Leaving your pet at a boarding kennel when you’re going to be away can be nerve-wracking. Most people in the pet care business truly love animals and have the expertise to look after them properly. However, it’s always wise to do your research and find the best fit for you in your area. The assurance that you’ve left your doggo at a boarding establishment where they’ll be well cared for cannot be overstated. Follow these tips for greater peace of mind.
Ask Around
You probably have friends and relatives who also have dogs and cats. Ask connections who have used a local boarding kennel recently and ask them about their experience. Your veterinarian and dog groomer can be excellent sources of information, too.
Start with what they liked and whether there was anything they didn’t, whether they plan to use it again and if they would recommend it. This can lead to more specific questions about how their pet’s experience at the kennel. A responsible care provider will update owners on how their pet responded when at facility and the animal’s behavior can be telling.
Compare Services
A kennel’s website is the next place to look. Check out establishments that have been recommended to you as well as others uncovered by your research. The website should have a mission statement, a list of values, an “about” section, and other information about what they believe is most important in how they care for animals.
Look for information about the services they offer and their process for looking after the animals in their care. For instance, how do they exercise their doggie boarders? Do they give walks? Is play time built into the day?
Read Reviews
First, check with the better business bureau for any complaints. When reading online reviews, consider the average rating a business gets compared to other establishments in its niche as well as the number of reviews. Keeping in mind that people have different perspectives, carefully read what other clients had to say about their dogs’ visits.
Note if the company has responded to any issues raised by pet owners and whether it appears they’ve tried to remedy concerns raised. Despite that a criticism may not be well-founded, a reputable business will do everything they can to address a bad review, and this is what you want to see online.
Plan a Visit
Pay attention to whether what you see measures up to what you’ve read on the kennel’s website and what you may have been told by other patrons. Your tour should include a chance to view where your dog will sleep and where they will be getting exercise, play time and opportunities to socialize with other canines.
Inspect the cleanliness of the building when you walk through the halls and notice the outside appearance when you first arrive. Does the place smell clean and look well-maintained? Are there comfortable and private sleeping accommodations? Is the exercise area an adequate size and free of potential hazards? Take your time and ask to revisit any areas you might want to view again.
Ask Questions
Bring any written questions with you on your tour. This ensures you won’t forget to ask anything. Your list may be prompted by what you’ve read on the website and any general concerns you have about leaving your pooch at the kennel. If you don’t see a license and accreditations prominently displayed, ask about these.
Inquire about the feeding schedule, how many staff work each shift, and how they achieve and enforce good behavior. You should ask about their policy for emergency vet care. You might ask whether you can call the kennel while you’re away to check up on your pup. Once you’re there and having a conversation with a staff member, more questions will come up.
Try an Overnight Stay
Although your dog may be a people pleaser, they can be just as nervous as you when it comes to the two of you being apart. That said, once they become familiar with a new environment and realize there are caring people to interact with, they’ll be ready for a repeat visit.
Booking your doggie at the kennel for an overnight stay in advance of the time you’ll be boarding them for significantly longer period of time can work wonders. It will get them used to the place and teach them what to expect. Chances are, they’ll quickly make new human and four-legged friends that they’re excited to socialize with again.
In Conclusion
By doing a little homework and taking a few steps to prepare your pet, you and your doggie companion will both feel more relaxed about their upcoming kennel stay.