Choosing a kennel for your dog or cat is a serious decision.

CHOOSING A KENNEL

Deciding to board your pet can be a tough decision. Choosing a kennel that’s right for your beloved pet is most important. You want peace of mind that your dog or cat will be well cared for and that they’ll get the attention they need.

In choosing a kennel, ask around first. Get recommendations from people you trust. Your vet will likely know which kennels to use and which to avoid.

Arrange to visit the kennel and ask for a tour. Ask questions, lots. A reputable kennel will be happy to answer your questions and to show you around.

Boarding kennels are busiest on Mondays and Fridays, for that reason it makes sense to book a visit mid-week. It’s just too busy to get a proper tour otherwise.

Do not board your pet where the staff won’t allow you to look around where the animals are kept.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR DURING YOUR TOUR

· The staff show care and affection.

· The place is clean and it smells clean.

· The food preparation area is tidy and clean.

· The food and water bowls are clean.

· The ventilation is good.

· Get a list of costs and extra cost breakdowns, like administering meds, grooming and so on.

· A requirement for vaccinations. More and more kennels require that your dog have the Bordetella vaccination against kennel cough.

SAFETY AND SUPERVISION

Choosing a kennel that has 24-hour supervision with someone living on the property is the mark of a really good kennel. It means any emergency can be dealt with in a timely fashion.

Other things to look for:

· Runs with indoor and outdoor access.

· Exercise and play time schedule.

· Runs are cleaned daily with disinfectants.

· Requires current vaccination records.

· Keeps bedding clean.

· Facility has good ventilation.

· Heating in winter and air conditioning in summer

· Added frills like piped in music and night-lights and radiant floor heating are not necessary but they do make your pet’s stay more enjoyable… something to consider.

· Will administer medications should your pet have an existing health condition.

· Requires that the pet be free of fleas.

Added features like those listed below are signs of a very good kennel. These may be associated with fees, but often well worth the extra cost.

· Grooming or bath before the dog returns home.

· Pick up and delivery service.

· Daily walks or play.

· Play and exercise area where dogs can safely interact and play together under close supervision.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCT AND YOUR NOSE

In choosing a kennel, trust your instincts. Your first impression is very important. Are the staff members pleasant and knowledgeable? Were you greeted properly or ignored by the staff? If you don’t like the atmosphere, just leave.

Trust your nose. A clean kennel will not smell strongly of urine and old poop. It will smell doggy and of course a few runs may have some fresh deposits after the morning scrubbing and that’s to be expected. But a very strong smell is an indication that the runs are not maintained and cleaned daily. Move on.

TRIAL RUN

Another good tip is to book a trial run; sort of a play day and overnight sleep over for your pet. That way you’ll know how your pet reacts to the experience and also how you’ll react to the separation. Better to find out now than 2 days into a month-long vacation that you can’t stand to be apart from your pooch!

YOU HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES TOO

In all fairness to the people who will be caring for your pet, you need to make sure there aren't too many surprises. And knowing what makes Trixie or Bomber happy or unhappy means they're better equipped to deal with idiosyncrasies.

If you have a clever escape artist, or your dog has ever bitten anyone, speak up.

If your dog has serious separation anxiety and throws up for the first day or two, the staff needs to know. Food aggression, hates other dogs, yanks and pulls on leash, this is the sort of information you need to share.

Does your dog react unfavorably to a change in his diet? Does he eat his bedding? These are all helpful things to know up front.

Choosing a kennel is a serious responsibility and we hope this information has been useful.

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