First Impressions
Appearances matter when looking for a pet boarding facility. Start by checking on their accreditation, which means they’ve earned a high level of cleanliness, service, and expertise in caring for animals. Look for certification by the Professional Animal Care Certification Council or the American Animal Hospital Association. Take a good look around to see if everything looks and smells clean and sanitary. Ask to view animal sleeping and play areas. Are they properly ventilated and well cared for? Make sure they’re diligent about checking for immunizations and find out exactly which ones to make sure you’re in compliance.

Security
Most well-secured boarding facilities use surveillance cameras and TV screens to keep tabs on the animals in their care. This allows attendants to come to an animal’s aid in a timely manner if something were to go wrong. Outside play areas should be carefully fenced in with no gaps or space underneath through which a small animal could squeeze, with no sharp objects in the play area and heavy objects that are well-secured.

Feeding and Medicine
Each animal should have their own food and water dishes. Find out if the facility provides food or if you’ll need to provide your own. Ask acquaintances or check online for customer reviews to see if attendants are good about carrying out any special feeding instructions, as well as administering any prescriptions while your pet is in their care. If your pet requires constant and extensive care, consider another solution if the facility isn’t able to meet your needs.

Supervision
Supervision is a very important part of the care you’ll be paying for, so be sure that the staff has all the animals in their care under regular supervision. They should have all-day and overnight staffing; if they don’t, keep looking for a facility that does. The unexpected can and does sometimes happen where animals are concerned, and close monitoring and supervision is a requirement. Staff should be fully apprised of your animal’s conditions and of any special needs, all of which should be spelled out and communicated to day and night staff members. They should be prepared to contact your veterinarian if there’s an emergency and to keep you apprised of your pet’s condition.

Exercise
Exercise is as important as feeding and sleeping for your animal. Ask how often and how extensively your pet will be exercised during his stay. It’s important that your dog or cat gets as much exercise as he does when at home, based on his nature and tendencies. If you have an athletic dog who’s used to getting a two-mile walk every day, he should get the same level of exercise while you’re away.

Cats
Cats are largely independent and self-reliant animals. If you’ll only be away for a short time, your cat can be left alone, though it’s important to make sure the litter box is clean while you’re away. If not, your cat may relieve himself somewhere else. And don’t forget to protect the furniture and wooden tables from being scratched, and put away anything a young cat might be tempted to chew on or lick, such as an electrical cord or cleaning fluids.
The last thing you want is to worry about your pet when taking a few days off for vacation. Make sure your boarding facility meets your standards and is capable of carrying out your instructions.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

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Choosing a Pet

There’s more to bringing home a pet than just a quick trip to the pet store. You need to first and foremost decide on the best pet for your home and your family. Ask yourself these questions first:

• Is my home big enough for the kind of pet I want?
• Does anyone I live with or who regularly visits have pet allergies?
• How much time do I have to care for my pet? For example, if you travel a lot, a dog might not be a good fit.
• How much am I willing to spend on my pet annually? Keep in mind things like annual vet visits, hospital emergencies, spaying/neutering your pet, food and pet supplies, grooming, and boarding. Read AVMA’s article on money tips for pet owners.
• What kind of activities would I like to do with my pet? Do you want an animal that keeps you active, such as a dog, or one that you can sit back and observe, like fish?
• What is the lifespan of my pet?
• Who will care for my pet when I’m not available? You may want to hire a regular dog walker to take your dog out while you’re at work.

If you’re getting a pet for your child, there are more things to keep in mind, such as educating your child on how to safely handle a pet. You may want to consider a service pet for the family if your child has a disability. Read more about different pet options for children at ChicoER Lifestyle.

Once you select a pet, you may also need to choose a breed, particularly for fish, reptiles, and dogs. Understand the characteristics and common temperament of each breed. Which fits best with your lifestyle and home?

Finally, you’ll have options on where to get your pet. You can visit a pet shop or go to an adoption or rescue agency. With dogs, you can also go to a breeder. Read how to find a responsible breeder at American Kennel Club.

Bringing Your Pet Home

Once you’ve selected a pet, you’ll need to prepare your home. This could be as simple as setting up a space for your pet and stocking up on food and supplies.

For cats and dogs, you’ll need a vet visit and vaccinations, as well as other equipment. It’s best to spay or neuter cats or dogs to prevent overpopulation. Fixing your animal can also help calm your pet’s behaviors.

Finally, some states require that dogs have a license, so check the laws in your state. Your pet provider should be able to help you. Additionally, you may want to consider training your dog to make life more manageable. Check out the Humane Society’s tip sheet on positive-reinforcement training for dogs.

Before bringing home a dog, you’ll have to do a few more tasks, including:

• Establishing rules for your pet and your family to keep everyone safe.
• Preparing to housetrain him.
• Setting up an area of his own.
• Preparing your friends, family, and neighbors for your new pet.
• Making sure your home is free of puppy or dog hazards, and making sure your dog can’t escape anywhere.

If you are bringing home a rescue dog, you may need to take extra care. These dogs may be anxious and skittish. As Kim Hormby of The Bark explains, “Their lives have been turned upside-down, they are scared and are often coming out of a situation that was intimidating and uncomfortable.” This will be a time of adjustment, so be patient. Try crate training to give him a safe place and buy him toys and treats to make him feel welcome.

Getting a pet is a big responsibility and one not to take lightly. But if you plan ahead and use some of the tips in this article, you’ll be able to manage it and enjoy a new member of your family.

Article written by OurBestFriends.pet

The post A Guide to Owning Your First Pet appeared first on Safe Pet Treats | Pet Food Safety and Recalls.