It seems everywhere you look, a new pet accommodation pops up. In fact, now more than ever, pet owners are inundated with different boarding choices for their furry companions. Pet hotels are considered to be an at-home experience without the expense associated with in-home care. Essentially, you’ll bring your cat or dog to the hotel to stay at throughout your travels. While there, your pet will be loved, spoiled, and cared for by staff on-hand.
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Choosing which facility may not be the easiest option, but once you’ve narrowed down the best pet hotels, you’ll be able to compare the best choices for your pet. To get started, consider these resources before booking:
Ask for direct referrals
There’s no better way to find out about hidden gems or complete nightmares than to speak with family and friends. Many pet owners will happily refer you to their favorite pet hotel, especially if they frequently travel for work or recreation. Take the time to find out what services they purchased, the costs, how their pet responded, and any helpful tips they may offer before committing to a decision.
Hop on to Social Media Platforms
Using social media platforms is another fabulous way to get direct feedback about various pet hotels (or boarding facilities). Many people have connections within multiple industries that can help you decide or give you a better idea of what issues may turn up. Make sure you specify the area you’re looking to board your pet, as some business names may be duplicated throughout the states (yet, are entirely unattached to one another).
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Ask a Vet Live NowCheck out online reviews
When it comes to opinions, the internet is never shy. That’s why it’s always a good idea to browse review websites or popular search engines with feedback before booking. Take note of any comments made regarding maltreatment, behavioral issues, or billing problems. While some customers are pretty difficult to please, many people believe in sharing their experiences to prevent another pet from enduring adverse treatment.
It’s also essential to look for any business responses on the reviews. Are the reactions professional and courteous? Do they seem focused on correcting any wrongdoing? Try to envision yourself as the customer and see how you’d feel reading the retort. Steer away from any business that seems quick to dismiss claims or dispute events disparagingly.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Working within the animal industry often comes with many perks, including close business contacts. The chances are that your veterinarian will know of a few high-quality pet hotels within the area that won’t break the bank. Always make sure to clarify whether the hotel is sponsored within the clinic (typically meaning the pet hotel would pay a fee or would receive a commission upon booking) to confirm the review is unbiased. If possible, ask for references from previous clients or customers that have used the services in question.
Ask Pet Hotels for References
As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your pet is in good hands while you’re away. That’s why it’s always a good idea to contact previous customers to ask them about their experiences. Ensure the length of stay, any extra services purchased (like a corner room or extra playtime), and how they found their pet to be after their visit. It’s also a good idea to ask whether they were compensated in any way for their feedback on the pet hotel. Although not common, some businesses may offer a reduced rate for the ongoing reference.
Always Trust Your Gut
Sometimes we get an intuitive feeling from a different place, and these mustn’t be overlooked. So while you should always inspect the pet hotel you’re interested in booking, don’t discredit your intuition if something feels off. Although it’s more than likely nothing, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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