Animal House in Montichiari, Italy
For the first time in 10 years I left my two Maine Coon cats in a cat hotel while I went on vacation. In the past I have had various people take care of them from good friends to unreliable undgergrads who didn't feed the kitties and let them get really sick from lack of clean water. I was going to be away for 2 weeks, didn't want to bother any new friends with coming to clean cat poop, hairballs and talk to Fatty and Bentley so decided it was best to pay an animal hotel to watch the two felines. Finding a place in Brescia to take care of pets was tough. First of all, we are still new here and the vet doesn't know us. Second of all, there are not so many places to choose from. The essential things, for me, for the cats was that they would have a quiet room, some natural light, clean water, a clean litter pan, and room to move a bit even though they were grouchy and I was sure they would hide in their Sherpa Carry-on bag the entire time.
After visiting one particularly horrific animal hotel in the country I gave up hope. Then the kitten gods smiled on Fatty and Bentley and led us by the Animal House in Montichiari one Sunday afternoon after mass. Typically most businesses are closed in boon-hickey Italy on Sunday afternoon. We drove up the clean manicured driveway of Animal House and got out of the car to take the number. There were several stalls for dogs where they had to choice to be indoors or out. Most came out to bark and see if it was their owner. As we were taking the number we saw the door open and a happy couple emerge with an excited dog, happy to go home. We soon found out that the caretaker is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hm...but could it cost a fortune? We went in and the main caretaker was very friendly and took his time to show us around the different rooms where the cats could stay. There is one main kennel for large dogs where each would have his pen, then there is a second smaller room with smaller pens for small dogs or puppies. Here there are pens for cats but I think mine would go nuts surrounded by little yapping dogs. Then there was the cat room, with a window, where the pens are around 5 feet by 4 feet with a small wooden ladder for cats. There were several cats in different pens: some sleeping in their littler box, one rolling on her back, and another glaring at the new comers. All the pens were clean, the water was clean and the cats reacted well to the caretaker. I was satisfied. I might not be a 5 Star Luxury Tuna Fish Hotel but it was a safe and quiet place for my two old grouchy felines.
The caretaker gave us his cell phone number and told us we could call to check on them every day if we felt more comfortable. We were able to bring our own cat food, and the kitties were able to stay together in one pen. The requirements for animals to stay there are:
1. Shot record
2. Tattoo or microchip on the beast
I was not worried for one moment during our trip about the well being of my kitties. I knew they would be annoyed, maybe scared, they might not eat for a day or two but they would also be safe, clean and well cared for. When we got back on Saturday morning the kennel was closed, we called the caretakers cell and he promptly left his home and arrived in 5 minutes. Fatty and Bentley were both sleeping. The caretaker informed us of their behaviour and eating while they were there. They refused food the first 2 days then ate lightly. I bet they were angry. They both looked healthy but bored. They were a bit shocked to see me, remember us and come home. It took a few hours for them to adjust being home but soon they were demanding food. They lost a bit of weight but they needed to anyway. I would definitely recommend leaving your pet at the Animal House in Montichiari.
The place is affordable, clean and the personnel take not only good care of your pet but are accessible and honest about how your pet did during their stay.
Check out their website, also in English if needed: http://www.animalhouseonline.it/intro/intro_en.asp?lang=EN
 |
| The kitties need supervision.... |
After visiting one particularly horrific animal hotel in the country I gave up hope. Then the kitten gods smiled on Fatty and Bentley and led us by the Animal House in Montichiari one Sunday afternoon after mass. Typically most businesses are closed in boon-hickey Italy on Sunday afternoon. We drove up the clean manicured driveway of Animal House and got out of the car to take the number. There were several stalls for dogs where they had to choice to be indoors or out. Most came out to bark and see if it was their owner. As we were taking the number we saw the door open and a happy couple emerge with an excited dog, happy to go home. We soon found out that the caretaker is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hm...but could it cost a fortune? We went in and the main caretaker was very friendly and took his time to show us around the different rooms where the cats could stay. There is one main kennel for large dogs where each would have his pen, then there is a second smaller room with smaller pens for small dogs or puppies. Here there are pens for cats but I think mine would go nuts surrounded by little yapping dogs. Then there was the cat room, with a window, where the pens are around 5 feet by 4 feet with a small wooden ladder for cats. There were several cats in different pens: some sleeping in their littler box, one rolling on her back, and another glaring at the new comers. All the pens were clean, the water was clean and the cats reacted well to the caretaker. I was satisfied. I might not be a 5 Star Luxury Tuna Fish Hotel but it was a safe and quiet place for my two old grouchy felines.
 | |
| Mrs. Fancypants would accept the Animal House Hotel |
 |
| Animal House Hotel is adjacent to the 24 hour Vet Clinic = peace of mind in case Fido gets sick |
The caretaker gave us his cell phone number and told us we could call to check on them every day if we felt more comfortable. We were able to bring our own cat food, and the kitties were able to stay together in one pen. The requirements for animals to stay there are:
1. Shot record
2. Tattoo or microchip on the beast
I was not worried for one moment during our trip about the well being of my kitties. I knew they would be annoyed, maybe scared, they might not eat for a day or two but they would also be safe, clean and well cared for. When we got back on Saturday morning the kennel was closed, we called the caretakers cell and he promptly left his home and arrived in 5 minutes. Fatty and Bentley were both sleeping. The caretaker informed us of their behaviour and eating while they were there. They refused food the first 2 days then ate lightly. I bet they were angry. They both looked healthy but bored. They were a bit shocked to see me, remember us and come home. It took a few hours for them to adjust being home but soon they were demanding food. They lost a bit of weight but they needed to anyway. I would definitely recommend leaving your pet at the Animal House in Montichiari.
The place is affordable, clean and the personnel take not only good care of your pet but are accessible and honest about how your pet did during their stay.
 | |
| Bentley happy at home |
Check out their website, also in English if needed: http://www.animalhouseonline.it/intro/intro_en.asp?lang=EN
Comments
Post a Comment