7 tips for a better pet boarding experience this summer

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Making summer travel plans? Before you start overpacking, it’s important to take a few extra steps to make sure your pet feels comfortable and confident while you’re away.

We spoke with the team at Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort (BAHR), Alabama’s only Fear Free Certified veterinary practice, for seven practical tips to help your pet have a positive boarding experience this summer.

7 simple ways to help your pet feel at home while boarding

1. Bring your pet’s regular food

Sudden food changes can lead to stress and digestive issues—especially in a new environment. Although BAHR does have specific clinic food for sensitive stomachs, they recommend you bring your pet’s normal food to help keep their daily routine consistent. Bonus points if you portion meals and label feeding instructions!

2. Pack all medications and supplements

If your pet takes medication or daily supplements, bring them in their original containers along with detailed instructions for dosage and timing to avoid confusion. This helps ensure your pet stays on schedule and maintains its usual level of care!

3. Include a familiar comfort item

Since familiar scents help reduce anxiety and make a new environment feel safer, a small blanket, towel or toy that smells like home can make a huge difference to your pet. It doesn’t have to be big; it’s the thought—or rather, the smell—that counts.

4. Make sure vaccinations are up to date

Boarding facilities require certain vaccinations to help protect all pets staying in the resort, so it’s a good idea to check vaccine requirements before you schedule a stay. Need to update your pet’s vaccinations? Click here to schedule an appointment at Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort.

5. Practice short separations ahead of time

If your pet has never boarded before or tends to be anxious when away from home, a little bit of practice can make a big difference. Practicing short periods away from home can help build confidence and introduce your pet to being away from their owners in a positive way.

6. Share the details that matter with the staff

Before check-in, take a few minutes to tell the staff about your pet’s personality and preferences. Information about your pet’s favorite activities, fears, feeding routines or medical concerns will help give caregivers the tools they need to offer more personalized attention.

7. Stay calm and positive at drop-off

We get it—saying goodbye is tough! However, your pet takes emotional cues from you—so if you’re upset, it’s likely to affect them, too. A calm, confident and upbeat drop-off can help reassure your pet that everything is okay. 

When it comes to boarding your pet, a little prep goes a long way

When boarding your pet, it’s important to find a top-notch facility with a team you can trust. As Alabama’s only Fear Free Certified veterinary hospital and resort facility, Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort creates a safe and personalized experience that helps pets feel comfortable while their families are away through features like:

• Spacious indoor accommodations
• Climate-controlled play areas
• An indoor pool
• One-on-one attention
• Enrichment activities
• Optional spa services

“One of our most popular features is our daily report cards, complete with photos and updates so owners can stay connected to their pets throughout their stay. We know being away from your pet can be difficult, and these updates provide peace of mind and a glimpse into their vacation with us.”

Michaela Wright, Practice Manager, Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort

Because Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort’s boarding facility is fully integrated with its animal hospital, any pets with medical needs, medications or ongoing health concerns receive an added level of oversight and care.

To learn more about the services Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort offers, visit the website or give them a call at 205.406.6710.

• Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort: Instagram
• Address: 2316 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Have you taken your pet to Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know about your experience! 

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