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Preparing your pets for holiday travel

Kathryn Newman of Augusta Dog Training and Poppy, a golden retriever puppy, visit KARE 11 studios to show us how to prepare pets for holiday travel.

GOLDEN VALLEY - Kathryn Newman of Augusta Dog Training and Poppy, a golden retriever puppy, visit KARE 11 studios to show us how to prepare pets for holiday travel.

Whether you are headed to grandma's house or a pet hotel... here are some tips to follow.

Staying with friends or family:

  • Make sure your pet is truly welcome. Do not assume that just because you take your pet everywhere he is welcome everywhere.
  • If you dog is staying with you at Friends or Family he or she needs to be trained on the BIG THREE
  • House broken, crate trained and quiet (not barky or noisy)
  • These are the three most common complaints about canine guests
  • No one likes a dog who soils inside or is a barker
  • A crate allows you safely to manage your dog during large parties and gathering (high energy situations)
  • Also, when visiting you and your host will go sight-seeing or run errands leaving your pet alone at your host's house. A crate provides you pet a sense of security in a new environment and ensure your dog will not soil or destroy something.
  • Be considerate and follow the house rules. If the host's families dog is not allowed on the furniture, neither is yours.

If you are boarding your dog at an overnight facility:

  • Make reservations in advance, have your pet's vaccine updated in advance
  • Pre-bag your dog's food – this assure that she is eating the same amount that you would feed at home
  • Bring medication and supplements if your dog needs them (there may be a marginal charge to administer)
  • Toy and chewies should be durable as dogs tend to chew more on vacation. Avoid rawhide as most facilities do not allow it.
  • Select traditional or cage-free boarding depend on your dog's personality.
  • Cage-free overnight care is like 24-hour daycare. The dogs play and sleep as a group. Most facilities separate dogs at meal time.
  • Cage-free is an excellent choice for older dogs or dogs who are have crate anxiety.
  • HOWEVER, your dog must enjoy and tolerate the company of other dogs.
  • Traditional boarding of individual suites or kennel runs are still the most popular choice of dog owners. They provide privacy and quiet time.
  • Many owners select doggy daycare for a daytime amenity. At bedtime the pooches retire to their own bedrooms. Many kennels offer additional amenities to make your dog's stay more enjoyable and stress free.
  • Lastly, IF YOU PET HAS NEVER BEEN BOARDED, consider a day visit prior to the actual stay to acclimate your dog prior to his longer stay. This allows you pet to become familiar with the staff, facility and routine.

Before You Leave, Check This Out