Pet Care Partners - Boarding Kennels
Chances are, at one time or another you will need to turn to
someone else to care for your dog. Perhaps you’ve accepted a
work assignment that will keep you out of town for a month.
Maybe you’re finally going on that long awaited cruise. Whatever
the reason, you find yourself in need of someone dependable
and trustworthy to care for Rover. Although some dogs do best
at home with a pet sitter, other dogs do better in a boarding
kennel. Consider your dog’s personality and needs before making
a decision.
Things to know up front: For kennels, pet boarding is a business.
Their success depends on volume as much as quality care. Kennels
care for many animals at the same time and your pet will probably
be kept in a cage or run. Don’t expect a kennel to give your
pet the same kind of attention and affection that you do; it
just won’t happen. But good kennels employee people with a natural
love of dogs that will be kind and gentle and care for your
pet to the best of their ability.
Kennel choices: Most vet offices offer boarding services. While
vet office care may be limited, with smaller cages and limited
exercise opportunities, many people, especially those whose
animals have medical needs, feel more secure leaving their pets
with a trusted vet. Other owners turn to private boarding kennels
that can range from bare-bones to luxurious. Sparse facilities
do not differ much from vet offices. Cages are usually small
and exercise is limited to two walks a day. More expensive facilities
offer mixed playtime for dogs that are socialized, outdoor exercise
areas, larger runs rather than cages, and grooming services
(all of which may be at an extra charge). Upscale doggie hotels
are all the rage in some areas. Your dog may receive a massage,
bath and haircut, obedience training, soothing music and luxurious
bedding while you’re gone.
Where to start: Whatever level of care you decide on, there
are some basic things to know and do before making a final decision
on where to board your pet. Price, comfort, health and safety
are all valid concerns. After all, you’re entrusting someone
else with one of the most emotionally valuable things in your
life.
Ask friends, neighbors, family, and your vet or dog trainer
for recommendations. Then do a little background investigation.
If your state requires licensing and inspections, make sure
the kennels you are considering are in good standing. Also ask
whether the prospective kennel belongs to the American Boarding
Kennels Association. This trade association promotes professional
standards, requires members subscribe to a code of ethics, and
offers accreditation for professionalism, safety and quality
of care. If you’re satisfied that a kennel meets basic requirements,
schedule a visit.
What to look for: First impressions are important. Sniff the
air as soon as you walk in. There should be no strong antiseptic
smell or odor of urine or feces. Some antiseptic odor is understandable
in concrete areas, but if odors assail your nose as you walk
in the door, you may want to consider another kennel.
Look for a pleasant atmosphere. Do the current boarded dogs
look happy? Do they come to the front of the kennel to greet
you? Dogs that lie to the back and do not interact are a bad
sign. Is the staff competent, confident, friendly and caring
or do they seem harassed and irritable? Are there a sufficient
number of workers or are they short-handed and overworked? Is
the kennel owner ready and willing to show you where your dog
will be housed and exercise areas? If not, cross this one off
your list.
Make mental notes as you tour the facilities. Are dog beds clean?
Look for clean food bowls and water bowls without scum or floating
objects. Are the runs clean or is there feces lying around?
It’s impossible to keep all runs clean 100% of the time, but
you’ll be able to tell the difference between filth and recent
deposits. Is the kennel yard full of debris? Is the building
in need of serious repair? Is there good ventilation and a comfortable
temperature? If possible, take a look at the kitchen. A clean
kitchen is a good indicator of a clean pet area. Get a tour
of outdoor exercise areas and runs. Are they protected from
the elements? Is the noise level overwhelming? Although it is
impossible to prevent dogs from barking, especially while someone
is walking through the facility, the kennel should not be overcrowded
to the point where dogs are constantly barking. Observe any
activities offered. Note especially how aggressive dogs are
handled.
Brass tacks: If your first impressions are favorable, then get
down to details. You need to know if pets are required to be
current on vaccinations. Some kennels now require that your
dog be vaccinated against Bordetella, canine kennel cough. Many
kennels will allow you to bring your dog’s regular food. It
not only cuts down on their costs, but helps your dog adjust
to kennel life. If it is important that your pet stay on his
regular diet, ask; don’t just assume. What veterinary services
are available? Does the kennel have a vet on call? You may prefer
that the kennel call your vet if there is a need. Make this
information readily available and let your vet know that your
pet will be staying at a kennel while you are gone. Ask questions
about feeding schedules. If your pet needs regular doses of
medication, make sure this service is offered. Find out how
much exercise your dog will be getting and how often they are
allowed to potty. Can you bring your dog’s bedding from home
and his favorite toy? Is it important to you that a staff member
be on the property around the clock? If so, make sure this is
the case at your chosen facility. Be sure to get a breakdown
of charges. Some services are included in basic daily rates,
some are not. If price is an issue, get the details worked out
up front so you won’t be surprised when you get home. And last,
but not least, trust your instincts. If you just don’t feel
good about a particular kennel, go somewhere else.
Prepare your pet: So, you’ve taken all the preliminary measures
and selected a kennel for your pet. Now you need to prepare
Rover for his stay. If the facility offers doggy day care services
in addition to longer term care, give your pet the chance to
try it out. Take him once or twice for just the day. Take special
note of his first impressions and reactions. Quiz the staff
on his behavior and interaction with the other animals.
Be sure your pet knows basic commands. Make sure he is current
on vaccinations and is flea-free (most kennels require it).
If your pet is going to be at the kennel for an extended time,
you may consider a trial run of a weekend excursion. This allows
you to work out any kinks before the longer stay. If necessary,
teach your dog to sit before being petted or fed and to walk
quietly on a leash. Socialize him to strangers, especially if
medication or grooming will be provided at the kennel. Make
sure he is accustomed to a crate if he will be in one at the
kennel. It will make the stay less stressful and fearful for
your pet.
Prepare the kennel staff: No one likes surprises, not even kennel
staff who are accustomed to working with all animal personalities.
If your dog has any unusual fears, aggression triggers or other
idiosyncrasies, be honest for the safety and well-being of all
involved. Let them know if Rover is not reliably housetrained,
hates men or eats things he’s not supposed to.
On kennel day: Exercise Rover before you turn him over to the
kennel staff. Leave the kids at home. Walk in the kennel door,
give Rover a gentle pat, tell him you’ll see him soon and let
him go. Long goodbyes, hugs and tears will only stress out your
pet (and you). He’s not going to hate you for leaving. Go have
fun.
Coming home: One last thing, don’t be surprised or alarmed if
your dog segregates himself and sleeps a lot upon coming home.
He is not upset with you or had a miserable time. Dogs in kennels
are awake from the crack of dawn until nighttime. They are excited
by barking dogs, meal times and visitors walking past them.
He may simply be exhausted.
Boarding kennels can be a good solution for those times when
your pet has to be left behind. Do your homework and find the
best facility for you and your pet. It is well worth the time.
Your peace of mind and your pet’s health are your reward.
Copyright 2007 Sherry Massey
Sherry Massey is the owner of Barker and Friends Natural Pet
Treats. Our mission is to provide healthy all natural treats
and food to help your dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Please visit us at http://www.naturalbarker.com
for a great selection of all natural treats we make from scratch,
Flint River Ranch All Natural Pet Food, pet supplies and resources.
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