Leaving your pet with someone else for the first time is uncomfortable. Knowing exactly what happens — and what is expected of you — makes it a great deal easier.
Start with the vaccinations
Every reputable boarding facility will ask for current records, and any that does not should worry you. One unvaccinated animal puts every other guest at risk, and in a shared facility illness moves fast.
At Exotic Pet Lodge we need to see:
Dogs — DHLPP, anti-rabies, deworming, and treatment against ticks and fleas.
Cats — cat flu, anti-rabies and deworming.
Everything must be current in line with your vet's schedule. If your records have lapsed, sort them out well before your travel date — some vaccines need time to take effect, so booking the jab the day before you fly does not solve the problem.
Your pet must also be at least four months old.
Dogs and cats are not kept together
This is worth checking wherever you board. At the Lodge, dogs board at our SPG Road premises and cats board separately in Ikate. They are different buildings, not different rooms.
Cats in particular are stressed by the sound and smell of dogs even when they cannot see them, and a stressed cat stops eating.
Food
Boarding includes Dog Chow kibble for adult dogs and all-life-stages kibble for cats.
Send your own food if your pet is a puppy, on a prescription diet, or has allergies. A sudden diet change causes diarrhoea, and the first days in an unfamiliar place are the worst possible time for an upset stomach.
If your pet has a particular routine — twice a day, soaked kibble, food before medication — write it down and send it with them. Do not rely on remembering to mention it at drop-off.
Medication and emergencies
Send any medication clearly labelled with written instructions, not verbal ones.
Give an emergency contact who can actually make decisions about your pet if you cannot be reached — someone in the country, with a phone they answer. Boarding with us authorises us to seek veterinary treatment if we reasonably believe it is needed and cannot reach you. We will always try you first.
Settling in
Most pets settle within a day or two. Some eat less for the first day; that is normal and not usually a cause for concern unless it continues.
Bringing something that smells of home helps — a worn t-shirt or a familiar blanket. Do not send anything you would be upset to lose.
Long goodbyes make it harder. Pets read your anxiety, and a drawn-out farewell tells them something is wrong. Hand over, say goodbye briefly, and go.
Practical points
- A deposit of one night's boarding confirms your booking and comes off the final bill
- Deposits are not refunded; cancel with 48 hours' notice and we will hold it against a future booking
- Collecting early does not reduce the cost — the space was reserved for you
- Stays of three nights or more include a complimentary bath before your pet goes home
Where to find us
Dog boarding is at 1 Ugochukwu Orji Street, off SPG Road, Lekki. Look for the "Barr Adewale" signage at the beginning of the street — that is us. Cats board at 62A Gbangbala Street, Ikate.
You are welcome to come and look round before you book. We would rather you did.
