Join Club

The Chew: A Vacation for Your Pet

The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Bark + Boarding, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, Bark & Boarding offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.

Click here to check out our short (approx 60 second) video about this article!

Colleen Corrigan, Writer and Animal Enthusiast

As much as we love being with our pets, when it comes to traveling during the holidays it’s worth considering what is best for your dog or cat. Our pets are creatures of habit and taking them out of their routines and familiar environments can be quite stressful, sometimes resulting in behavioral or medical problems.

At Bark + Boarding we are committed to providing owners and pets with a safe and supportive environment.  Here are some things we’d like to share about leaving your pet in competent hands while you head out for the holidays without your furry family member.

No Place Like Home

Cats definitely prefer to stay home. Change is hard on our felines and the stress of introducing them to new people in an unfamiliar place can cause problems such as urinating, clawing and relentless meowing.

At Bark + Boarding we make sure your cat is cared for by one of our trained pet care professionals who will visit your cat in your home and provide  just the right amount of attention and affection.

Lots of affection and attention

Dogs are very social creatures, but each is uniquely their own and some just need that special one on one connection whether it’s due to age, anxiety, medical issues or their particular breed.

Whatever the reason you prefer to keep your dog at home, in-home pet care professionals are trained to provide the best care possible for your dog where they have the comfort of their own bedding, toys, sights and smells. He or she should make sure your dog gets plenty of attention with play and gentle petting and of course, fresh air with a walk included during every visit.

Tell a pet-sitter about your pet

What is their favorite toy?  Where should they never be touched? Where are his hiding places? Share these details with your pet-sitter  and they will take it from there. Your pet will thank you for helping them communicate their wants and needs.

Stay, Play, Eat and Sleep Overnight

 Dogs who crave a lot of interaction will certainly benefit from running, playing and socializing to their heart’s content. You will be more relaxed, knowing your dog’s stay at a boarding facility like Bark + Boarding is full of constant care and attention in a safe, secure, clean environment with plenty of humans supervising his feedings, sleep and schedule.

Make sure it’s the right place for your dog

Some dogs are not suited for socializing with other dogs, therefore many reputable boarding facilities will require an evaluation of their temperament before they can stay. The ultimate goal is for all dogs to be able to play together safely and freely.

Some facilities, like Bark + Boarding, offer outdoor play time as well. Supervised play and exercise allows for all that energy to burn off making it less stressful for your dog to adjust to his new surroundings and sleep deeply after a full day of activities.

Bring your dog’s personal belongings for a smooth transition

Your dog adjusts better to being away from home with his personal belongings tucked in where he sleeps overnight. When you drop him off to board, bring a familiar blanket or toy to help him settle in.

It’s also important to bring enough of your dog’s food for the entire duration of his stay, and consider leaving some extra just in case your travel plans change. Eating his regular food will help prevent any digestive distress while you’re away.

Whether you’ll be away for one day or several, consider the options that are best for your furry friend. We hope the holidays are more happy than hectic and all of us at Bark + Boarding are here to offer peace of mind while you are away.

Mention this article for a FREE evaluation and click here to sign up for one today! If you have a question about your pet, feel free to come in, or email [email protected].

Recent Stories

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar. 🕗 News recap The following articles were published earlier today…

An 18-year-old Arlington woman is facing a litany of charges after an reported bike theft led to violence. The incident happened Sunday evening near the intersection of S. Walter Reed…

What do I do if school doesn’t fit my kid? That’s the question that so many of the parents and families ask when they’re looking at small independent schools like…

There is a new play area for kids inside Ballston Quarter with plenty of pint-sized attractions. Located on the first floor of the mall, near the about-to-close Macy’s, Junior Playland…

Well-Paid Maids recently unveiled a new scheduling system.

That means it’s easier than ever to book your professional home cleaning with the only certified living-wage home cleaning service in the D.C. area.

Here’s what to expect when you book your cleaning:

  1. Select your location.

  2. Choose your service (i.e. 1 BD/1BA). (This is also where you’ll see the rate.)

  3. Pick your cleaner. (If you don’t have a preference, opt for “any available.”)

  4. Schedule a date and time. You can also set up recurring cleanings and get a discount!

  5. Enter your information and reserve.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

What We Offer:
✔️ Individual Therapy
✔️ Couples Counseling
✔️ Anxiety & Stress Management
✔️ Depression Treatment
✔️ Trauma Healing
✔️ Self-Esteem Building
✔️ Life Transitions Support
✔️ And Much More!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Portofino Italian Wine Dinner, April 6, 6:30pm

Four course Italian dinner, paired with 2 wines each. The wines will be served “blind” and notes on each wine will be discussed. The event is coordinated with Elite Wine Importers and The Portofino Restaurant. The dinner is on Saturday,

×

Subscribe to our mailing list