How To Choose A Best Boarding Center For Your Dog
As dog parents, one of the main things preventing us from constant travel is usually our dogs! We abhor the thought of leaving our dogs with strangers and will be constantly worried about them during our trip.
Leaving our dog behind can be a stressful experience for you both, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way!
The selection of a good boarding facility is vital. After all, it is where your dog is going to stay for several days or even weeks.
If you are looking for a good boarding facility for your beloved canine, here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Visit The Facility
Gone are the days of noisy, crowded kennels that might stress your precious pooch out. Modern facilities now offer a way more enjoyable experience, with ample room to roam, play, and interact with other dogs.
The easiest way to get an idea of what the facility is about is for an in-person visit. You’ll be able to see the other dogs in their care, how well-taken care of they are, and how happy they are.
Check as well on how much room they have to play and socialize, and whether they are provided with any chew toys or mental stimulation to keep them occupied and busy.
2. Do They Have Medical Support?
As a dog-oriented facility, veterinary care should be right on hand to provide help in an event of an emergency. While some boarding facilities have an on-site medical team comprising vets and vet techs, many others often partner up with a veterinary clinic nearby to provide their canine clients with the best medical care.
3. What Are Their Entry Requirements?
Reputable dog boarding facilities often have strict entry requirements that need all dogs to be fully vaccinated against serious diseases such as distemper, parvo, and rabies.
Many others want to see behavioral certificates to ensure that there will be no scuffles breaking out between the pooches and that everyone sits pretty and nicely behaved.
In addition, many boarding facilities will also require proof of flea and tick prevention as well as heartworm medication. A flea or tick infestation within a boarding facility is certainly not something your dog wants to deal with, so maybe use a flea collar and some topical application meds before your dog goes into boarding.
4. What Are Their Outdoor Facilities Like?
Many boarding kennels have outdoor facilities – in fact, it should be something you look for. It is where the dogs will play, roam, run, and socialize with each other.
Check their outdoor facilities thoroughly for any hazards that might be present and for the cleanliness and overall state of their facility. Try to avoid facilities that keep the dogs in their kennels for a significant part of the day.
5. Chat With Their Staff
Working at a boarding facility isn’t likely to be just a job – staff are typically dog lovers that will shower your pooch with tons of love and affection.
Summary
When looking for a dog boarding facility, there are a few key things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that the facility is clean and well-maintained. A dirty environment can lead to health problems for your dog, so be sure to ask about the facility’s cleaning schedule.
Second, you’ll want to make sure that your dog will have plenty of opportunities to exercise and socialize. A good boarding facility will provide plenty of space for your dog to run around, as well as opportunities to play with other dogs. Be careful! Not all dogs are as friendly as yours, so be sure to check if there are measures in place to control the dogs.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the staff at the facility are experienced and knowledgeable about caring for dogs. Be sure to ask about their training and certification. By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure that you’re choosing a safe and fun place for your dog to stay while you’re away.
