Boston Dog Boarding Alternatives
Boarding your dog when you have to be out of town can be
stressful for both you and your beloved pet, but if you live in the Boston area, dog boarding
facilities offer lots of gentle alternatives.
The Boston
dog boarding and dog day care professionals you will find vary widely in what
they have to offer, but nearly all will give your pet great care. Part of this is due to location – Boston is traditionally a
pet-friendly city, with tons of areas such as parks for walking dogs and
allowing them to just “be themselves.”
This makes it easier for boarding kennels and pet care workers to make
sure your pet is exercised and entertained while in their care, preventing
boredom and making your dog less likely to suffer stress from the change in
environment.
Boston
is also a leader in providing unusual dog boarding and dog day care
arrangements to fit almost any lifestyle.
While most people think of a traditional kennel with concrete floors and
a solitary “run” for dogs, Boston
boarding kennels lead the way in providing comfortable, family-style care for
your pet.
Dog Boarding Without
the Kennel
There are a number of Boston
dog boarding companies that will give your pet a place to say for days or weeks
without ever being in a kennel. Some of
them have large indoor play areas specifically designed and built with pets in
mind – sort of like a canine rec room – while others simply make your dog a
part of their own household while you are gone.
The latter is usually offered to small and toy dogs, and is usually
restricted to just a few dogs at any one time.
If you have a high-strung small dog, look for these alternative
arrangements to make sure pet feels secure – staying with their caretaking
humans will be a great relief.
Dog day cares are often attached to veterinary hospitals or
offices and use the “rec room” layout so that several dogs can hang out
together while you are at work. These
rooms aren’t stark basement spaces, but fully decorated rooms with comfortable
furniture (usually including a nice big sofa for naps) and lots of chew toys
and treats. The caregiver is with them
at all times to ensure everyone gets along.
Special Care for Your
Pet
Nearly every Boston
day care or boarding kennel offers high quality food and quick access to proper
veterinary care if there is a problem.
When checking out possible facilities, be sure to ask about how
emergencies are handled and what food is offered. If your pet prefers a specific food or is on
a restricted diet, most places will be glad to use the food you provide.
Smaller facilities can often give your pet extra care if you
have a pet that requires special attention, so don’t let the size of the
facility be your guide. Bigger isn’t
always better, particularly if your dog has a health problem that requires
vigilance or medication or if your pet is nervous around other animals. In these situations, your best bet may be to
look at some of the Boston dog boarding facilities that limit the number of
pets they take in – you may pay a bit more, but the safety and comfort of your
pet will make it worth the extra few dollars a day.
With literally hundreds of dog boarding and dog day care
locations in Boston,
you’re sure to find the right fit for your four-footed friend.