As summer approaches quickly, more and more people are starting to plan their summer vacations. Many rush to different beaches where they can spend time lying in the sun and playing in the water. Others prefer to go to a remote cabin in the woods. Some people enjoy visiting amusement parks, while others prefer to explore different cities and cultures.
Regardless of your plans, you will likely not be able to take your beloved pet with you. For this reason, you may be looking for the perfect kennel. Here are some tips to help you find one.
Do your research.
Ask around to find out which kennels your friends have tried and liked. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian. Many veterinarians receive recommendations from their clients about kennels, and they can pass them on.
Start early.
Many of the good kennels fill up quickly, so you should book your kennel as soon as you book your vacation. In fact, you should be doing your research before you even do that!
Many people prefer to use kennels that have both an indoor and an outdoor area.
This allows your pet to get plenty of exercise, no matter how busy the kennel is. If your dog is in a kennel all day and only gets a few short walks a day, he or she is going to be wound up when you get back home. This may be fine for a few days, but a week or more might be overwhelming for your dog, especially if he or she is really active.
Will they let you visit the facility?
When visiting, you’ll want to take a look around and assess the cleanliness of the kennel. Though there are going to be times when multiple cages are getting cleaned at once, the kennels should be in good condition, one that you wouldn’t be afraid to take your dog.
What about your dog?
Some kennels offer trial days, where you can board your dog at the kennel for a few hours to ensure they are comfortable with the place. That being said, if the kennel you want to use is too busy or full, you may not be able to try this.
With various diseases that can spread rapidly throughout a kennel, it is essential to know which vaccinations are required.
At the very least, you will want to ensure that all dogs entering the facility have a valid Rabies vaccine and one that protects against Kennel Cough. The distemper shot, for both dogs and cats, is also a good idea.
Don’t hesitate to ask kennel owners about any certifications and licenses that they may have.
Though all states are different, kennels may need to have different licenses to operate. Many kennels want to ensure they have the right employees and may require them to hold certifications in first aid, among other things.
You may also want to know how many caretakers are on staff at any given time, along with the number of pets being boarded.
If there is just one person to take care of forty dogs, he or she will have their hands full. That being said, you shouldn’t expect kennels to be fully staffed at all times.
You may want to consider meeting the caretakers before you take your dog to the kennel.
Though many kennels hire high schoolers to help with the extra load in the summer, you are going to want to make sure that there are plenty of adults around so that your dog is safe with the kennel.
You should ask about what they will do in case of an emergency.
You want to know if your kennel will take your pet to the veterinarian in case of an emergency. Although they may have one that they work with closely, you may also want to find out if they are comfortable taking your pet to the veterinarian that your pet is used to.
You may also want to inquire about their policies regarding dogs that are stressed or nervous in a new environment.
What will your kennel do to make sure that your dog is more comfortable? Are they able to spend more time with pets that are pretty scared? Can they walk the dogs around for those who are too nervous to do much of anything? Will they make sure that your dog eats?
Choosing a boarding kennel can be overwhelming, but when you find the right one, you can leave your dogs to go on vacation without worrying about them. For this reason, you need to take your time and ask around. Then, ask the kennel questions until you feel confident. You may even want to tour the facility and see if your dog can stay there for a few hours to make sure that he or she will do fine when you are away.
***
Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.