katie_fleming
Active member
Hello 
I have a huge dilemma with the possibility of having to travel here and there for work soon. Nothing set in stone but I've been stressed huge trying to figure this one out.
If I have to travel, I don't have anyone in this city who can look after Jasper for me. My fiance still lives in Ottawa. My one option is sending him back to Ottawa and have my parents bird set (ideal) - but they may not always be able to.
So that leaves my plan b which is a problem.
I visited a new vet on the weekend who looks after parrots/exotics (decided to switch vets since the first one I took him to wasn't an avian vet) and wanted to talk to them about boarding.
They have several small cages in what looks like a closet. My heart broke when I looked inside. I asked if the birds are played with, taken out, etc, and they said only if the bird likes the staff member. They didn't have any type of play gym, table etc, so it's obvious the birds aren't taken out much. They had one larger cage that looked more suitable that apparently costs more. So they get fed twice a day and that's it.
Other than him being alone I was told he has to be tested by one of THEIR vets for the common illnesses. This would be just under $400. That's before the boarding fees. And, it takes 3-4 weeks to get the results, so I'd have to know a month before I have to travel...kind of impossible. When I left I was thinking there'd be no way I would leave him there unless it was an absolute emergency, but then if there was an emergency he wouldn't be allowed to because he hasn't been tested by them.
Next option... I found a place that boards dogs, cats, parrots, etc: Pension pour animaux, hébergement pour animaux Laval | Auberge Zen
I've looked up reviews and they seem mixed. I plan on writing to see if they have any references I can contact who have boarded parrots with them. They're also 30 min away = killer in cab fare
Another option.... the "bird guy" at the pet store I go to said he can board birds and he owns parrots. I don't know where he lives, but the store is about 25 min from where I live so that could also be a problem. I'd like to visit his house to see his cages, etc.
So that's where I am at now. Sorry for the wall of text... I didn't realize how difficult it might be finding somewhere I feel is safe for him and where he'll be treated well (without costing a billion dollars too!).
Any advice would be appreciated. And if you know of any boarders in Montreal that would be even better. Want to get this sorted before any travel comes up.
Thank you
Edit: I found this place http://www.mypets-bestfriend.com/index.html#.VNo16S5FGzw that might be useful if I ever have an emergency and need someone to help (going to be very late one day for example). This wouldn't be feasible for them coming each day to my apartment though.... more like if I was only going to be gone a day or so.
I have a huge dilemma with the possibility of having to travel here and there for work soon. Nothing set in stone but I've been stressed huge trying to figure this one out.
If I have to travel, I don't have anyone in this city who can look after Jasper for me. My fiance still lives in Ottawa. My one option is sending him back to Ottawa and have my parents bird set (ideal) - but they may not always be able to.
So that leaves my plan b which is a problem.
I visited a new vet on the weekend who looks after parrots/exotics (decided to switch vets since the first one I took him to wasn't an avian vet) and wanted to talk to them about boarding.
They have several small cages in what looks like a closet. My heart broke when I looked inside. I asked if the birds are played with, taken out, etc, and they said only if the bird likes the staff member. They didn't have any type of play gym, table etc, so it's obvious the birds aren't taken out much. They had one larger cage that looked more suitable that apparently costs more. So they get fed twice a day and that's it.
Other than him being alone I was told he has to be tested by one of THEIR vets for the common illnesses. This would be just under $400. That's before the boarding fees. And, it takes 3-4 weeks to get the results, so I'd have to know a month before I have to travel...kind of impossible. When I left I was thinking there'd be no way I would leave him there unless it was an absolute emergency, but then if there was an emergency he wouldn't be allowed to because he hasn't been tested by them.
Next option... I found a place that boards dogs, cats, parrots, etc: Pension pour animaux, hébergement pour animaux Laval | Auberge Zen
I've looked up reviews and they seem mixed. I plan on writing to see if they have any references I can contact who have boarded parrots with them. They're also 30 min away = killer in cab fare
Another option.... the "bird guy" at the pet store I go to said he can board birds and he owns parrots. I don't know where he lives, but the store is about 25 min from where I live so that could also be a problem. I'd like to visit his house to see his cages, etc.
So that's where I am at now. Sorry for the wall of text... I didn't realize how difficult it might be finding somewhere I feel is safe for him and where he'll be treated well (without costing a billion dollars too!).
Any advice would be appreciated. And if you know of any boarders in Montreal that would be even better. Want to get this sorted before any travel comes up.
Thank you
Edit: I found this place http://www.mypets-bestfriend.com/index.html#.VNo16S5FGzw that might be useful if I ever have an emergency and need someone to help (going to be very late one day for example). This wouldn't be feasible for them coming each day to my apartment though.... more like if I was only going to be gone a day or so.
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