What to Look For When Boarding Your Dog
Leaving your dog overnight can be a nerve-racking experience. However, taking your dog to a care facility does not have to be difficult and stressful. There are many dog care services that care about the health and safety of your dog. If you need to leave home, look for an excellent dog boarding facility.
So, what makes a good dog kennel?
Happy dogs
This one might sound superficial, but it is true. Happy dogs are a sign that the boarding facility pays attention to their canine guests. Dogs will be happy in a facility where they are treated well, have positive encounters with the other dogs, and have a personalized routine that fits their personality. If the dogs look content and cared for, there’s a good chance they are enjoying their stay.
High levels of hygiene
A good dog kennel should be focused on hygiene. It is easy to notice good hygiene just by making one visit. An excellent dog boarding facility will not have any weird odors or dirty dog cages. You will also notice high levels of hygiene when you look at the members of staff.
An in-house veterinarian or on call
The big dog boarding facilities will have an in-house veterinarian to take care of any emergencies. However, any standard dog kennel will at least have a veterinarian on call. With an in-house veterinarian or one on call, you can be sure that all emergencies will be addressed and your dog will be safe.
Friendly staff
Professionalism is something that should never be compromised and especially in a dog boarding facility. A good dog kennel will have a professional staff that cares deeply about the dogs. When you visit the facility, it will be easy to see professionalism just by checking how the staff treats the dogs. With friendly staff you can be sure that your dog is in good hands.
Special services
A good dog boarding services should not just offer the basic services. Additional services like spa treatments show that the care facility is passionate about the welfare of the dogs. Apart from the normal grooming and feeding, the dog facility should offer special diet for sick dogs and other services.
How to choose a dog boarding facility
When choosing a dog boarding facility, it is essential to ask the necessary questions. Asking the right questions will help you determine whether the boarding kennel is fit. Here are some questions to help you choose the right dog care service:
a) Are they accredited and licensed?
It is always important to ask about accreditation and certification when looking for a boarding kennel. Accreditation will vary by location because each government has bodies that regulate dog kennel owners. In the United States, we have the American Boarding Kennels Association. With a kennel that is accredited, you will be sure that your dog is in good hands. Licensing is also important because it shows that the kennel has been given a mandate by the government to operate.
b) What are the admission requirements?
When choosing a dog boarding facility, take time and check the admission requirements. Every kennel has different vaccination requirements and may want a copy of your veterinary records. Depending on what diseases are common in your area, you may need to get your dog additional shots.
c) What is the condition of boarding amenities?
You need to check the condition of the dog boarding amenities. Hygiene is the first thing to consider when checking the amenities. The amenities should be free from any smells or pests. The cages should have proper ventilation, and it should also have strong dog latches to keep the dogs safely in their crates. When checking the condition of the amenities, make sure that your dog will be safe and also comfortable.
d) Is the staff trained?
Staff training is essential. Members of staff handling the dogs should have some form of experience with proper dog care. The staff should also be trained and passionate about dog care.
e) How often do they play?
The dogs should have a play routine for exercise. Before taking your dog to a boarding facility, ask about their play routine. Dogs need some time out to play and exercise.
f) Does your dog have a special diet?
Ask about how meals are offered. In case your dog is on a special diet or requires special feeding instructions, talk to the boarding facility about your needs. They should be able to accommodate them.
g) What are the management procedures?
Each dog boarding facility has unique management methods. Check their management procedures in terms of payment, dog pickup procedures and additional charges.
Pros of a dog boarding facility
Avoid stress when traveling
If you are going on a trip and you will sleep in a hotel, many hotels do not allow pets. In instances where you cannot take your dog with you, an overnight boarding facility will do the trick.
Close supervision
Taking your dog to a boarding facility is the best way to give your dog close supervision while you are away. Leaving your dog at home alone can be dangerous. When you take your dog to a boarding facility, they will be monitored by professionals.
Health inspection
There are boarding facilities that have in-house veterinary officers. In case your dog has health issues, you can take advantage of the veterinary services offered at the facility.
Play and other services
Your dog will enjoy a new environment where they can play with other dogs, get groomed, and experience new scenery.
Cons of boarding facilities
- The stress of a new environment
A new environment can be a source of stress for your dog. The boarding facility is an unfamiliar environment and your dog might not be comfortable staying in an unfamiliar place. Some doggy daycare facilities double as dog hotels. If that’s the case, you can help your dog get used to their home away from home by bring them to daycare during the day on several occasions before boarding them.
Disease transmission
Even in dog boarding facilities with great hygiene your dog could contract diseases from other dogs in the kennel. Stay up to date on any recommended vaccinations and feel free to ask whether kennel cough or some other sickness is currently going around.
