| Chances are, at one time or another you will need to | | | | should not be overcrowded to the point where dogs |
| turn to someone else to care for your dog. Perhaps | | | | are constantly barking. Observe any activities offered. |
| you've accepted a work assignment that will keep you | | | | Note especially how aggressive dogs are handled. |
| out of town for a month. Maybe you're finally going on | | | | Brass tacks: If your first impressions are favorable, |
| that long awaited cruise. Whatever the reason, you | | | | then get down to details. You need to know if pets |
| find yourself in need of someone dependable and | | | | are required to be current on vaccinations. Some |
| trustworthy to care for Rover. Although some dogs | | | | kennels now require that your dog be vaccinated |
| do best at home with a pet sitter, other dogs do better | | | | against Bordetella, canine kennel cough. Many kennels |
| in a boarding kennel. Consider your dog's personality | | | | will allow you to bring your dog's regular food. It not |
| and needs before making a decision. | | | | only cuts down on their costs, but helps your dog |
| Things to know up front: For kennels, pet boarding is a | | | | adjust to kennel life. If it is important that your pet stay |
| business. Their success depends on volume as much | | | | on his regular diet, ask; don't just assume. What |
| as quality care. Kennels care for many animals at the | | | | veterinary services are available? Does the kennel |
| same time and your pet will probably be kept in a | | | | have a vet on call? You may prefer that the kennel |
| cage or run. Don't expect a kennel to give your pet the | | | | call your vet if there is a need. Make this information |
| same kind of attention and affection that you do; it just | | | | readily available and let your vet know that your pet |
| won't happen. But good kennels employee people with | | | | will be staying at a kennel while you are gone. Ask |
| a natural love of dogs that will be kind and gentle and | | | | questions about feeding schedules. If your pet needs |
| care for your pet to the best of their ability. | | | | regular doses of medication, make sure this service is |
| Kennel choices: Most vet offices offer boarding | | | | offered. Find out how much exercise your dog will be |
| services. While vet office care may be limited, with | | | | getting and how often they are allowed to potty. Can |
| smaller cages and limited exercise opportunities, many | | | | you bring your dog's bedding from home and his |
| people, especially those whose animals have medical | | | | favorite toy? Is it important to you that a staff |
| needs, feel more secure leaving their pets with a | | | | member be on the property around the clock? If so, |
| trusted vet. Other owners turn to private boarding | | | | make sure this is the case at your chosen facility. Be |
| kennels that can range from bare-bones to luxurious. | | | | sure to get a breakdown of charges. Some services |
| Sparse facilities do not differ much from vet offices. | | | | are included in basic daily rates, some are not. If price |
| Cages are usually small and exercise is limited to two | | | | is an issue, get the details worked out up front so you |
| walks a day. More expensive facilities offer mixed | | | | won't be surprised when you get home. And last, but |
| playtime for dogs that are socialized, outdoor exercise | | | | not least, trust your instincts. If you just don't feel good |
| areas, larger runs rather than cages, and grooming | | | | about a particular kennel, go somewhere else. |
| services (all of which may be at an extra charge). | | | | Prepare your pet: So, you've taken all the preliminary |
| Upscale doggie hotels are all the rage in some areas. | | | | measures and selected a kennel for your pet. Now |
| Your dog may receive a massage, bath and haircut, | | | | you need to prepare Rover for his stay. If the facility |
| obedience training, soothing music and luxurious | | | | offers doggy day care services in addition to longer |
| bedding while you're gone. | | | | term care, give your pet the chance to try it out. Take |
| Where to start: Whatever level of care you decide on, | | | | him once or twice for just the day. Take special note |
| there are some basic things to know and do before | | | | of his first impressions and reactions. Quiz the staff on |
| making a final decision on where to board your pet. | | | | his behavior and interaction with the other animals. |
| Price, comfort, health and safety are all valid concerns. | | | | Be sure your pet knows basic commands. Make sure |
| After all, you're entrusting someone else with one of | | | | he is current on vaccinations and is flea-free (most |
| the most emotionally valuable things in your life. | | | | kennels require it). If your pet is going to be at the |
| Ask friends, neighbors, family, and your vet or dog | | | | kennel for an extended time, you may consider a trial |
| trainer for recommendations. Then do a little | | | | run of a weekend excursion. This allows you to work |
| background investigation. If your state requires licensing | | | | out any kinks before the longer stay. If necessary, |
| and inspections, make sure the kennels you are | | | | teach your dog to sit before being petted or fed and |
| considering are in good standing. Also ask whether the | | | | to walk quietly on a leash. Socialize him to strangers, |
| prospective kennel belongs to the American Boarding | | | | especially if medication or grooming will be provided at |
| Kennels Association. This trade association promotes | | | | the kennel. Make sure he is accustomed to a crate if |
| professional standards, requires members subscribe to | | | | he will be in one at the kennel. It will make the stay less |
| a code of ethics, and offers accreditation for | | | | stressful and fearful for your pet. |
| professionalism, safety and quality of care. If you're | | | | Prepare the kennel staff: No one likes surprises, not |
| satisfied that a kennel meets basic requirements, | | | | even kennel staff who are accustomed to working |
| schedule a visit. | | | | with all animal personalities. If your dog has any unusual |
| What to look for: First impressions are important. Sniff | | | | fears, aggression triggers or other idiosyncrasies, be |
| the air as soon as you walk in. There should be no | | | | honest for the safety and well-being of all involved. Let |
| strong antiseptic smell or odor of urine or feces. Some | | | | them know if Rover is not reliably housetrained, hates |
| antiseptic odor is understandable in concrete areas, but | | | | men or eats things he's not supposed to. |
| if odors assail your nose as you walk in the door, you | | | | On kennel day: Exercise Rover before you turn him |
| may want to consider another kennel. | | | | over to the kennel staff. Leave the kids at home. Walk |
| Look for a pleasant atmosphere. Do the current | | | | in the kennel door, give Rover a gentle pat, tell him you'll |
| boarded dogs look happy? Do they come to the front | | | | see him soon and let him go. Long goodbyes, hugs and |
| of the kennel to greet you? Dogs that lie to the back | | | | tears will only stress out your pet (and you). He's not |
| and do not interact are a bad sign. Is the staff | | | | going to hate you for leaving. Go have fun. |
| competent, confident, friendly and caring or do they | | | | Coming home: One last thing, don't be surprised or |
| seem harassed and irritable? Are there a sufficient | | | | alarmed if your dog segregates himself and sleeps a |
| number of workers or are they short-handed and | | | | lot upon coming home. He is not upset with you or had |
| overworked? Is the kennel owner ready and willing to | | | | a miserable time. Dogs in kennels are awake from the |
| show you where your dog will be housed and | | | | crack of dawn until nighttime. They are excited by |
| exercise areas? If not, cross this one off your list. | | | | barking dogs, meal times and visitors walking past |
| Make mental notes as you tour the facilities. Are dog | | | | them. He may simply be exhausted. |
| beds clean? Look for clean food bowls and water | | | | Boarding kennels can be a good solution for those |
| bowls without scum or floating objects. Are the runs | | | | times when your pet has to be left behind. Do your |
| clean or is there feces lying around? It's impossible to | | | | homework and find the best facility for you and your |
| keep all runs clean 100% of the time, but you'll be able | | | | pet. It is well worth the time. Your peace of mind and |
| to tell the difference between filth and recent deposits. | | | | your pet's health are your reward. |
| Is the kennel yard full of debris? Is the building in need | | | | Copyright 2007 Sherry Massey |
| of serious repair? Is there good ventilation and a | | | | Sherry Massey is the owner of Barker and Friends |
| comfortable temperature? If possible, take a look at | | | | Natural Pet Treats. Our mission is to provide healthy all |
| the kitchen. A clean kitchen is a good indicator of a | | | | natural treats and food to help your dogs and cats live |
| clean pet area. Get a tour of outdoor exercise areas | | | | longer, healthier lives. Please visit us at for a great |
| and runs. Are they protected from the elements? Is | | | | selection of all natural treats we make from scratch, |
| the noise level overwhelming? Although it is impossible | | | | Flint River Ranch All Natural Pet Food, pet supplies and |
| to prevent dogs from barking, especially while | | | | resources. |
| someone is walking through the facility, the kennel | | | | |