No matter how much you want to bring your pooch everywhere, that’s simply not possible. If you’re going on a trip and need to leave your pet behind, finding a dog boarding kennel should be one of the first things on your list. You can rest easy if you take the time to make sure you find a kennel that you can trust.
Ask around
Chances are, you know other pet owners in your area. Ask them for tips and referrals. That’s one way to find a quality kennel near you. You can also go online to check out possible kennels in your community. Check in with your vet for advice as well, Care says.
Pay a visit
Don’t pick a kennel based on its website or Facebook page alone. While checking out the kennel’s information on their website can tell you a lot about the facility, there’s no substitute for seeing your pet’s temporary home, first-hand.
Ensure comfort
Do you think your pooch will be comfortable there? Is she going to have enough space? If this is the first time your dog is going to a dog boarding kennel, then it can be a very intimidating and scary experience for your four-footed friend. One way to ease that is to send along a few personal items that your pet can’t live without, like a favorite toy or blanket. However, you’re going to need to talk to the kennel’s staff and find out if they allowed it or not.
Observe the staff
While certifications and qualifications are ideal, the main thing to look for is the way the staff treats the animals. Are they attentive to the animals? Do they know how to properly care for different breeds? Do they use any kind of force? Do they take notes about the medication and exercise as well as diet your pet needs? Look for these when you observe the staff.
