| 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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