BOARDING KENNEL TIPS

You may decide a boarding kennel is the best idea for your pets after researching and considering all your options.

The best place to start your search for a boarding kennel is to ask your friends, family, neighbors, and veterinarian. Chances are they they may have used a kennel in your area or know someone who has.


WHAT TYPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Not all kennels are created equal and today you have a lot more choices, ranging from a traditional kennel to the trendier pet motels, resorts and country clubs.


Traditional Kennels

A traditional kennel is usually a no frills facility. Normally pets are confined to their kennels for the duration of their stay, unless other services are offered such as leash walks or time spent with an employee in a play area. They are designed to keep your pets safe, secure and comfortable.


Pet Motels, Resorts & Country Clubs

These new trendier pet facilities offer many services normally reserved for humans. Pets are treated to everything from day spas and massages to gourmet meals prepared by their very own chef. Nights are spent in roomy kennels, often complete with a television and designer furniture. Days are spent being pampered, running through large fenced dog parks or enjoying supervised play time with the other pets.

• How clean is the facility?
  
  

• How is the lighting in the building?
  
  

• Is there good ventilation in all of the pet areas.
  
  

• Are the runs or cages large enough for your pet to move around in comfortably?
  
  

• What kind of access do your pets have to the outdoors and how much time will they spend outside?
  
  

• Does the facility have temperature control? A good kennel should have air conditioning for the warm summers and heat for the winters.
  
  

• Take a look at the outdoor runs. Are they in good condition and shielded from harsh weather?.
  
  

• Will the kennel allow you to bring your pets beds, blankets and other personal items? If not, do they provide bedding or cots so that the dogs are able to get off the concrete floor?
  

• If you are boarding your cat, are the cages large enough to accommodate the food and water bowls as well as the litter? There should be plenty of space between the food and litter without crowding your cat.
  
  

• What is the feeding schedule and are you allowed to bring your pets normal food?
  
  

• Are all pets required to have current vaccination records including the Bordetella vaccine for dogs? Bordetella is also known as kennel cough, which is a very common problem among dogs who spend time confined in an area with other dogs, such as a boarding kennel or grooming facility.
  
  

• Does the boarding kennel staff seem to know what they are doing and have a genuine concern for the animals in their care?
  
  

• Is there a veterinarian on staff or on call for emergencies?
  
  

• Does the facility offer leash walks or special one-on-one playtime? Usually there is an extra charge for this, but your pet may really enjoy the special attention.
  
  

• Find out what the kennel's policy is regarding drop off and pick-up times. Many kennels offer after hours pick-up and drop-off if you are unable to make it during their regular hours.
  

• When leaving your pet at a boarding kennel for the first time, it's a good idea to have your pet spend one or two nights at the kennel while you are still at home. This allows you to find out how your pet reacts to being left at the kennel.
  
  

• Make sure you have current vaccination records showing your pet is up to date on all necessary vaccines.
  
  

• Make a list of any medical or behavior problems you pet may have. Give the kennel staff all medications along with detailed instructions.
  
  

• If the kennel allows it, bring along your pet's bed or blanket and a couple of favorite toys, as well as any treats. This will help the kennel space feel a little more like home.
  
  

• When you are ready to leave, don't make a big fuss over your pet. This will only upset both of you. A quick, happy goodbye is usually the best
  
  

• Take the kennel's number with you in case you want to check on your pet while you are away, and leave a number where you can be reached in case of emergencies.
  
  

• Enjoy your trip knowing that your pets are safe in the capable hands of the kennel staff.
  

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