DOG KENNELS
5 Tips for Choosing the Best Dog Boarding Facility
So you’re going on vacation and sadly enough, can’t bring your favorite family member; your dog! Dog boarding can be just as much of a vacation for your dog as yours will be for you. We’ve curated our top 5 tips in preparing and choosing the appropriate dog boarding facility for you and your dog.
1. Schedule a Temperament Assessment and a Tour
When shopping around for a new dog boarding or daycare facility it’s important to choose one that both you and your dog are comfortable with. Many facilities will allow a walk through with a staff member, this can be a great time to ask any questions you might have in regards to your dogs stay, the ability to see how comfortable your dog is with the space, and get a full understanding of all the amenities offered.
2. Check in with Your Dogs Veterinarian
Many dog hotels require your dog to be up-to-date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations such as rabies, distemper, parvo, and Bordetella should all be accounted for. 2 weeks before your stay you should ask your dogs veterinarian if your dog is due for any of these vaccinations and a copy of their vaccination records for the kennels records.
3. Bring Their Favorite Toys and Bedding
There’s nothing like the comfort of home, and because boarding can be an anxious experience for many dogs there are a few things we encourage you to bring for your dogs stay. The most common and possibly important item to bring is your dog’s food from home. Many dogs are sensitive to sudden dietary changes. If you feel confident that they can handle new food, or you simply forgot, it’s okay! We have food that can be provided.
Along with bringing their own food we encourage you to bring a toy and any favorite bedding that the dog may have. It will help them feel more secure and safe. Be sure to ask the dog hotel in advance if the items you wish to bring are acceptable.
4. Shop Around and Do Your Research
When shopping for dog boarding facilities you shouldn’t settle for the most conveniently located or the first one you come across. Dog hotels vary in policies, amenities, properly trained staff, and off leash play time. Choose the one that fits your dogs needs and personality. Make sure they’ll have plenty of opportunities to run around, play with others, swim, or even just lounge around. Activities such as these support in the alleviation of any potential anxiety your dog might encounter. A boarding experience should be a vacation for your dog, not just a place to sleep.
5. Make Your Goodbye Quick and Effortless
A long, dramatic goodbye while dropping your dog off at the boarding facility will tip your dog off to the fact that something suspicious is about to happen. This kind of behavior displayed by the owner can make your dog excited, anxious, and nervous.