If you’re going on vacation or out of town for some reason, you might need to board your dog for a few days. Boarding is a good way to ensure your pet is safe and cared for when you’re unavailable, but you need to make sure that you choose the right facilty. If it’s your first time using a dog kennel, you may wonder where you can select a good one. It’s important to not take this decision lightly because your dog will be in the care of someone, and you need to make sure that it’s a safe and welcoming place for your dog.
Ask For Recommendations and Read Reviews
If you’re new to town or haven’t used a dog boarder yet, you can ask for recommendations. If you visit a dog park with your pooch, you might ask some of the other pet owners around. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family. You might want to take a trip to your vet’s office and see if they have any brochures for local boarding facilities, or if they offer a boarding service at the office. If your pet is comfortable with the vet and his staff, he might adjust quicker to being boarded at the vet’s rather than at a strange place. You can also go on your local community website or Facebook group and find recommendations there.
Although some reviews are to be taken with a grain of salt, you can read reviews of local boarding kennels in your area. Visit Yelp and Google reviews to find a recommended place. If you see a series of reviews mentioning the same issue or problem, you may want to avoid that place. Remember to trust your instincts on any place!
Visit the Facilities
Before boarding your pet, visit the facility, checking it for cleanliness. Look over the cages and dog run, and see if your dog will have enough room to be comfortable. Don’t forget to ask about play sessions and if someone is on staff at all hours. Inquire about the feeding schedule, sanitiation routines, and anything else you consider important. Don’t be scared to ask for a tour of the business, and if you’re refused, find a new boarding facility. Finally, look over all of their medical equipment and medications to make sure they’re equipped if your pet has health needs. Some boarding places even offer webcam access so owners can check up on their pets while away from home, so find out if you can do so.
Consider a Pet Spa
A new kind of boarding facility is the pet spa. These pet-centered places are designed to be luxurious retreats for pampered animals. Pets are usually housed in pet open areas known as “suites,” and may have free reign of the grounds. Some pet spas include grooming services, pools and even doggy chefs! Of course, these facilities will be more pricy than a kennel, but you may find a Groupon, coupon, or be able to arrange a package deal depending on the length of your dog’s stay.
You may hate to leave your dog behind, but with the right steps, you can find a boarding facility that will treat your dog like family.