CATS
Requirements
TO CONSIDER FOR
Cat Boarding Clients By Deborah Hansen
W
hen you expand from the world of dogs to the world of cats, the type of clients you get can dramatically
change. Dog people are used to being asked for vaccine records, filling out forms, and giving precise answers about their dog’s behavior and needs. In comparison, most cats never leave their home and their owners are not accustomed to providing the
Before you start accepting
cats for boarding, you need
to establish a policy to assure
the cats you board are healthy and your business is following the local laws.
information needed for their boarding care.
outside world as much. Also, local authorities do
Licensing and Local Ordinances Part of this difference stems from dogs needing to be licensed with the local governing authority. During this annual licensing procedure, many areas require dog owners to obtain a veterinarian’s document stating the dog is current on their rabies vaccination or equivalent. To get this paperwork, the dog must be seen by a veterinarian. Many grooming establishments and other dog-related businesses are required by the local government to keep records of rabies vaccinations and/or dog licenses. Between licensing your dog, going to the vet and needing records for any activities the dog participates in, dog owners have come to expect to show proof that their dog is healthy and in compliance with local regulations. Cats, on the other hand, are not exposed to the
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not seem to monitor cats as closely. Some areas that require dog licensing do not require cat licensing, and the areas that do require cats to be licensed are not as strict as they with dogs. Health Requirements Many cat owners falsely believe cats will take care of themselves, and unless there is a major health concern, they do not take their cats to the veterinarian. Many veterinarians have a more relaxed policy on cat vaccines simply because cats usually do not interact with cats from outside their home and they do not go places that require vaccines. Before you start accepting cats for boarding, you need to establish a policy to assure the cats you
PET BOARDING & DAYCARE