How to manage your pets while travelling?

Managing Pets While Travelling

Pets may sense when you start planning for a journey - especially when they’re not invited! The second you pack your suitcases, your dog may start looking sad. Before going away, one of the toughest decisions for pet owners is what to do with their pets. Here are some quick tips on managing your pets while travelling.

1. Pet Sitting

Using a professional pet sitter is one approach to fuse the personal with professional. Many pets feel more comfortable in their usual surroundings, so having an experienced pet sitter for feedings, walks and playtimes is a good option. All you need is to decide whether the sitter should simply visit your home on a daily basis, or have them stay in your home for the duration of your trip.

2. In-Home Pet Boarding

While hiring a pet sitter is a good alternative, so is in-home pet boarding. It involves you bringing your dog or cat to a pet sitter’s home in your locality before leaving on vacation. In-home boarding offers the opportunity to socialise with other dogs under the supervision of a responsible pet owner, as well as personal attention and daily interaction. In-home boarding can be more cost-effective than pet sitters.

3. Traditional Boarding (Dog Kennels/Catteries)

One standard option is placing pets in dog kennels in Chessington or catteries while you’re travelling. If this is your final choice, call ahead dog home boarding and confirm the quality of their offerings and staff of caretakers. If you have a cat, then choose a boarding facility that offers a litter box, toys and quality food, as well as a nice hiding place within the area. On the other hand, dogs are sociable, so look for indoor dog kennels that have enough activity time and space to play with other dogs.

4. Family Friend/Neighbor

Good friends or neighbours love your pet? Next time you plan a vacation, consider asking them to help feed and play with your furry family member. Of course, confirm if the person is responsible and well-informed about the basics of pet care. If your friend or neighbour is a pet owner, offer to return the favour someday.

5. Take Them Along

Travelling with your pet can be fun. It is also more feasible as the number of pet-friendly hotels are increasing in numbers. If an activity such as camping is on the agenda, your dog may enjoy being with your family in the great outdoors. If your pet loves travelling, a pet-friendly journey will truly be a memorable one!

What you need to know about a cattery?

Finding a reliable cattery in Epsom can be challenging. You should start looking for a cattery much before you need it, as it may take some time to find a suitable one. Also, the popular catteries like Star Boarding Kennels get booked up well in advance, especially during the holiday season.

You can't beat the personal recommendations and referrals, so first ask friends, family or your vet. We recommend that you must visit a cattery in advance - a well-run cattery will be happy to show you around.

What to look for?

There should be ample ventilation to ensure that there are no air-borne diseases are spread among the cats. Depending on your cat's habits, enquire if a cattery has an indoor or outdoor area for the cats to run around.

• Check if the cattery has a working smoke detector and/or heat sensor.

• While visiting the cattery, take a look at the other cats. Do they look happy and content?

• Check for basic cleanliness of the units, and litter trays and feeding bowls for the cats.

• Talk to the owner to learn how they will take care of your cat.

• All licensed catteries should insist on seeing a current vaccination card, showing recent vaccinations against cat enteritis and flu. If they do not, choose some other cattery as it could mean that your cat will be exposed to infectious diseases from other pets.

• Find out precisely what the price covers – administering drugs or grooming long-haired cats may cost more.

Accommodation

The individual cat accommodation should be a good size. It should offer a sleeping area and a separate, individual running area. Two cats should never share this individual space unless they are from the same house. It should be clean, warm, and secure, with lots of natural light and with an interesting view to keep your cat stimulated.

Feeding

You should inform the cattery of any special dietary needs that your cat has. A good cattery in Epsom should adhere to your cat's regular feeding habits.

 

Medical Issues / Illnesses

All cats should be vaccinated against both cat flu and enteritis at the time of boarding at a cattery. Before leaving for your holiday, check if your cat has been vaccinated against those diseases before hand. You must get your pet vaccinated at least five weeks before leaving them at the cattery. After the initial vaccinations, your cat should get booster injections once a year, at least one week before boarding.

Tips for Grooming your Dog at Home

Grooming your Dog at Home

Dogs are playful animals and can really get messed in the process. To make matters worse, some dogs hate the grooming process and can be difficult to handle. This is why you should always have your dog groomed at a reliable centre. There are many dog grooming service providers in Epsom like Star Boarding Kennels. You can also search for best dog groomers near me if you are looking for a local dog groomer.

However, sometimes you need to groom your dog at home and that’s where these tips will be handy.

·         Make it gradual

Sometimes you don’t have to clean your dog in one sitting. You can start off with quick touches before finishing with complex aspects such as hair trimming. That way the dog will not feel hard pressed to keep up still for extended periods.

·         Break the grooming process in several bits

Full-scale dog grooming can take a long time which may leave the dog exhausted. A good way to make grooming comfortable is to divide the process into phases probably with breaks in between. It is even better if you have a flexible routine which you can keep practicing until they get used to it.

·         Give rewards after every step

A little pampering after finishing the cleaning can make the process fun and enjoyable. Dogs love attention and can be more receptive to whatever you put them through as long as they sense a reward coming. Whether you want to give them a thorough scrub or clip their feet, keep them guessing that something they like is coming afterwards.

·         Invest in quality cleaning accessories

You do not need professional dog grooming skills to get the job done. Having the right tools to help you in the process will not only lead to better results but it will make grooming comfortable for the dog. From brushes to clippers to towels and cleaning detergents, you need to know what is likely to serve your dog comfortably. In your quest for accessories kindly consider specific needs of your pet.

·         Make it comfortable

This is a professional dog grooming secret. Most dogs can be quite restless when being cleaned so you need to make them calm to allow you do your best. It is important to help them stay calm and strain-free by taking things slow and easy. 

Interesting Places You Can Modify at Home/Office for a Dog Kennel

Dog Kennel

Without a doubt, pets endow human lives in so many priceless ways. Think about the companionship and comfort people get from having a dog around them.  But the ever present desire to keep your dog inside the house or office is more often than not rebuffed by the lack of space. Some dog owners also worry about the accessories living up to the style of their interior decor. This is also why a lot of dog owners prefer daycare for dogs or dog boarding facilities. But according to me, finding reliable dog kennels in Chessington is important especially for occasions when you are going out of town.

However, thinking about all this carefully, there are some interesting spaces you can leverage on to integrate dog kennels right inside the home/office.

• Below counters

You may have acres of space lying idle under different counters in your premises. Such unexploited room could form perfect relaxing environment for your dog with little DIY modifications. For instance, you could bring in a dog crate that can fit it the space. With a few fixtures and fittings and attempts to get every accessory fit existing colour scheme, it’s as easy as done.

• Mudroom

The mudroom is another fantastic area you can incorporate a decorated dog kennel. It is probably one of the few areas where you’ll have an easy time fixing your dog a stylish resting spot. Whether you are looking to fit a crate that can fit a puppy or a full grown dog, the mudroom can be quite flexible.

• Convenient spot in a hallway

Besides the portraits hanging across your hallway, a little thinking could provide the ultimate accommodation to your furry friend. If you can’t craft something out yourself, there plenty elegant designed doghouses you can buy in the market. You can do some research online for a something that fits your interior style which then you can fix probably on the extreme end.

• Under the stairs

Customising the seemingly tight space beneath the stairs can provide cozy environment for decorated dog kennel. With a little creativity, it is easy to convert the largely slant area into a utility pet resting area.

How to choose the perfect cattery?

Perfect Cattery

Most people consider cats to be the best animals to keep as pets. This is because they are very interesting, easy to handle and also known to be the most adorable. It is therefore essential to handle them with a lot of care in terms of the way you house them, feed them, maintaining their health. Is your cat scared of your home environment? Do you have trouble with the behaviour of your pet? Are you going on a vacation and want someone to look after your kitten? Worry no more! You can choose to send your pet to a cattery. Check out for the best cattery in London on the internet to make an informed decision.  Here are some things you should consider when choosing the best cattery for your cat.

Search for a cattery ahead of time

It is recommended to always look for a cattery much earlier even if you do not have plans to board your cat. This will help you book in advance a slot for your cat for peak times such as the summer holidays and sometimes when you get an emergency. Star Boarding Kennels in Surrey is the best destination for cat while you’re away.

Enough space

Enough space for your cat is essential; you would love to have a cattery where your cat can manoeuvre around and be able to play freely. The cattery can also have some extension such as shelves for sunbathing and also some equipment that can facilitate cat play.

Safety for your cat

This is an important factor that you should consider. Is your cat safe from intruders or predators? Can it escape from the cattery? The safety of your cat should come first. Ensure that the cattery has a safe door; this is because cats are well-known masters at escaping.

Regular check-ups

You should ensure that the cattery offers often medical check-ups and monitoring services to ensure that your cat is always in good health. If it happens that they do not offer Vet services, you should sign authorisation documents to permit them to take your pet to a Vet if it gets sick.

How to choose the best dog day-care centre in Surrey?

Best Dog Day-Care Centre in Surrey

Are you always busy at your workplace and you have no time left for your dog? Do you need training for your dog? Then, your dog needs the best day-care centre near you. Choosing a dog day-care may sometimes be overwhelming but there are certain things you need to consider first before settling for one. When choosing a day-care it should be special, put as much consideration as if you are looking for a nanny for your child. You can also search for dog kennelsChessington if you are interested in boarding your dog in the future.

First, you need to look for the right day-care

This can be achieved by first calling two or more veterinarians that you know and let them recommend you to the day cares that provide best dog kennels in Chessington. The best day-care should have at least two or more recommendation from different veterinarians to make it to your shortlist. Also, you can get valuable information from your friends and people at the Dog parks.

Viewing your short listed places and making a decision

When you are viewing on your short list what should be running on the back of your mind is the kind of care you want your dog to receive. What kind of services is being offered by different centres? Check on the size of the land on which the day-care lies on. Is there enough space for your dog to play, exercise and run? During playtime are the dogs supervised? If your dog gets sick can they provide medication? Get to know what policies are set to cater for emergencies. Ensure that the day-care is bright, clean, and well maintained. Understand that your dog’s health and safety should come first. Also, know what kind of food your dog is going to be taking. Based on the information you gather you can be able to make your decision now.

Additional services

These services are very important also. You should get a day-care that provides additional services such as dog grooming, keeping your dog nails clean and in shape, cleaning eyes, ears, nose and also giving trims. Other dog day-cares offer boarding kennels. 

How to Find the Best Dog Boarding Kennel

Work commitments, lifestyle, and emergencies sometimes require you to leave your beloved canine partners under the care of someone else. It’s never easy trusting another party such as a dog boarding service to look after your best friend.

In this article, we provide you with some essential tips to find the best boarding kennels for dogs in Surrey or elsewhere. Knowing that your dog is well cared for will ensure that you will be able to have the peace of mind while you’re away.

A comfortable and clean dog boarding kennel run by caring people will also help your dog to cope with your temporary absence.

Check the Dog Boarding Kennel’s Health Precautions

Your beloved pet’s health is of utmost importance. Ask the dog boarding service about their health rules when it comes to welcoming dogs and cats to their facility. Any kennel which doesn’t require an up to date vaccination record and proper paperwork must be avoided.

With many animals around, a disease can spread quickly. We at Star Boarding Kennels & Cattery take your dog’s health very seriously. Every dog must have an up to date vaccination record with all vaccinations completed 10 days prior to admission.

Visit the Kennel and Inspect the Facilities in Advance

Ensure the well-being of your four-legged friend by visiting the dog boarding kennel in advance. Check if the facilities are spacious, well maintained, and kept clean.

An Outdoor Play Area is a Must

It’s important that your dog is exercised and gets a chance to play and socialise while you’re away. A play area is crucial for boarding kennels for dogs. Check how secure the area is and if there are shady spots for your dog to take a breather when needed. 

We have spacious and well-maintained play areas at Star Boarding Dog Kennels Surrey to help your dog take his/her mind off from your absence. We also allow your dog to bring his or her personal items. We find that having their favourite toy around gives them comfort in an unfamiliar place.

Most Importantly, Talk to the Staff!

Just because someone works for a dog boarding kennel doesn’t guarantee that they love animals! Chat with the staff and make sure that it’s not just a job for them.

Star Boarding Dog Kennels Surrey has a team of seven permanent employees some of whomhave cared for dogs and cats for decades. Their true love and commitment towards animals have made Star Boarding Kennels & Cattery one of the best dog boarding kennels in Surrey.