Key points
- Careful research is needed to find a safe and convenient boarding option for your dog.
- First, visit your kennel or pet handler with your dog to see how they interact with them.
- Safety is paramount, so look for safe, clean, chemical-free and temperature-controlled rooms.
When you want to put in your dog, it is important to find a situation that is very comfy and very relaxing for both you and your dog. These days, there are more choices than ever before when you leave your dog to be cared for by others.
In addition to boarding kennels, there are dog handlers who will house your dog in your own or your home.
A good place to begin is to ask the names of a veterinarian, hairdresser, boarding kennels or dog handlers recommended by friends or neighbours with a dog.
It is important to know what questions to ask and what to look for when finding the right boarding experience for your dog.
Checklist to consider for Dog boarding
- Contact the kennel or dog handler at the pet boarding before the trip to plan a visit for you and your dog.
- Perform a proper inspection. If at any point you’re looking for a commercial dog kennel, find out if they are certified or are members of a professional organization.If you are interviewing a person, find out how long they have been sitting in the dog and how many repeat customers they have had. Also, check out some references.
- Learn about immunization requirements. Most kennels will need to be vaccinated against Bordetella, as well as against rabies, fever, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Are dogs also tested for fleas and ticks?
- Observe clean, safe and sanitary conditions at the dog boarding. There should be suitable, safe fenced training areas and sleeping areas with comfortable non-slip surfaces. Are we welcome to visit any places in the kennel or home that the dog will have access to? Are they safe and free of harmful chemicals?
- Meet the handlers and watch them interact with your dog. How many dogs will they take care of at one time? How much do dogs exercise, and how often are they brought out to get rid of it? What type of animal care education and training does the service provider have?
- Consider measures for passenger comfort. These include fresh drinking water, temperature control, ventilation and shelter.
- Find out what happens if your dog has any health care needs or emergencies that require medication and/or veterinary services. Determine if your pet care provider is certified to provide first aid to animals.
- Assess the situation of the staff at the dog boarding. Is there adequate staff on site 24 hours a day? Is there an emergency evacuation plan?
- Observe the treatment of dogs at the dog boarding facility. Is it allowed to communicate with other dogs? How well it is maintained.
Other considerations about Dog Boarding
Quality is very important, but the cost is also important in determining the place of boarding.
Find out the day/night rates and whether this includes walks, personalized attention, medication, and bathing.
What form of payment do they use, and do you pay when you pick up the dog?
What is the check-out time, and how much do you pay if you are late? And what is the cancellation policy?
In some places, late cancellation is subject to a fine, which can be understood if they have rejected other orders.
Consider a short overnight stay if your dog has not been seated before.
Even dog daycare in the afternoon can be a good ordeal. This will help your dog feel more relaxed and even more comfortable, and the handler will better understand your dog’s needs. This will also allow you to observe and monitor how your dog is behaving when you pick him up.
Does your dog really want to leave?
Are you tired but happy? Stop saying goodbye to the caretaker?
Ask the handler to provide a detailed verbal report on how your dog has responded to the new environment.
When you let your dog pick up, bring his food, health and veterinary information, a bed, and your favourite toys.
Be sure to leave up-to-date contact information as well as an emergency contact.
Be positive and optimistic when you leave your pet behind. Say goodbye briefly and kindly.
When you pick up your dog from the pet boarding kennel or dog handler’s home, please do not feed or give them a drink for at least four hours after returning home.
They are likely to be agitated, which can lead to food ingestion, vomiting and diarrhea.
If they look thirsty, give a few ice cubes instead of water. Then let the dog calm down and rest.
Often the hardest part of leaving town is believing that someone will take care of your puppy. You are taking the time to find a pick-up option that you trust and like for your dog will eventually change.