Pet Care Partners - Boarding Kennels

Chances are, at one time or another you will need toand runs. Are they protected from the elements? Is
turn to someone else to care for your dog. Perhapsthe noise level overwhelming? Although it is impossible
youve accepted a work assignment that will keep youto prevent dogs from barking, especially while
out of town for a month. Maybe youre finally going onsomeone is walking through the facility, the kennel
that long awaited cruise. Whatever the reason, youshould not be overcrowded to the point where dogs
find yourself in need of someone dependable andare constantly barking. Observe any activities offered.
trustworthy to care for Rover. Although some dogsNote especially how aggressive dogs are handled.
do best at home with a pet sitter, other dogs do betterBrass tacks: If your first impressions are favorable,
in a boarding kennel. Consider your dogs personalitythen get down to details. You need to know if pets
and needs before making a decision.are required to be current on vaccinations. Some
Things to know up front: For kennels, pet boarding is akennels now require that your dog be vaccinated
business. Their success depends on volume as muchagainst Bordetella, canine kennel cough. Many kennels
as quality care. Kennels care for many animals at thewill allow you to bring your dogs regular food. It not
same time and your pet will probably be kept in aonly cuts down on their costs, but helps your dog
cage or run. Dont expect a kennel to give your pet theadjust to kennel life. If it is important that your pet stay
same kind of attention and affection that you do; it juston his regular diet, ask; dont just assume. What
wont happen. But good kennels employee people withveterinary services are available? Does the kennel
a natural love of dogs that will be kind and gentle andhave a vet on call? You may prefer that the kennel
care for your pet to the best of their ability.call your vet if there is a need. Make this information
Kennel choices: Most vet offices offer boardingreadily available and let your vet know that your pet
services. While vet office care may be limited, withwill be staying at a kennel while you are gone. Ask
smaller cages and limited exercise opportunities, manyquestions about feeding schedules. If your pet needs
people, especially those whose animals have medicalregular doses of medication, make sure this service is
needs, feel more secure leaving their pets with aoffered. Find out how much exercise your dog will be
trusted vet. Other owners turn to private boardinggetting and how often they are allowed to potty. Can
kennels that can range from bare-bones to luxurious.you bring your dogs bedding from home and his
Sparse facilities do not differ much from vet offices.favorite toy? Is it important to you that a staff
Cages are usually small and exercise is limited to twomember be on the property around the clock? If so,
walks a day. More expensive facilities offer mixedmake sure this is the case at your chosen facility. Be
playtime for dogs that are socialized, outdoor exercisesure to get a breakdown of charges. Some services
areas, larger runs rather than cages, and groomingare included in basic daily rates, some are not. If price
services (all of which may be at an extra charge).is an issue, get the details worked out up front so you
Upscale doggie hotels are all the rage in some areas.wont be surprised when you get home. And last, but
Your dog may receive a massage, bath and haircut,not least, trust your instincts. If you just dont feel good
obedience training, soothing music and luxuriousabout a particular kennel, go somewhere else.
bedding while youre gone.Prepare your pet: So, youve taken all the preliminary
Where to start: Whatever level of care you decide on,measures and selected a kennel for your pet. Now
there are some basic things to know and do beforeyou need to prepare Rover for his stay. If the facility
making a final decision on where to board your pet.offers doggy day care services in addition to longer
Price, comfort, health and safety are all valid concerns.term care, give your pet the chance to try it out. Take
After all, youre entrusting someone else with one ofhim once or twice for just the day. Take special note
the most emotionally valuable things in your life.of his first impressions and reactions. Quiz the staff on
Ask friends, neighbors, family, and your vet or doghis behavior and interaction with the other animals.
trainer for recommendations. Then do a littleBe sure your pet knows basic commands. Make sure
background investigation. If your state requires licensinghe is current on vaccinations and is flea-free (most
and inspections, make sure the kennels you arekennels require it). If your pet is going to be at the
considering are in good standing. Also ask whether thekennel for an extended time, you may consider a trial
prospective kennel belongs to the American Boardingrun of a weekend excursion. This allows you to work
Kennels Association. This trade association promotesout any kinks before the longer stay. If necessary,
professional standards, requires members subscribe toteach your dog to sit before being petted or fed and
a code of ethics, and offers accreditation forto walk quietly on a leash. Socialize him to strangers,
professionalism, safety and quality of care. If youreespecially if medication or grooming will be provided at
satisfied that a kennel meets basic requirements,the kennel. Make sure he is accustomed to a crate if
schedule a visit.he will be in one at the kennel. It will make the stay less
What to look for: First impressions are important. Sniffstressful and fearful for your pet.
the air as soon as you walk in. There should be noPrepare the kennel staff: No one likes surprises, not
strong antiseptic smell or odor of urine or feces. Someeven kennel staff who are accustomed to working
antiseptic odor is understandable in concrete areas, butwith all animal personalities. If your dog has any unusual
if odors assail your nose as you walk in the door, youfears, aggression triggers or other idiosyncrasies, be
may want to consider another kennel.honest for the safety and well-being of all involved. Let
Look for a pleasant atmosphere. Do the currentthem know if Rover is not reliably housetrained, hates
boarded dogs look happy? Do they come to the frontmen or eats things hes not supposed to.
of the kennel to greet you? Dogs that lie to the backOn kennel day: Exercise Rover before you turn him
and do not interact are a bad sign. Is the staffover to the kennel staff. Leave the kids at home. Walk
competent, confident, friendly and caring or do theyin the kennel door, give Rover a gentle pat, tell him youll
seem harassed and irritable? Are there a sufficientsee him soon and let him go. Long goodbyes, hugs and
number of workers or are they short-handed andtears will only stress out your pet (and you). Hes not
overworked? Is the kennel owner ready and willing togoing to hate you for leaving. Go have fun.
show you where your dog will be housed andComing home: One last thing, dont be surprised or
exercise areas? If not, cross this one off your list.alarmed if your dog segregates himself and sleeps a
Make mental notes as you tour the facilities. Are doglot upon coming home. He is not upset with you or had
beds clean? Look for clean food bowls and watera miserable time. Dogs in kennels are awake from the
bowls without scum or floating objects. Are the runscrack of dawn until nighttime. They are excited by
clean or is there feces lying around? Its impossible tobarking dogs, meal times and visitors walking past
keep all runs clean 100% of the time, but youll be ablethem. He may simply be exhausted.
to tell the difference between filth and recent deposits.Boarding kennels can be a good solution for those
Is the kennel yard full of debris? Is the building in needtimes when your pet has to be left behind. Do your
of serious repair? Is there good ventilation and ahomework and find the best facility for you and your
comfortable temperature? If possible, take a look atpet. It is well worth the time. Your peace of mind and
the kitchen. A clean kitchen is a good indicator of ayour pets health are your reward.
clean pet area. Get a tour of outdoor exercise areas