Before Boarding Your Dog

If you decide to travel without your dog and at some point you might have to (business meetings, destination weddings etc.), there are several options before you. If you are considering dog boarding kennels, there are several things you should keep in mind. First of all, talk to your vet and friends with pets to recommend you some nearby dog boarding facility. Then, call those facilities to find out more about them. So, what questions should you ask before making a reservation for your four-legged family member?

1. Where is my dog going to stay? Make sure you find out what your dog’s temporary environment would be like. Your pet’s living space should be organized, odor-free and neat. Boarding in a cage might cause inconvenience and anxiety if your pet is not accustomed to it. If you have an opportunity, it is better to find the kennel offering upscale boarding with small rooms with toys and dog beds to mimic the home atmosphere.
2. How many times and for how long will my pet be walked? Of course you cannot expect to find something exactly what your dog has been used to, but if your dog needs a bit more time to walk, stretch and play, you should look for a facility that will walk your dog 3 or even more times a day.
3. What food will my pet eat? Usually boarding facilities allow owners to bring their dog’s regular food, because a change in diet is an additional stress for your dog. Keep in mind that you should add some healthy foods to your dog’s regular diet, because it is very likely that he/she will not eat well while in a kennel.
4. Will my pet interact with other pets? Interaction between dogs is both good and bad, because it is healthy and fun for your dog to play a little bit with other dogs, but at the same time, this can be quite risky. In case the facility permits dogs to play together, the monitoring should be well done. So, ask the boarding kennel about their policy about dog playtime and what happens in case of an injury.
5. What will happen if my pet becomes injured or ill? Usually, boarding facilities employ vets that check out every dog’s behavior and health condition. If not, they usually have some vet clinics as partners. Sometimes, they offer you a possibility to have your pet transported to his/her own vet, in case he/she needs medical care.
6. What will it cost? Well, it seems like we do not need to explain why this is also an important question. However, keep your self informed and be aware of all the costs, including hidden ones.