there are just various circumstances in life that make this a necessity at some point. It is both your right and your responsibility to ensure that your pet receives the absolute best care possible while you are away, no matter if it be on a vacation or even a work-trip.
Boarding Guilt Myths and Facts
This means that you need to be well-informed about what pet care options are available to you, and then you can make the best possible choice for you and your pet. To that end, it’s time to dispel some of the myths about pet boarding, and learn the facts. And hopefully help you to feel better about leaving your pet at the right place that is best suited for him/her.
Myth #1: My pet will most likely get ill in a boarding facility – 4 Sad Guilt Myths of Pet Boarding
Facts: It’s true that boarding facilities take in multiple pets at a time, and that these pets share many community spaces, play areas, and the like. It’s also true that any pet can potentially become ill in any space at any time just like humans can. However, this does not automatically mean that all pets will get ill at boarding facilities.
First of all, at Sumter Pet Sitters, pet owners are required to present documentation that proves their pet is up-to-date on all required immunizations.
Second of all, the many different spaces of the boarding facility are rigorously and aggressively cleaned on a regular basis, and pets are provided with clean bedding where appropriate.
Third of all, the environment is carefully regulated with good ventilation as well as air conditioning and heating where necessary, to keep it comfortable for pets and less germ-friendly. (Temperatures are monitored on-site & remotely 24/7)
Finally, all boarding pets are carefully supervised around-the-clock throughout their stay so that if any pet has even the slightest symptom of illness or injury it can be immediately addressed and resolved. We feel the safety of all our pet-guests is paramount to all else, and we take both their safety and happiness very seriously.
Myth #2: My pet will be stuck in a cage all the time – 4 Sad Guilt Myths of Pet Boarding
Facts: The kennels that you see at your veterinarian’s office or groomer may indeed be small cages, and your pet may spend a majority of their time at those facilities in that kennel cage, but a boarding facility has a completely different arrangement. Cats may have smaller “condos”, because they are content with this, but if they are friendly and sociable as most cats are, they may have the opportunity to get out and visit with other cats several times a day.
Dogs have larger “runs”, with space to move around and a clean, comfortable bed to relax in. If well socialize and not aggressive, they have lots of “out” time to be with other well-socialized dogs. At Sumter Pet Sitters boarding facility, dogs are taken out every 2-3 hours throughout the day and into the evening to relieve themselves and stretch their legs. And this is in addition to play time and socialization time.
Myth #3: My pet won’t receive the attention and love they need – 4 Sad Guilt Myths of Pet Boarding
Facts: Pet boarding facilities actually provide pets with the opportunity to receive more attention and love than they would in typical pet sitting situations. Boarding facility staff spend time interacting with each pet, not only ensuring that they are healthy and comfortable, but also giving them the much-needed attention and love that they thrive on. Those pets that participate in supervised play time get the additional attention they love from other social, friendly pets as well. We always strive to send pets home “happy and tired”, so that they will be excited to come back whenever the need arises.
Myth #4: My pet will miss me so much they will suffer – 4 Sad Guilt Myths of Pet Boarding
Facts: Your pet will definitely miss you, there is just no arguing that. However, they will not suffer as a result of missing you if they are being cared for at a boarding facility. Chances are that time will actually fly faster for them because they will be busy, engaged and mentally stimulated during your absence. Their every need will be met, and they will not suffer your absence.
There is the very rare exception–those pets who are so incredibly anxious and stressed by every new situation that boarding is simply not the best option for them–but pets who fall into this category truly are few and far between. We have actually seen cases of separation-anxiety that was alleviated and corrected with just a few visits and socialization time with other pets. Most pets adapt and adjust and find that it’s exciting to come for a stay-cation!
Feeling Confident About Your Pet’s Care
Professional pet boarding facilities, like Sumter Pet Sitters boarding facility, are designed to treat your pet with the same love, compassion and care that you do. Our staff are trained and experienced in all aspects of proper animal care, and are truly dedicated to their job. The intention is to make your pet feel completely safe and happy during your absence, and we do everything possible to make it so.
For more information about our boarding facility, please contact us today.
Help other less fortunate pets: Consider a donation to the ASPCA
4 Sad Guilt Myths of Pet Boarding
