a.k.a. "Mom & Dad Went on Vacation and all I Got Was This Lousy T-shirt"

by Sue Burkhard
Part 1 of 3


Finding a Boarding Kennel

You're planning your vacation and now have the hefty decision of what to do with your dog while you are gone. Do you have someone come to the house several times a day? Or possibly have someone come and stay at your house? Or you can take your dog to a Boarding Kennel and have someone else care for your pet while you are away. Relatives or friends might be available to watch over your pet until your return, or you could take your dog with you. Whatever you decide, you need to plan ahead, and consider several factors before deciding what is best for you and your pet. Don't assume that just because a kennel is in a vets office or does a lot of publicity that it is a good facility. In fact, vets offices are often NOT the best choice for boarding. They are in the business providing medical care for your animals and often only provide boarding as a convenience for their clients.

Factors that need to be considered when deciding what is the best method of care for your pet should include an honest evaluation of your pets disposition. If you dog is very shy, doesn't do well with change, or stresses with lots of noise and commotion, a boarding kennel is probably not the best choice. You also need to consider expenses. If your going away for 3 weeks it might be cost prohibitive to board or pay someone to stay at your house and it might be better to seek the assistance of a friend or relative, or to take your pet with you.

If you decide to board your pet, you need to find a reputable boarding facility that will care for your animal with love and compassion. Here are some suggestions of what to look for. First off, ask all your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and relatives where they board their dogs. Have they been happy with them, any horror stories? Cross the questionable places off your list immediately. Once you have narrowed your selections down to a handful of kennels, start calling them and asking about rates, services, and if they allow pre-boarding inspections. If they won't allow you to inspect the premises prior to boarding your animal you should cross them off your list. Also, if they require appointments for inspections I would not consider them. A good boarding kennel is proud of their facilities and has nothing to hide any time you might choose to come in. They will be happy to show you their kennels and they proudly point out the measures they take to assure your animals care and comfort during its stay.

When you arrive at the boarding facility to inspect it (prior to boarding) use all your senses. What does the facility look like? Is it clean, neat, and well cared for? Or is it sparse, run down, or dirty? How many animals can they hold at one time? Does the space allocated for each animal seem adequate? Are the outdoor exercise kennels (if available) covered to prevent climbing or jumping? Does everything appear to be clean and orderly? Is there excessive hair, feces, or urine in the kennels? Does the facility smell clean or are their bad odors? The kennels should be well ventilated and not smell offensive. What is the temperature of the kennels? Is it excessively hot or cold? Temperatures should be comfortable but not to either extreme. What is the outdoor kennel area constructed of? It should be concrete or gravel. Dirt or other materials are not appropriate.

Ask lots of questions. How often are the kennels cleaned? Do they allow you to bring in toys, blankets, or beds? Do they actually use them? Look in the runs and see if there are "personal" items in them. Some kennels will allow you to bring in items but then they don't give them to the animals while they are there.

Do they have someone come in and walk the dogs during the day? What kind of food do they use? Will they allow you to bring your own food in? Does the facility require AND verify vaccinations on all incoming animals? The last thing you want is to come home to a sick dog that picked up an illness while at the kennel..

How large of an area is allocated for your dog? Remember this is going to be your dogs home for a period of time, a regular crate sized holding unit is not acceptable. The dog area should be large enough for the dog to get up move about with ease and allow for movement without tipping food or water, as well as having an area that your pets bedding can be placed.

What procedures do they have for handling an injury or illness? Do they have staff on board that is familiar with emergency medical care for your animal? Will they call you if something should happen that your pet needs medical care?

Lastly follow your gut instinct and use common sense. If you have a bad feeling about a boarding facility, find another one. If the employees seem disinterested in the animals at the kennel, or rushed you should look somewhere else. Remember your going on vacation, the last thing you want to do while you are away is worry non-stop about the care and condition of your pet.