During this holiday season many have to board their dogs. I wanted to share great list of what to look for when findings a boarding kennel. This list is from the Humane Society in my are. Ask a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, animal shelter, or dog trainer for a recommendation. Call your state licensing board to find out if your state requires boarding kennel
What to look for:
- Does the facility look and smell clean?
- If your state requires license or certification~ when you visit make sure the kennel displays their license or certificate showing that the kennel meets mandated standards.
- Is there sufficient ventilation and light?
- Is a comfortable temperature maintained? Cool in warm months and warm in cold months
- If you have a large dog..is the kennel large dog friendly. I recommend you also check on breed friendly. Many kennels are not comfortable taking care of large breed dogs, especially certain breeds (German Shepherd, Bit Bull, Doberman, and etc.)
- Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring? If the staff are crabby with you.....my thought process is that they will not be very nice to the dog.
- Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? I make this a mandatory requirement on my list.
- Does each dog have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise?
- Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from wind, rain, and snow?
- Are resting boards and bedding provided to allow dogs to rest off the concrete floor?
- Are cats housed away from dogs?
- How often are pets fed?
- Can the owner bring a pet's special food? This is very important to me...since Kingers only eats natural dog food.
- What veterinary services are available? I require that my vet be contacted ASAP for all emergencies. I contact my vet prior to boarding to make sure they are aware I am gone and that Kingers is at the kennel.
- Are other services available such as grooming, training, bathing?
- How are rates calculated?
I leave Kingers at a local kennel only in Emergencies. The last time was a funeral when both my children also attended with me. When I do leave him...I always recheck each time. If a kennel was fantastic last year does not mean it will be the same this year. New management and new staff can make a world of difference in quality standards.
Again...I always recommend that you talk to your vet prior to all actions taken for your 4 legged friends.
we talk to our vet and also ask around for several references -- with facebook and groups for local folks, it makes it a lot easier to find references!
ReplyDeleteThose are excellent tips. We usually have a friend come over to check on our animals when we are away.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips for anyone with dogs!!
ReplyDeleteThis is very good advice, So important to check a place out before boarding your pet. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGreat tips- passing onto my pet owner friends!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! I had to board my big dog years ago and it was hard finding a good place!
ReplyDeleteWhat great tips. We don't have any four legged friends, but several friends to.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. I will pass this information on to people who have 4-legged friends and might be in need of a shelter for them.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a dog, but we are thinking of getting one. These are all great things to know.
ReplyDelete-Milena
These are great tips, thank you! We have kitties and it can be challenging to find a nice place to board them when needed!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips.. I always worry when I have to board my babies.. but sometimes I can't get around like on our trip to germany 2 years ago and the one coming up this summer.. I love the place I take them, they even have Doggy Daycare... LOL
ReplyDeleteI hope to never have to have my dog board a kennel because I know she would be lost. Thanks for these tips to consider!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips for those who will have to board their dog.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! We recently faced boarding and it was hard to figure out the great places.
ReplyDeletetrisha
I hate to leave my pup in a kennel, but at times it has to happen. Great tips
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. A good kennel is a must.
ReplyDeleteGreat list! We use a doggy hotel when we have to leave.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Just when you think, "Ok I'll never need a boarding kennel…" and then you need one.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips to keep the fur babies safe and sound while you travel. My oldest pup had a bad experience with a kennel, so we do not board him anymore. He stays with his Granny (my mom or my husband's mom) when we travel.
ReplyDeleteGreat things to look for, some obvious and some need to searched or asked about. A lot of it is probably based on natural instincts and how you feel about the place in your gut too.
ReplyDeleteI have never had to board my dogs, but thanks for these tips in case I ever need to.
ReplyDeleteYou gave good tips on boarding the family pet. It is a hard thing to do, but your advice may help ease the deecision.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, we do not have any pets. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete