Most owners dread the thought of being separated from their canine when they have to leave the city or country temporarily. Such owners may find some sense of peace by checking their pooch into a professional dog boarding facility. However, some of these facilities are better than others.
Many dog boarding facilities keep pets in cages or solitary enclosures. This method helps minimize the amount of space they take up and prevents them from getting in trouble. However, there are many downsides associated with this boarding method.
The good news is that many modern dog boarding facilities are ditching this boarding method in favor of cage-free approaches. This route is better for your dog’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
Let’s examine the various benefits of cage-free boarding.
Cage-Free Boarding Explained
If this is your time hearing the term “cage-free boarding”, you may be wondering what exactly it refers to. Cage-free boarding is a type of pet boarding where dogs are given the freedom to roam and move about. Such facilities do not cram your pet into a cage, even at night.
Cage-free boarding facilities were originally introduced to avoid the many issues associated with caged boarding facilities. Such caged environments were generally stressful for dogs because of their small size, their close proximity to other dogs in cages, and their loud volumes. Cage-free facilities eliminate most if not all these issues.
Health Effects of Cage-Free Dog Boarding
Cage-free boarding can be considered significantly better than caged boarding for many health reasons. This includes:
Lower Risk of Diseases
Dog boarding facilities generally host dozens if not hundreds of dogs each year. This means the average cage or kennel may serve as a temporary home for several dogs in the span of a single year. Such boarding practices increase the risk of diseases lingering in the cage.
It’s not uncommon for canines to fall sick at the kennel. This can be a stressful experience for them, especially in the absence of their owner. Many dog boarding facilities make an effort to sanitize cages regularly, but this issue may persist due to the cage’s small size.
The good news is that such issues are less likely to occur at cage-free boarding facilities. Such facilities allow dogs to roam freely, so they aren’t likely to be confined to small spaces that harbor diseases. The risk of catching viruses from other dogs at the facility still exists, but the risk of falling sick inside a cage isn’t present.
Room for Stretching
While some dogs may feel more comfortable sleeping in a cage, many of them find it difficult to do so. This is because small cages restrict movement, and this may disrupt your canine’s sleep.
For example, a dog that rolls over and stretches out while sleeping will feel uncomfortable sleeping in a cage. Housing such a canine in a cage can negatively impact their sleep quality and this can lead to health issues down the line.
Cage-free boarding facilities allow dogs the freedom to sleep in relatively open spaces. Such facilities typically have lounges with different types of couches, dog beds, and chairs that are perfect for sleeping.
Social Effects of Cage-Free Dog Boarding
Some of the mental and social effects of cage-free dog boarding include:
Lower Stress
Being housed in a cage can be stressful for dogs that aren’t used to such arrangements. This is especially true for dogs that are away from their owners for the first time.
Such dogs will already feel stressed at being in a new and confined environment. However, their situation will feel even more unbearable if the cage environment is loud and harbors bad odors.
Cage-free dog facilities are better suited for dogs because they have the freedom to move around and find a spot they are comfortable in. Such dogs can move to the other end of the room if they feel the other dogs are being too loud or if there are bad odors in a particular spot. This allows them to avoid environmental stressors.
Access to Assistance
Dogs in caged boarding facilities often feel scared and abandoned when they are holed up in their cage at night. Such dogs may also be unable to call for help if they are feeling unwell due to the noise from other caged dogs barking loudly. This issue is less likely to occur at cage-free boarding facilities.
Most cage-free boarding facilities house multiple dogs in the same room. However, these dogs are free to move around and are supervised by a caretaker. This makes it easier for each canine to be observed and given individual attention.
Improved Social Skills
Dogs are social animals and generally enjoy connecting with other canines in their proximity. Such canines may be able to mingle with others and improve their social skills at boarding facilities. However, this tends to be more difficult at caged facilities where they cannot move around and meet other dogs.
This issue does not exist at cage-free facilities because canines can interact with others as they please and build up their social skills. Dogs at such facilities generally come out feeling more confident and friendly towards others by the end of their stay.
Enrolling Your Dog at a Quality Cage-Free Boarding Facility
Owners who intend to leave their dog in the temporary care of professionals can’t go wrong by choosing Pixee’s Paws Pet Palace. We offer cage-free boarding where your canine has the freedom to move around and make new friends while being supervised by our staff.
As pet owners, we understand the different stresses dogs experience being away from their owners. This is why we strive to offer them a welcoming and comfortable stay at our facility. Please contact us to learn more about our cage-free boarding facilities and the perks your pooch can enjoy while they are under our care.