Finding the right kennel for your dog
Occasionally circumstances will arise that require you to seek boarding for dogs at a local kennel. The length of time can vary from a few days to a few weeks, but ideally you should find your dog the perfect home away from home. Kennel boarding should provide your dog with a safe environment while also giving you peace of mind while you attend to her business.
Within your own community, there should be a lot of word of mouth regarding suitable boarding, whether it comes from dog trainers, vets, pet groomers, animal shelters, or localized dog clubs or online forums. Be sure to keep in mind that there may be some ulterior motives with the recommendations. Some of your sources may be recommending kennels that are owned or operated by friends or family. So just because you’re getting names doesn’t mean your job is completely done.
It is advisable to physically visit the kennels to ensure that your dog is housed in a professional, clean and friendly place. Any boarding facility should be quick to welcome and accommodate a request to tour them. Maybe even test the waters by having your dog spend the night before a longer stay for a vacation or business trip.
Are the crates big enough for your dog? You don’t want your large dog to feel cramped with no room to stand or maneuver. Be sure to ask if the dog boarding facility walks the dogs every day. Do the dogs have playtime outside the confines of your kennel? Dogs will always need human contact and exercise.
Pay close attention to the kennel itself. Does the staff ensure that the cage is clean and sanitary? Will your dog have something soft and warm to lie on? You don’t want your dog sleeping on cold concrete or dirt. There’s always the option of bringing your dog his favorite mat or blanket, but any good kennel should have its own comfort accessories. It’s still not a bad idea to provide your dog with as many household familiarities as possible, whether it’s your chew toy or her favorite blanket.
What exactly is it that separates your dog from other dogs on the premises? Be careful if it’s just a chain link fence, as neighboring male dogs can easily raise their paws and urinate through the fence onto your dog or onto your dog’s bedding and toys. This may also be a good time to ask the facility if your dog will be bathed during an extended stay. Wire fences can also make your dog uncomfortable as they can see and interact with other dogs through the fence. There may be some clicking and barking between the dogs. Your dog will not have a pleasant stay if he does not get along with the dog next door. That is why kennels with concrete dividing walls between the dogs are preferable.
Be sure to ask them how often and what they will feed your dog. You may even want to suggest that you provide the kennel with your own dog food, as an abrupt change in your dog’s diet can lead to stomach and digestive problems or diarrhea. Make sure your dog always has a supply of drinking water. The staff should also be friendly, caring, and attentive to any special needs of your dog, such as medication. They should be experienced in properly dosing your dog’s medication and a vet should be on call at all times.
The idea here is to make sure that you can trust the dog boarding facility with your dog, reducing the worry and unease for both you and your dog that comes with temporary separation.
