PET BOARDING FACILITIES

When you’re looking to board your pet, it’s important to find a situation that’s comfortable for both you and your dog. These days, there are more options than ever to choose from when leaving your pet in the care of others. In addition to boarding kennels, there are PET SITTERS who will board your dog in their home or your own.  

A good place to start is by asking your trainer, veterinarian, groomer, pet-owning friends, or neighbors for the names of boarding kennels or pet sitters they recommend. It’s important to know the right questions to ask and the right things to look for when finding the right “home-away-from-home” boarding experience for your pet.  

Finding a safe and comfortable boarding option for your pet that you trust takes careful research! We highly recommend visiting the kennel or pet sitter with your pet first to see how they interact with them. Safety is key, so look for secure, clean, chemical-free, and temperature-controlled spaces and taking a check list along! 

PET BOARDING CHECKLIST:

• Contact the BOARDING FACILITY or PET SITTER well in advance of your trip to schedule a visit for you and your pet before you leave town. 

• Set up a time for your pet to do a TRIAL STAY at the boarding facility BEFORE you leave town for a trial run so that you can navigate any issues while you are still in town. This also gives your pet time to acclimate to a new setting for the next time. 

• Do due diligence. If you’re looking at a COMMERCIAL PET BOARDING KENNEL, find out if they are certified or members of a professional organization. Check with clients and references.

• If you’re interviewing a PET SITTER INDIVIDUAL, find out how long the person has been pet sitting and how many clients they’ve had. Also, check a few references. 

• Find out about immunization requirements. Many kennels will require a Bordetella shot, along with rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. But some facilities will accept TITER TESTING which can help so you are not OVERVACCINATING your pets. Are dogs also screened for fleas and ticks? Keep an eye out for clean, secure, and sanitary conditions. 

• There should be SAFE adequate, securely-fenced exercise areas and sleeping areas with comfortable non-slip surfaces. Are you welcome to visit all areas of the kennel or home that the dog will have access to? Are they secure and free of harmful chemicals? 

• Meet the CARETAKERS and observe how they interact with your pet. How many pets will they care for at one time? How much exercise do the pets get, and how often are they taken out to eliminate? 

• What type of ANIMAL CARE EDUCATION and training does the provider have? Take stock of provisions made for the comfort of boarders. This includes fresh drinking water, temperature control, ventilation, and shelter. 

• Find out what happens if your pet has any HEALTHCARE needs or EMERGENCIES requiring medication and/or veterinary services. Determine if the pet care provider is certified in pet first-aid. 

• Evaluate the STAFFING SITUATION. Are there proper staff on the premises 24-hours-a-day? Is there an evacuation plan in case of an emergency? Observe the handling of the dogs. Is any interaction allowed with other dogs? How well is this supervised? 

Other CONSIDERATIONS when boarding your dog QUALITY is obviously key, but COSTS are also important when determining a boarding facility. Find out what the daily/nightly rates are, and what this cost this includes; WALKS, INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION, GIVING MEDICATIONS, BATHING and UPDATES. 

• What form of  PAYMENT do they take, and do you pay when you pick up your dog? What is the checkout time, and how much are you charged if you’re late? 

• And what is the CANCELLATION policy? Some places charge a penalty for late cancellations, which can be understandable if they’ve turned other bookings away.  

• If your pet hasn’t been boarded before, again consider a short OVERNIGHT stay before an extended stay. Even an afternoon of doggie daycare can be a good test. This will help your pet get more comfortable with the experience and give the caretaker a better idea of your pet’s needs. 

• It will also give you a chance to OBSERVE how your pet acts when you pick them up. Is your dog desperate to leave? Tired but happy? Stopping to say good-bye to the caretaker? Ask the caretaker for a detailed verbal report of how your dog reacted to the new environment.  

• When you drop off your pet for boarding, bring their food, health and veterinarian information, bed, and favorite toys. Be sure to leave up-to-date CONTACT INFORMATION, as well as an EMERGENCY CONTACT. 

• When you leave, be POSITIVE and upbeat. Keep the goodbyes short and sweet.  When you pick up your pet from the boarding kennel or pet sitter's home, be careful of over feeding or watering them since they will likely be excited, which can trigger food gulping, vomiting, and diarrhea. Let your pet calm down and rest before feeding.  

Often the hardest part of leaving town is TRUSTING someone else to take care of your canine companion. Taking the time to find a boarding option you trust and one your dog enjoys will make all the difference in the end! In the end if you cannot find someone you trust to look after your dog, cat or other pet check out BRING FIDO to see if you can bring your pet along with you! 

Article courtesy of American Kennel Club.