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