Know About Boarding A Hamster During Vacation

My friend Sheila was going for a vacation with her family and was just contemplating where she would leave her pet hamster that was very comfortable in its own environment. It was just then her colleague told her the way to board a hamster while on vacation.

One of the best ways that a pet hamster could be looked after when you are on vacation is to arrange for a qualified person to look after the hamster. These small animals are relatively low-maintenance animals, if your pet is healthy and has no special needs, then it may be more cost-effective to ask a friend or relative to look after your hamster than to pay kennel fees. If this does not work it would be best to arrange for its boarding in its own cage unlike dogs and cats that are kept in kennels.

Here are a few steps that would help board a hamster: 

You could contact your vet to provide on-site boarding facilities himself or to seek referrals to find a facility to meet your needs. Some boarding facilities board only dogs and cats, while others board a wide variety of domesticated animals.

Once you know the boarding facility visit them and ask about the routine for boarding hamsters. It is best to seek a facility that is clean and separate from the other boarding population. The staff in these facilities should not only feed the hamsters, but also keep their cage clean and play with hamsters as most are socialized.

Once you decide on a particular facility ensure that you fully clean your hamster's cage and replace soiled bedding the day before boarding.  It would also essential to double-check all locking elements of the cage to make sure it is in working order. Ensure the doors fit and lock snugly and there are no loose or damaged portions of the cage.

Next ensure that you pack essential hamster supplies necessary for the time you are on vacation. This includes food the hamster is familiar with and a bag of fresh bedding that will ensure there is familiar feeding and material the hamster is familiar with.

Make sure to transport the hamster to the boarding facility in its own cage; however if there is an elaborate set up with numerous levels and tunnels it may be more practical to transfer the hamster in a smaller cage or in an aquarium type of cage just for the period it is boarded. Transferring to another convenient cage should be done much before boarding to acquaint the hamster to the environment he will be boarded in and reduce stress during the process.

Once boarded ensure that you give instructions regarding how much and how often the hamster is to be fed. It is best to inform the boarding staff of any behavioral problems or medical needs the hamster may have.

Finally hope your hamster has a comfortable time in the boarding facility; retrieve your hamster as soon as you return and ensure to clean his cage again. Lastly do not overlook giving him a lot of affection and love to compensate for the vacation time.

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