Helping Your Pet Adjust To Long-Term Boarding

 Making the decision to board a pet long-term can be difficult.  Tyree White’s situation was even more complex; he had just received orders to deploy to Kuwait, and he had two cats to consider.

Like many pet owners White, nephew of Banning School Board President Deborah Dukes, saw his two cats Standly and Frederick as family members. The thought of leaving them behind during his yearlong deployment was devastating. 

Six year-old feline brothers Standly and Frederick originally belonged to White’s girlfriend, also a GI.  In 2006, during a deployment in Iraq, a Humvee driven by White’s girlfriend overturned. She died upon impact, leaving two feline orphans back in the United States.

“I knew her cats were her pride and joy. I just couldn’t let them be lost.” said White.

Long-distance Arrangements

While still in Iraq—and with the help of his mother Genece Ruesch of Banning—White coordinated the transport of Standly and Frederick from his girlfriend’s family home.   As the two mothers met, two lucky cats were destined to a new life in California.  It would be three months before White would return to the United States, but his mother took good care of the boys.

 “As they were her joy, now they are mine. I will always feel the bond with her.” explains White.

When recalling the first few weeks home from Iraq, White admits that it was an easy transition when it came to Standly and Frederick.

“We got along right from the start. I love and spoil them dearly. They are very special to me.” replied White as he communicated with Renaissance Pet Resort through Facebook halfway around the world.

When White opted for a tour in Kuwait, he decided to board his cats with the pet resort instead of asking his mother to care for them.

Many boarding facilities offer many ways for pet owners to communicate with staff members regarding the care and wellbeing of their pets. In addition to the traditional methods of communication, owners of pets boarded at the Renaissance Pet Resort & Spa can view candid photographs on the facility’s website to help ease their minds that the pets are safe and happy.

White expects to return to the United States in August 2011. In the meantime, he views the online photographs of Standly and Frederick and that gives him peace of mind as he waits to return and see them in person. 

Several Means of Communication

At Banning’s Four Paws Inn, staff regularly updates pet owners through the Four Paws Inn Facebook page. However, owner Diana Miller said her clients use many different methods to communicate.

“Most owners will call or email, but we do have quite a few that use Facebook.” reports Miller. “We are willing to use whatever method makes them most comfortable.” 

Unable to rely on friends or family members, many pet owners find long-term boarding is the only option when faced with hospitalization, building of a new home, or extended travel.

Miller estimates that travel is the leading reason that pets board at her facility.

“We recently had a pet stay long-term while the owner went on an African Safari.” said Miller. “Another dog stayed with us while its owner had back surgery and was recovering in a wheelchair.”

White said he visited different boarding facilities, talked with the staff, and made his decision based on what he felt was the right match.

Taking into consideration his cats would be boarded for more than 400 days, White admitted freedom for the cats was a big priority.

“I liked the fact my cats had a room to roam around instead of being in a cage like most facilities I’ve seen.” said White. “I wanted my cats to be able to be free.”

Making Arrangements

Craig Henderson of Beaumont is no stranger to long-term boarding options.  Making a couple 14-35 day trips per year, Henderson has a solid plan to help him and his pets adjust to the time away from each other.

“My advice is to approach long-term pet care in small, increasing steps starting with a few days, then a week, then two weeks, and then longer.” said Henderson. “While humans can guess how dogs view being away from their home for a long period of time, it mostly seems an issue of how we view being away from our dogs.” he said.

“I am careful to get adequate food, treats and a familiar home object, like a sock, to take to Renaissance Pet Resort. I've noticed that when we get to the parking lot, our dogs pull toward the gate," he said.  "So much for missing us!  They enjoy it there.

“When we get back to bring them home," he said, "they likewise pull to get to the car to go home.”

Henderson’s pets bring comfort items from home and follow similar routines to help them make the adjustment.  Renaissance Pet Resort recommends that pets bring anything that is washable or edible.  Having that special item from home can make all the difference.

In keeping with home routines, Henderson has one last special request. “In the afternoon, please give each dog five minutes of individual attention with petting and rubbing.” 

A good massage can do wonders. And most boarding facilites will be all too happy to accomodate special requests.

Communication is the key to making long-term boarding successful.  Talk with the staff at the facility about your pet’s needs and what they can do to make your pet’s stay enjoyable. In any case, do not be hesitant to contact them for updates periodically during your time away.  You and your pet will have a much more positive boarding experience.