What to Look for in a Dog Boarding Facility
What if you can’t take your pet on vacation with you? Don’t just leave him at home and ask friends to feed him every day — give him the care and love he needs by boarding him.
The two primary boarding choices available to dog owners are kennels and veterinary facilities. In our experience, kennels tend to offer more outdoor playtime and personal attention/affection than veterinarians can usually provide. This is an important consideration — your pet will undoubtedly be lonely and confused when you’re not around, and he should get regular activity whenever the weather permits. Sometimes, however, a veterinary facility is the wisest choice. This is especially true for dogs who are advanced in years or suffering from health problems. If your dog requires daily medication, for instance, it’s a great relief to know that he is among skilled veterinary professionals. And if your pet experiences a sudden crisis, he’s already in the best possible hands.
Beyond these basic generalities, you still have to select the boarding facility that feels right to you (and your dog). First, check its credentials — for example, is it a member of the American Boarding Kennels Association, and/or does it meet the inspection standards of the American Kennel Club? Is it a fully climate-controlled and safe environment? Does it provide individual accommodations with ready access to the outdoor exercise area? Does it get good reviews or high ratings? Are you allowed to leave your dog’s favorite blanket, toys and snacks to cheer him up during his stay? Last but not least, do you get a strong feeling that the staff genuinely love their guests and care about the quality of their work?
Choose the right boarding site, and your pet may actually enjoy his vacation while you’re enjoying yours!