Choosing A Kennel – How To Make Sure It Works For Your Dog
When planing a family trip there may be several occasions in which your dog will not be able to travel with you. You might be forced to take a business trip, want to go on vacation with your spouse, or need to visit family in another state. Ideally, you would be able to leave your pooch with a trusted friend or family member while you’re away. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible.
When you have to leave your canine behind, and cannot find someone you trust to care for him in your absence, a kennel may be your best option. Some are good while others are decidedly less so. In this article, we’ll offer a few suggestions to help you identify trustworthy facilities that can make the transition as easy as possible for your pooch.
Tip 1 – Tour The Facility
Before you leave on your trip, invest the time to tour the boarding facility at which you intend to leave your dog. Most kennels will be happy to oblige as long as you make an appointment.
When you visit, take note of the smell. If you become aware of a lingering odor of urine or feces, that can be indicative of a sanitation issue. Also, check out the floors and bowls being used by the other canines. Are they dirty? Do they appear as if they’re not regularly cleaned? Be aware of the bedding and crate sizes. How clean are they? Do the other dogs seem comfortable, or are they stressed? These are all subtle signs that a certain facility may not live up the standards you have for your dog.
Tip 2 – Talk To The Employees
You’ll learn a lot about the care provided to pets who are boarded at various facilities by speaking with the staff. You might be surprised to discover that the employees who are tasked with feeding and caring for the dogs harbor a disdain for their jobs. It is difficult to hide. If you notice that any of the staff have such an outlook, take your pooch to another facility.
Tip 3 – Ask Questions In Advance
Take the time to ask the kennel manager to explain a normal day for the doggy boarders. Ask how many meals they receive, how much time they spend outside their cages, and who works with them. Inquire as to the presence of an on-stie vet, or if the facility works closely with an emergency clinic. You should also double check the vaccination requirements necessary for all pets prior to arrival.
Tip 4 – Pack Special Supplies (If Necessary)
If your dog has special needs, be sure to pack the appropriate supplies for the kennel’s staff. For example, you can ask the facility’s employees to feed your pooch a special diet. You should also provide them with necessary medications if your dog needs them. You can call the kennel and ask them to accommodate such requests after you drop your canine off, but it’s better to prepare supplies in advance. You might want to even leave your dog’s favorite brand of dog treats, to remind him of home.
Leaving your dog at a boarding facility can cause him stress, especially if it is his first time. Try to make his stay as comfortable as possible by carefully choosing the right facility.
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Tags: boarding your dog, Dog, dog boarding, dog kennel, dogs