What is the Difference Between a Shelter and a Boarding Facility in Lebanon?
We receive so many messages from people simply wanting a place for a stray or pet to stay. Did you know that there is a better place to ask? People often conflate shelters and boarding facilities. Here, we will explain the difference between a shelter and a boarding facility in Lebanon, how each place functions, as well as which you should contact for every case!
What is a Shelter?
A shelter is a place where sick, injured, or homeless animals are rescued, treated, and kept temporarily until a proper home is found for them. A shelter is not a permanent solution for strays. Cases taken in are usually extreme emergency cases. Shelters do not operate on the basis of receiving money in exchange for a service, although donations are much appreciated and needed for their operation.
How is a Shelter Run?
Shelters are usually partially or fully run by dedicated volunteers. This means that there are little to no paid employees. This makes it more labor-intensive and difficult for all the staff and volunteers, since they are not being compensated for all the work they do. Shelters also heavily rely on donations and grants to secure enough funds in order to operate.
Now, let’s move on to boarding facilities!
What is a Boarding Facility?
A boarding facility in Lebanon is a place that operates on the basis of receiving money in exchange for a service. In this instance, looking after animals. A reputable boarding facility will provide food, water, shelter, as well as all other necessities and care needed for the pet(s) staying there in exchange for a fee. Boarding facilities are not tasked with emergencies or treating animals.
How is a Boarding Facility in Lebanon Run?
Although running a boarding facility in Lebanon is a lot of work, the staff are paid and compensated fully for their labor. A boarding facility is a business while a shelter is not. Hence, a boarding facility operates on a transactional basis. As long as money is provided, the service will continue. This is not the case for a shelter.
When Should You Contact a Shelter?
Contact a shelter in the event of an emergency. An animal emergency entails the animal being injured, ill, or in direct danger. A shelter cannot be used to “collect” strays or get them off the streets, although they can assist with TNR campaigns. Please note that special care cases require dedicated fosters.
When Should You Contact a Boarding Facility in Lebanon?
Contact a boarding facility if an otherwise healthy animal just needs a place to stay and/or to be cared for. Think of a boarding facility in Lebanon as a pet hotel! The animal will be cared for and sheltered as long as the fee is paid.
And Finally…
Hopefully you know the difference between a shelter and a boarding facility in Lebanon and when you should contact each place! Remember, neither of these places should be permanent solutions for animals. Every animal deserves a loving home.
