Our dogs provide us with fun, memories and unconditional love. In return, it is our responsibility to care for them, even when we are away. When friends are either unavailable or unqualified, who can you trust to look after your best friend? It might be easier than you think. It is just a matter of asking the right questions. Investigate these five topics before you choose the next facility for your canine companion.
What Do I Need?
Before you can know what you need in a dog kennel, you must first understand what you need as a dog owner. If your dog has special needs, make sure you create a list of what they require and then find out which dog boarding facilities accommodate those needs. Does distance between your home and the facility matter to you? What is your budget and how much are you willing to spend for longer stays? These questions and more are important to consider for yourself before you begin asking your next dog boarding facility how they can help you.
Are You Certified?
No matter where you get your reccomendation for a new dog boarding facility: your friend, neighbor, family, veterinarian, animal shelter, dog trainer, or yellow pages, do not just take it on their word alone. Create your own background check and then use online reviews and consumer opinions to help answer your questions. Investigate your states boarding kennel inspections. If your state requires inspections, check to insure the kennels you’re considering have displayed their certificate and meets the state mandated standards.
What Is The Level of Hygiene?
It seems obvious that a kennel ought to be clean. However, when lots of animals are in the same space, it can be hard to maintain a certain amount of hygiene. When you go to visit the kennel, determine for yourself if the facility not only looks as clean as you would like, but also smells as clean as you would like. Check to make sure there is enough light and airflow for your pet and ensure that the temperature is comfortable and consistent. This will go a long way towards in the health and hygiene of your pet.
What Do You Know?
All dog boarding facilities want to care for all their borders, but do they know how to? It is important to inquire on the staff’s training, previous knowledge, experience and reputation for caring. Your dog is accustomed to a lot of love and attention. Now it is up to the staff to prove they are up to the task of loving your dog as much as you do. Find out if the staff is required to hold certain degrees, go through particular training or have a minimum amount on the job experience in order to properly care for your dog.
What is Available?
Each kennel has certain features which you can take advantage of during your dogs stay. Check and see if grooming, training or bathing is featured. Look into what exercise options are at hand. All dogs require a certain amount of stimulation. Even if they don’t get to go on their favorite walk with you, each kennel should have options on how to keep your dog active while you’re gone. Also consider when veterinary services are available. If your dog gets sick or has special needs, it is important to be reassured of their health and wellbeing.
Once you’ve asked these key questions, you can rest assured that your dog will have as pleasant of a vacation as you will. Don’t worry, they’ll still be happiest to have you home.
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com
