Why boarding is a good choice for small animals

When planning a trip, owners of small pets often wonder whether to book a boarding service or home visits. While home visits can provide a familiar setting for your pets, boarding offers a safer, more interactive, and often more beneficial experience—for both you and your little pets. Here’s why boarding might be the best choice for you:

1. Safety and Security

Small pets, such as guinea pigs, tortoises, rats and hamsters, are delicate creatures. Leaving them home alone for extended periods — even with daily visits — can pose several risks:

✔ Temperature Control – Heating and cooling systems can fail, leaving your pets too cold or too hot. Boarding facilities are set up to maintain a stable, pet-friendly environment.

✔ Predator Protection – Even indoors, pets can be at risk from household dangers like other pets, accidental escapes, or even predators entering outdoor hutches. A boarding facility offers a secure, predator-proof environment.

✔ Emergency Care – If a pet falls ill while at home, it may not be noticed until the next visit. At a boarding facility, staff can spot health issues quickly and seek veterinary care immediately.

2. Daily Interaction and Enrichment

Small animals thrive on routine and interaction. While a home visit provides only a short check-in, boarding ensures that your pet receives consistent attention throughout the day.

🐾 Regular Feeding and Monitoring – Staff can monitor food intake, hydration, and behaviour, which is especially important for guinea pigs and other small animals, whose digestive systems are sensitive.

🐾 Social Interaction – Whether from staff or other small pets nearby, boarding provides a stimulating environment where animals can observe activity rather than being left alone for long hours.

🐾 Grooming and Exercise – Many boarding facilities, like ours, offer nail trimming, brushing, and exercise time to keep your pets comfortable and healthy.

3. Professional Expertise

Boarding facilities are run by people who understand small animal care — from diet to handling and hygiene.

🔹 Knowledge of Small Animal Diets – From ensuring fresh hay and the right balance of vegetables for guinea pigs and other small animals.

🔹 Proper Cleaning and Hygiene – Boarding ensures clean enclosures, fresh bedding, and proper waste disposal — reducing the risk of illness and improving overall pet wellbeing.

🔹 Medication and Special Needs – If your pet requires medication or special care, boarding ensures it’s administered correctly and on schedule.

Why Choose Our Boarding Service?

At our small animal boarding facility, we specialise in caring for small animals, ensuring they receive:

✔ Daily handling and health checks

✔ A clean, comfortable environment

✔ Experienced care from professionals who understand small animals

✔ Grooming services, including nail trims

✔ Peace of mind for you while you’re away

Boarding provides a safer, more engaging, and more reliable alternative to home visits. When you leave your pets with us, you can relax and enjoy your time away—knowing they’re receiving the best care possible!

📅 Book your pet’s stay today and let them enjoy a holiday of their own! - Booking Forms | Little Dolittle