What should I do if my pet refuses to eat while at a boarding facility?

It can be deeply concerning for a pet owner to hear that their dog or cat is not eating during their boarding stay. While a temporary decrease in appetite due to the stress of a new environment is not uncommon, it is a situation that any reputable facility takes seriously. As a pet care professional, I can assure you that a structured, proactive approach is key to resolving this issue and ensuring your pet's well-being.

Why Pets May Refuse to Eat in Boarding

Understanding the root cause is the first step. The most common factor is stress or anxiety from the change in routine and environment. Other potential reasons include:

Environmental Overstimulation: The sights, sounds, and smells of a busy facility can be overwhelming for some pets, suppressing their appetite.
Dietary Preference or Change: Even if you provide their regular food, some pets are sensitive to it being served in a different bowl, location, or at a slightly different time.
Underlying Medical Condition: While less common, a pre-existing or new health issue could be the cause. This is why thorough pre-boarding health checks and vaccine requirements are critical industry standards.
Mild Gastrointestinal Upset: Stress alone can cause a temporary upset stomach, making food unappealing.

What a Professional Boarding Facility Should Do

A high-quality kennel or cattery will have clear protocols for this scenario. Here is what you should expect them to do, and what you can discuss with them:

1. Immediate Assessment and Communication

The staff should notify you promptly if your pet misses more than one or two consecutive meals. They should provide details: Are they drinking water? Are they lethargic or acting normally otherwise? This open communication is a hallmark of professional care.

2. Implementing Stress-Reduction Techniques

Experienced caregivers will employ various tactics to encourage eating:

Quiet, Private Feeding: Moving the pet to a calmer area away from activity can make a significant difference.
Food Enhancement: Adding a small amount of warm water, low-sodium broth (with owner approval), or a topping of their usual wet food can increase palatability.
Hand-Feeding or Interactive Feeding: For some pets, especially cats, hand-feeding a few kibbles or using a food puzzle can kickstart their appetite.
Maintaining Routine: Feeding at the same time each day, using your provided food and familiar items like a blanket or toy, creates comforting consistency.

3. Veterinary Collaboration

If appetite does not return within 24 hours, or if the pet shows any other signs of illness (lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea), the facility should have a protocol to contact their on-call veterinarian. Many facilities have a vet on retainer for such situations. They should also contact you immediately to discuss the vet visit and any potential costs.

What You Can Do as a Pet Owner

Your preparation and partnership with the facility are invaluable.

Provide Detailed Information: During drop-off, explicitly note your pet's normal eating habits, favorite food toppers, and any known anxieties. The more data the staff has, the better they can tailor their approach.
Pack Familiar Items: Send your pet's regular food, measured in individual portions, along with their own bowls, a worn t-shirt with your scent, and a favorite toy. Studies on animal behavior consistently show that familiar scents reduce stress in novel environments.
Consider a Trial Stay: For pets new to boarding, a short overnight or daycare visit before a longer stay can help them acclimate, making them more likely to eat normally during their subsequent vacation.
Trust the Professionals: While it is worrying, allow the staff to implement their strategies. Constant calls can distract them from caring for your pet and the others in their charge.

In summary, a pet refusing to eat in boarding is a manageable situation when addressed with expertise and care. The key is choosing a facility with transparent communication, experienced staff trained in animal behavior, and clear medical protocols. By working as a team with the caregivers and providing them with the right tools and information, you can help ensure your pet's stay is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.