I'm looking for some suggestions on things to make the transition easier for my two while they're kenneled at the vet's this weekend...

I'm doing a charity bicycle ride this weekend and will be gone very early saturday morning until sunday evening. I can't take the dogs with me, and my number one petsitter (my BF) is driving down to camp out with us and drive me home the next day. We'll be camping out with 3,000 other riders on a university campus (I don't think they'll allow dogs, and my two are not ready for that many people). Its about time for their annual vet check-up, and I've found a vet very close to home (very cool I can walk there) that also does boarding. As a side note, I have not been able to find any petsitters in my area and most of my trustworthy friends are also going on the bike ride, so I'm stuck with boarding.

Since we leave so early, I have to drop them off Friday night, and pick them up Monday morning- vet not open on Sundays. I've asked that they wait for the exams until Monday so I can be there, but as for the boarding, I've never left them with anyone before!! I'm nervous about this. Everything seemed good with the vet's boarding procedure... I toured the kennel and saw the side yard where they take them out twice a day for some exercise (individually-- I made sure to ask). So back to my question- are there any suggestions on how to make their trip more comfortable?

I'll of course take a toy or two ea., their regular food (on Canidae now), and an old t-shirt of mine, or something to remind them of home... Also, this is a new vet; they have not been there before.

I feel like a nervous parent.

p.s. I did post over the summer about possibly traveling with the dogs but it never came through. The other kennel I had been considering using requires extra immunizations that the vet does not, and I'd rather not add unnecessary shots.

A couple of things off the top of my head:

You can take them over a couple of times before they go to stay, and ask the staff to treat them.


You can arrange for them to be together or beside each other.

You can make sure they use your own familiar food and that they have their familiar blanket or mat or whatever.

P.S. You can make sure they don't stay near where the overnight sick dogs stay, and also make clear in writing to the vet and staff that NO vaccinations are to be administered without your express written consent.

Thanks Connie-- we'll walk over that way tomorrow for a pre-visit and some extra treats.

I'm a little nervous too that Jake may become agressive being around the other dogs... surely the vet/staff will know how to handle this? Another good reason to go for a pre-visit. I wish I'd had my act together sooner- I feel stupid for not having this trip better planned.

 Quote: Carolyn Pike

I'm a little nervous too that Jake may become agressive being around the other dogs... surely the vet/staff will know how to handle this? Another good reason to go for a pre-visit. I wish I'd had my act together sooner- I feel stupid for not having this trip better planned.

He won't BE around other dogs, in a position for anyone to be aggressive.

You might just double-check on that and also insist on it. This is the owner's choice; it's not a kennel attendant's choice. JMO.

Another tip:
I kenneled at the vet once and made the mistake of taking in enough frozen raw food to last the 5 days he was there along with specific directions as to daily amount. A wasted effort on my part.

Next time, I'll take in some kibble equivalent to raw pre-packaged in marked ziplocks (in your case, your kibble) so it's a no brainer. I wouldn't rely on your directions/instructions making to the actual person who'll be tending the kennel, especially on weekends. Make it as easy on them as possible.

Mike

Thanks again Connie & Mike.

I think I'm just as worried about if the dogs will be ok as I am about the 150 miles I'm about to ride!! lol-