It’s a comforting thing to find the perfect spot for your dog, while you and your family enjoy your vacation. Finding a kennel to house your canine family member can give you some measure of comfort knowing they are having fun and are well cared for by professionals.
How do you know if you have found a quality dog boarding facility that will take good care of your dog? Here are some good tips to find a good boarding facility for your dog.
When you take a tour of the entire kennel, pay attention to your surroundings?
- Trust your senses, all should be clean and orderly, free from offensive doggie odors with adequate ventilation.
- The outdoor running area should be close to spotless with gravel or concrete. It’s a good idea to find out how often the areas are cleaned.
- Make sure the kennel isn’t overcrowded. The staff to canine ratio should be no greater than 1:10, less animals to people ratio, means more personal care for your pet.
- Observe the animals, they should appear content and stress free.
- The temperature should be adequate, not too warm or too cold. It should be comfortable for their doggie guests.
- A kennel refusing a spontaneous tour of its facilities should raise your red flags.
When meeting the staff of a dog boarding facility, keep the following in mind.
- Look for staff who are attentive and have a positive, caring attitude. They should be familiar with details about every canine visitor in their care.
- The kennel assistant should welcome animals and their humans as if they were entering a five-star hotel.
- Staff should be patient, friendly and genuinely concerned for your pet’s welfare.
- Conscientious kennel operators should ask you about your dog’s vaccinations and will require proof of certain shots.
- They should take careful notes about your pet’s diet and exercise needs, as well as medication and other pertinent information.
Find out about exercise programs available for your dog at the kennel
- Different companies offer different exercise programs for your dog, make sure you ask what your money is paying for. Some kennels include one play time, some include none in their base fee.
- There should be a system in place to divide dogs by play style, size, age, personality, etc. to keep them safe and happy.
- Some canine guests require more exercise and should be walked by a kennel assistant to keep them happy. If your dog is one that requires more exercise, like a German shepherd or greyhound, make sure the kennel that you are looking at offers services of this nature. Also make sure that it is adequately staffed to suit your pet’s needs.
- Not all kennels provide toys for your dog to play with, it might be beneficial to bring some of your dog’s favorite toys from home. If you are uncomfortable with letting other canine guests play with them, let the kennel staff know.
Security and safety is also an important factor when choosing a dog boarding facility
- While touring the kennel, keep an eye out for bent wire, torn fencing or jagged edges.
- It’s a red flag if dogs are allowed to play with chew toys unattended. This is a serious choking hazard, so asking about their policy on this is important.
- Collars are also a hazard as well, and you should not see them on any dogs in the facility.
- If your dog is frail or elderly, a veterinary facility may be a better option than a dog boarding facility.
The entire facility should be very secure, as many dogs will attempt to break out. Make sure you discuss any concerns with the kennel owners or staff.
When would a pet sitter be better?
Pets that suffer from separation anxiety may be better candidates for a pet sitter, also dogs who don’t adapt well to kennel life, or do not get along with other dogs, might also be better off with a pet sitter.
When touring dog kennels in Golden and the Denver Metro Area, pay attention to how the environment makes you feel, it is a good idea to trust your gut. If you feel comfortable there and get along with the kennel assistants, your canine friend will feel at ease there as well. No kennel will be the same as home, but the closer you can get, the more at ease you will be as you leave, knowing your dog will be enjoying their time away as well.
