Going away for pleasure or business may be stressful on you as a pet parent. But leaving your pet behind doesn’t have to be a sad experience. To ensure that you’ve selected the perfect boarding kennel for your furry friends, you need to ask certain questions. The following are important considerations that when answered, you’ll be left with peace of mind knowing that your pet’s needs are being met.
Where Do I Go to Find a Reputable Kennel?
Dogs love to be around people. Whether you’re traveling to London to explore the region or going away to check on business clients, seeing your dog’s face as you pack your bags can be heartbreaking. But you can ensure that your pet is loved and well taken care of by doing research before you go. Your veterinarian may hold the key to finding a reputable kennel since they deal with owners who love pets daily. If you visit the dog park, you can also ask other owners their experiences with nearby kennels. The Internet is another valuable resource to search. Specific sites such as Yelp allows other consumers to relay their experience and rate the facility.
Do I Take a Tour of the Kennel?
No matter who recommends you to a dog kennel, you always want to go on a tour of the facility. Upon entering, the kennel should be spacious, quiet and odor-free. It should also be attended by staff who are around both day and night. Because you want your dog to get individual attention, pay special note to the number of staff members attending to the dogs. Ask to see the living areas of the current pets who are staying there. This will give you an idea fi they are clean.
The dogs staying in the kennel should also look stress-free, happy and have clean bedding and fresh water. The play area is equally important, so ask for a tour of where your pet with exercise. If the outdoor area has grass, ensure that the dog waste has been picked up. Many quality kennels provide a safe and cleaner environment using artificial grass for dogs. Because of the dense structure of the blades, the synthetic material can eliminate odors, and the buildup of bacteria. While touring, don’t be afraid to ask questions about their care such as daily walks, feedings and what happens if they become ill.
Should the Facility be Certified?
Not all dog boarding facilities have to be certified. While the process is voluntary, those that go through the proper channels will be routinely evaluated by the Pet Care Services Association. There are over 250 standards in various areas of pet care operations. Businesses who take the time to extend this service may be serious about their care and attention to your pets. If you’re visiting the kennel, ask to see the company’s VFA certificate if it’s not displayed.
Will My Dog Need a Play or Exercise Program?
Ask any veterinarian, and they will tell you that a good dog is a tired dog. While you don’t want your pet to be run ragged, you do want to ensure that they are not sitting without anything to do when you’re away. Most kennels have a doggie daycare program that allows them to play with the other lodge mates. To
ensure you’re pets safety, they should divide the guests by size, age and temperament. If you’re dog requires additional exercise, ask if they can be walked by an attendant of the kennel. The facility should also allow you to bring some of their favorite toys from home to keep inside their kennel space. An added bonus is finding a kennel that has cameras, so you can check up on your dog each day.
Will My Dog Fit In with Other Dogs?
If your dog as social anxiety issues, check to see how accommodating the kennel is. Do they have training on how to do deal with recued dogs? Are there cordoned off areas for dogs that have special needs? “Some dogs with separation anxiety chew on objects, furniture, door frames or window sills, dig at doors/doorways or destroy other household things when they are left alone or apart from their pet parent. It is important to note that this behavior is only classified as separation anxiety if they don’t show this behavior on the regular when their owner around.” says CBD for Dogs producer,
https://cannabidog.com/.
Do I Need to Look for Safety Hazards?
A kennel should have your pet’s best interest at hand when they are in attendance. Upon touring the facility, you can
find the right dog kennel by looking for safety hazards such as torn fencing, broken locks and debris on the floor. Look at the dogs kept in the rooms to see if they are wearing their collar or they are chewing on toys when unattended. Dogs can easily choke or become strangled by their tags or collars accidentally. This type of neglect is a red flag, and you should find another facility to care for your dog.
Leaving your pet overnight night or for an extended period-of-time can be tough. But when visiting and interviewing kennels, you want to get a feel for a facility. If your gut tells you something is off, trust your instincts. If you feel comfortable with the kennel, your pet will probably feel just as at ease with your decision.
