What makes a good boarding kennel

Some illnesses are more common than others, whilst others are very rare providing dogs are vaccinated. One of the simplest things to look for in a dog boarding facility is the kennels themselves.

The regulations on kennel space will differ between the US states, but the in the UK, the legal requirements are that dogs can sit and stand at full height, stretch and lie down, walk and turn around freely. You can forgive a boarding kennel for having a slight doggy smell due to the nature of their business, but other than that the place should be ultra-clean with no nasty stink.

Without exercise your dog will be bored and possibly stressed. Boarding kennels should have easily accessible indoor and outdoor spaces for the dogs to exercise and socialize. Kennels should be walking your dog at least once a day, preferably twice. They should also have an area where they can have free running to exercise when needed.

If you cannot find a digital presence for the boarding kennels walk away. Established boarding kennels should have visibility on Facebook, Google, possibly a website, but above all, positive reviews. It it so important that you look for this in a boarding kennel. You might also want to take things one step further and ask the boarding kennel for the phone number of some existing customers who can provide a testimonial.

Another thing to look for in dog boarding is how they deal with stress in your dog. Boarding kennel stress affects many dogs during their stay, some worse than others. There can be a lot of dogs boarding in one go, so it can be easy for your dog to be missed and not get the attention he needs. Ask the kennels what they will be doing to keep an eye on things, and what their policy is if your dog does get stressed out. There is no way a boarding kennels can properly care for your dog without knowing about his personality and temperament.

If not, your pup needs to be taken to a large enclosed area for a proper run, and taken out for daily walks. Whatever the arrangement is with the kennel, make sure that your dog will have an exercise plan that is tailored to his needs.

Concrete floors are easy to clean, but not so comfortable to sleep on. A boarding facility needs to have warm beds or raised areas where your dog can get off the cold concrete floor. Ask if you can provide your own bedding from home, so that your dog has something familiar with him.

Amy Tokic is the Editor of Petguide. Amy's been with PetGuide since the beginning, guided by the wisdom of her Shih Tzu mix and furry roommate, Oscar. Together, this pet power couple has their paw on the pulse of the pet industry, sniffing out trends, advice, news, tasty treat recipes and other tail-wagging stories. Leave your dog in good hands by knowing what to look for in a quality dog boarding facility. Recommendations Get on Google, ask your friends and family and even talk to your vet; who do they go to in your area when they have to board their dog?

Before taking your animal to the kennel, make sure she is current on vaccinations. This allows you to work out any problems before boarding your pet for an extended period. When you arrive with your pet at the boarding facility, remind the staff about any medical or behavior problems your pet has, such as a history of epilepsy or fear of thunder. After the check-in process, hand your pet to a staff member, say good-bye, and leave. Avoid long, emotional partings, which may upset your pet.

Finally, have a good trip, knowing that your pet is in good hands and will be happy to see you when you return. Courtesy of www. Get eight strategies to help you find the best companion for your pooch while you're away. Close Main Navigation Menu. Sign Up Log In.