| Most pet owners wonder what to
do with their pets when they go traveling. Problems of hotel
restrictions, pets falling ill while on the journey, formalities
that need to be completed before traveling are cumbersome
and so taking them along is not the best option. Problems
like runaway pets and seriously ill pets due to lack of care
prevents owners from leaving dogs with friends and relatives.
This is why many dog owners use services of professional dog
boarding or pet boarding kennels. These provide dependable
and secure pet care giving you the much needed peace of mind.
A quality attributed to most pet boarding kennel operators
is a deep love and respect for animals and this rather than
financial gain is their basic incentive for setting up their
kennel.
Pet boarding kennels are set up and operate expressly to
care for pets and are different from breeding kennels which
are established to produce pups. Most dog boarding facilities
offer a variety of services like boarding, grooming, obedience
classes, pick-up and drop off and at times even pet shipping.
Locate a pet boarding or a dog boarding through,
1. Recommendations: Enquire with
friends and neighbors if they have used the services of any
pet boarding and ask about their experiences. You can also
check for information with your veterinarian.
2. The Yellow Pages: Most pet boarding
or dog boarding operators advertise in the Yellow Pages. However
selecting a pet boarding kennel only on the basis of the advertisement
is not a good idea.
3. References: If you are new in
town you can ask the kennel operator for references and then
check on these references thoroughly.
After you have finalized on the Dog Boarding:
Telephone the kennel: Check if the
dog boarding can accommodate your pet, especially during peak
times as many kennels are booked up in advance. Some pets
like very young pups, sick dogs, dogs on special medication
or giant breeds may require special handling or accommodation.
All kennels may not accept them. Make an appointment to visit
the kennel.
Personally visit the kennel: A personal
visit is essential to determine whether or not the kennel
is satisfactory and meets your requirements.
Most dog boarding operators show people around their kennels
but some may not permit visitors. Find out why and try to
see as much of the kennel as you can. Kennels with a ‘No
Visitors’ policy often have windows from where you can
view animals. Check on the 4 important S's.,
Security: Ensure that the dog boarding facility
has strong gates, good fencing and other security precautions
to prevent dogs or pets from escaping.
- Safety: The area where your pet will
stay should be free of sharp objects, harmful substances
and things that your pet might swallow. Sleeping quarters
and exercise areas should have dividers for safety reasons.
- Supervision: Pets should be frequently
supervised by trained and competent personnel in order to
detect signs of illness or distress so that medical help
can be sought if necessary.
- Sanitation: The pet boarding kennel should
be free of dirt, feces, odors, flies, fleas and ticks. Good
dog boarding facilities follow strict disinfecting schedules.
Before Leaving Your Dog at a Pet Boarding Kennel,
- Give the dog boarding a sufficient supply of your pet’s
medications and any special food or treats.
- Provide information on your dog’s personality, habits,
health issues, level of obedience training, and your pet’s
response to strangers, children and other animals.
- Leave something familiar for your pet at the dog boarding
kennel, like a favorite toy or chew bone, or a blanket with
your scent.
- Leave your veterinarian’s phone number with the pet
boarding kennel, along with your travel itinerary with contact
numbers so you can be reached in an emergency.
If you need more help on what questions you need to ask the
Dog Boarding, please visit our Dog
Boarding- Important Questions page for questions that
you will need to ask the dog boarding or pet boarding kennel.
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