Barking Wednesday ~ Tips to finding a boarding dog kennel

Thanks for visiting us on Barking Wednesday.  Each Wednesday I post topics about related to taking care of my bestest friend Kingers. All kinds of  Doggie info!!

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

inspections. After selecting a few kennels, confirm that they can accommodate your pet for the dates you need. If your pet has special needs make sure they can care for your pets needs.  If everything is a go....ask if it is okay if you stop by for a visit. I prepare a unscheduled visit - some kennels require a appointment to visit. 

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.