Things to Consider when Picking a Boarding Kennel

Dog boarding kennels give you peace of mind when you travel and don't take the family dog along. They can usually provide shelter and services for dogs of all sizes and ages. Some facilities are really doggie day care and provide services while you are at work. Other kennels can provide over night care and care for weeks while you are out of town. There are other times to consider boarding your dogs such as during extended hospital stays, relocation, or home remodeling.

It is best to pick at least three local facilities before you choose one to board your dog at. If you live in a less populated area ;it is definitely worth the drive to have the opportunity to investigate more than one facility. These facilities range from well researched and state of the art animal care institutions to mom and pop kennels on a local farm. You as the dog owner will know which will provide quality care at a price you can afford for your friend. If you are looking at a local facility, check with the local animal clinic. Do they require their boarded dogs to be fully immunized? Does the kennel maintain a relationship with the local animal hospital in case of illness of one of their charges? These are important questions to ask before you board your dog at any kennel.

Don't by pass asking friends and neighbors for their opinions on local kennels. Still, it is really important to visit the kennel and talk to the staff before you drop your dog off on the first day of vacation. If you are new to an area the internet can provide you with lists of local options .Local pet service providers such as groomers, can probably give you an informed opinion of the quality of care dogs receive at that specific kennel. Your travel agent may also have a list of suggestions and reviews of kennels used by other clients. The point is before you entrust your best friend to strangers for several weeks, you need to get the low down on the kennel.

When you are interviewing staff at a particular kennel it is very important that you have established in your mind what your boarding needs are. If your pet is elderly and requires special medication you while want a kennel that has cared for elderly dogs and has a relationship with the local animal hospital. Do you have a small breed of dog? If so you may want a kennel that boards the smaller breeds away from the larger dogs. If you have a dog that requires daily brushing and frequent grooming you may want a facility that has a groomer on staff.

Think about the time you are going to be using the boarding facility. If you have a hardy outdoor breed then you may not mind them being boarded in outdoor kennels. If you have a more climate sensitive breed boarding on a local farm may work during the spring, but pose problems for your dog in the summer heat. Many times kennels require reservations months in advance before holidays and school breaks. Don't assume you will be able to find boarding space you're your pooch at Christmas at the end of November.

Your choices of boarding facilities will be greatly reduced if you do not plan for your needs a head of time. Also, get your dog updated on their shots and medical records in order. All reputable kennels require your dog be in certified good health before they board. Also, be aware that kennels many times have restricted drop off/pick up times. You can avoid be late to the airport or being charged for boarding an extra day if you familiarize yourself with the kennels drop off and pick up services.

You can use a few guidelines when picking a boarding kennel. Look for a kennel that has a written mission statement. If the mission statement is focused on the welfare on their charges; this reflects well on the kennel management. The best kennels are run by folks that have a passion for caring for dogs. If the mission statement focuses on business success and money making I would look elsewhere.

Look in three areas when trying to judge the appropriateness of the kennel the emotional state of the animals staying there, sanitation, and security. If the atmosphere of the kennel is controlled chaos this is a good thing. Yes, there will be lots of barking when you enter, but the staff should be talking to the dogs by names and the dogs should act like they are happy to see the staff. If dogs are cowering or stressed it is a sign that the kennel is not properly staffed. The kennel should be clean with all the dogs having access to runs, food, and water.

Kennels will smell, but the scent should not be overwhelming like stalls have not been cleaned for long periods of time. Security means that the area the dogs run loose in do not give them opportunity to escape Each dog should have some of their own space they can retreat to when they need to be alone. The kennel should also have plans for disasters such as fires and individual health emergencies.

A small faculty on a family farm may be the perfect place for your dogs even if they do not have state of the art dog runs. Just make sure the kennel you choose is not trying to serve more dogs than it can handle. Most reputable kennels will have a reasonable open door policy so you can make an unscheduled visit. If you feel your dog needs 24 hour supervision be sure to ask about staffing policies at the kennel. Some kennels may not have staff available during the overnight hours.

Your dog is not going to be thrilled to be dropped off at any kennel, but you will know if your dog has had a good stay if they act as if they have to say good bye to their care takers. Good kennels have staff that build relationships with their doggie clients. If you find a good kennel it is best to stick with the same one over the years, your dog will be less stressed staying at a kennel they know when you travel.