Circumstances will surface from time to time that require you to look into dog boarding at a local kennel. The time duration can vary from a few days to a few weeks but you ideally want to find your dog the perfect home away from home. Boarding with a kennel should provide your dog with a safe environment while giving you peace of mind as you tend to your business.
Within your community itself, there should be plenty of word of mouth regarding suitable boarding, whether it's coming from dog trainers, veterinarians, pet groomers, animal shelters or localized dog clubs or forums online. Be sure to keep in mind that there may be some ulterior motives with the recommendations. Some of your sources may be recommending kennels owned or operated by friends or family. So just because you are getting names doesn't mean that your work is completely finished.
It's advisable to physically visit the kennels themselves to ensure that your dog will be staying in a professionally run, clean and friendly place. Any boarding facility should quickly welcome and accommodate a request to tour them. Maybe even test the waters by having your dog stay overnight prior to a longer stay for a vacation or business trip.
Are the kennels large enough for your dog? You don't want your large dog feeling cramped without any room to stand or maneuver about. Be sure to ask if the dog boarding facility itself takes the dogs out for a walk every day? Do the dogs have playtime outside of the confides of their kennel? Dogs will always need human contact and exercise.
Pay close attention to the kennel itself. Does the staff make sure that the cage is clean and sanitary? Will your dog have something soft and warm to lay down on? You don't want your dog sleeping on cold cement or dirt. There is always the option of bringing your dog their favorite pad or blanket but any good boarding kennel should have their own comfort accessories. It's still not a bad idea to supply your dog with as many at home familiarities as possible whether it's their favorite chew toy or blanket.
What exactly is separating your dog from other dogs at the facility? Be careful if it's just a wire fence since neighboring male dogs can easily lift their legs and urinate through the fence onto your dog or your dog's bedding and toys. This may also be a good time to ask the facility if they will bathe your dog during a long stay. Wire fences can also make your dog uneasy since they can see and interact with other dogs through the fencing. There may be some snapping and barking between the dogs. Your dog will not have a pleasant stay if they don't get along with the dog next door. This is why kennels with concrete dividing walls between dogs are preferable.
Be sure to ask them how often and what they will be feeding your dog? You may even want to suggest supplying the kennel with your own dog food since an abrupt change to your dog's diet may lead to stomach and digestive problems or diarrhea. Make sure that your dog will always have a supply of drinking water. The staff should also be friendly, caring and attentive to any special needs of your dog like medication. They should have experience at properly administering doses of your dog's medication and there should be a vet on call at all times.
The idea here is to make sure you can trust the dog boarding facility with your dog, reducing the worry and uneasiness from both you and your dog that comes with temporary separation.
| Scott Jackson has been in the Pet Industry for over ten years. He has managed large Pet Specialty Retail stores and has worked as a distributor rep in the pet industry. He is a pet owner and lover who has extensive knowledge in pet nutrition and care. He runs a website http://www.coloradopetresources.com and http://www.dogandcatarticles.com where he gives information on pet care, location of Colorado independent pet retailers, vets, breeders and a general meeting place for pet lovers. Visit http://www.coloradopetresources.com and find the information you need. |
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