When it comes to boarding your cat, preparation is key to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and stress-free experience for both you and your cat. Understanding cat boarding requirements helps pet parents provide the necessary documentation, health care, and personal items that will make their cat’s stay as enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re a first-time boarder or a seasoned pet owner, this cat boarding checklist covers everything you need to know. If you're looking for a St. Charles or Chesterfield cat boarding facility, Petropolis is here to help.
Health and Vaccine Requirements
Boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations for the protection of the pets in their care. Cats will typically need vaccinations for rabies, FVRCP (feline distemper), and sometimes FeLV (feline leukemia virus). Additional vaccines such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) testing may also be required in some facilities, so make sure your cat's vaccination records are current and accurate. At Petropolis, we require that boarded cats have their FVRCP and rabies vaccinations.
Facilities may require a health certificate from a vet, providing proof that your cat is in good health and ready for boarding. Additionally, some boarding facilities mandate current flea and tick prevention treatments, as well as proof of spay/neuter procedures, particularly for male cats.
Documentation and Paperwork
Aside from health records, some boarding facilities may require other documentation to provide the best care. These documents protect both parties and establish clear expectations for your cat's care. Petropolis doesn't require additional paperwork, but some establishments may ask you to complete detailed application forms that include:
- Your contact information
- Emergency contact information
- Primary veterinarian information (find a vet here!)
- Pet insurance details
- Detailed diet and feeding instructions
- Medication schedules
- Liability waivers or contracts
Behavioral Assessment and Requirements
Cats are not usually subjected to any tests. Some facilities may suggest temperament evaluations, stress response observation, litter box habits assessment, or socialization level evaluation depending on how their cat boarding services are set up. Cats showing extreme separation anxiety or aggressive tendencies may need specialized accommodations or care plans. Petropolis does not perform behavioral assessments of cats, as cats are kept in their own private rooms where our trained staff can stay aware of their challenges and tend to them properly.
Personal Items and Supplies
Bringing familiar items helps your cat feel more comfortable during their stay. This may vary depending on your cat's particular needs. Some personal items include:
- Cat food: in original packaging with clear feeding instructions, including extra food
- Medications: in original containers with detailed administration schedules
- Comfort items: such as favorite toys, familiar blankets, and preferred treats
- Litter: if your cat uses a specific type of litter
- Identification: including collar with current tags and microchip information
Petropolis provides premium litter, bowls, bedding, and toys for boarded cats, but owners are welcome to bring their own in addition to food (pre-portioned), medication, and familiar items with your scent.
Boarding Facility-Specific Policies
Each boarding facility maintains unique policies designed to create the best possible environment for cats. Some facilities also offer additional services such as grooming, playtime, or medical care administration, each with their own requirements and procedures. There could be maximum stay limitations, specific check-in and check-out windows, or considerations about individual housing vs. communal spaces. Make sure to talk with your chosen boarding facility about their specific policies.
At Petropolis, we have no maximum stay limits, and we accommodate after hours pick-ups and drop-offs. We will also administer medication, with the exception of medications like insulin as per our policy. If you have any questions about our other policies, call us in St. Charles at (636) 537-3634 or Chesterfield at (636) 537-2322.
Costs and Payment
Boarding costs will vary depending on the individual cat, accommodations, medical care (if applicable), and seasonality. The cost will also change if boarding is paired with another service, like grooming or specialized medical care. It's best to read your chosen facility's cancellation policies and payment methods to prevent unexpected complications during your planning process. Boarded cats at Petropolis are not eligible to combine services like training or grooming, so there are no paired services that require additional fees. However, there are other considerations like extra playtime or luxury suites that can affect costs. We also accept many payment options, including cash, check, and credit card.
Key Takeaways for Cat Boarding Requirements
Boarding your cat can be a stress-free experience when you are well-informed about cat boarding requirements. Using a cat boarding checklist can help ensure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, you have all necessary documentation, and you have packed everything your cat needs to feel safe and comfortable during their entire stay. Choosing a safe boarding facility that prioritizes good overall health and personalized care like Petropolis will give you peace of mind while you are away. With proper planning, your pet’s stay can be a happy, healthy, and enjoyable one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Boarding
Cat boarding offers very little opportunity for cats to interact with each other. Most facilities house cats in individual enclosures or suites, and we do the same at Petropolis.
Yes, boarding facilities offer playtime and enrichment activities to keep cats mentally stimulated and reduce stress during their stay. Entertainment during cat boarding focuses more on individual attention and interactive toys.
Most boarding facilities welcome pairs and often offer discounts for multiple cats from the same household. At Petropolis, cats from the same family can be boarded together in a private room.
Most boarding facilities can accommodate early pickups and extensions as long as you provide advance notice and they have availability. However, there may be facility-specific policies that affect how this is handled. If you need to adjust the time of your animal's stay at Petropolis, simply let us know so we can work with you.
Ultimately, these are completely different services. Using a boarding facility means dropping your pet off with a team of trained professionals who will care for your pet in your absence. Hiring a pet sitter means trusting a guest into your home to care for your pet there. The decision will depend on the owner's personal preferences.