How to Choose the Right Cat Boarding Facility
We always want the best for our furry friends, and picking a cat boarding facility can be a tough job. You’ve spent a bunch of time Googling pet boarding in Miami, reading reviews, and trying to figure out which one is going to make your cat happiest in your absence. As a cat owner myself, I know the feeling! That’s why I’m sharing some of my top tips for choosing the right cat boarding facility.
It all starts with a tour…
Don’t bother calling ahead; you want to see what the place is like on any given day! Ask them for a look around. A good facility should have nothing to hide, and will gladly give you a tour. Remember to keep your hands out of kennels and suites for your own safety, and stay out of the way of other employees at work.
Take a whiff…
As much as we love our pets, no one wants to walk into a place that smells like old cat urine. Take a deep breath. Does it smell like it hasn’t been cleaned in a while? Keep in mind, because you’re going in unannounced, it IS possible that a pet has just used the restroom and is contributing to the smell. It happens! Check to see if an employee is going to clean it up.
Ask some important questions…
Not sure what those questions should be? At Scottie Paws, we get a number of questions about cat boarding and have answered the most frequently asked ones below. If you’re not located near us, feel free to use these questions to help your search!
1. Is there a special space for cats, like suites or enclosures?
At Scottie Paws, we offer both kennels and specialty cat enclosures, complete with a cat house (a favorite among our feline friends!).
2. What’s the emergency protocol? Is there a designated emergency vet?
We monitor all pets for signs of illness, and you can bet we will call you immediately if an emergency arises. We will also take your cat to an emergency vet if necessary.
3. What’s the cleaning schedule? What products are used?
We clean daily and after any pet accidents that occur using specialty, pet-safe cleaning products
made specifically for grooming salons to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. Suites, enclosures, and kennels are deep-cleaned between stays as well.
We also use only our own stainless steel bowls for food and water, which are swapped out and washed twice daily. Why? Plastic bowls harbor bacteria and can cause acne in pets; stainless bowls do not.
4. What’s the feeding schedule?
We provide feedings twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. If your pet has special needs, we will work to accommodate them!
5. How often is litter scooped?
We scoop litter twice daily – once in the morning, and once in the evening.
6. Is brushing or one-on-one playtime offered?
Of course! You can also add on any cat grooming services so your kitty goes home fresh and clean.
7. Can I bring my own bedding, litter, and toys?
Absolutely! Boarding can be stressful, and we want your cat to feel as comfortable as possible. The familiar smell of their own bed, toys, and litter will reduce stress and remind them of their home and their favorite person in the universe- YOU!
In order to keep our air fresh, we ask that you please bring clumping litter.
Now that you know what to look for, we hope you choose Scottie Paws, located in Miami, FL for your cat’s next boarding stay. We would love to have you!
