How to Find The Right Dog Boarding Facility
Many pet owners dread the chance of boarding their dogs, but a kennel stay nowadays is often a resort- or camp-like experience for dogs, with comfortable beds, televisions with pet-friendly programming, and sometimes even swimming pools, agility equipment and other amenities. And with the right preparation, your pet may be as worked up about his “vacation” when you are about yours. So we asked dog trainer Laura Roach, director of Behavior Buddies for Camp Bow Wow, how to help ensure your dog has an appropriate, happy and healthy stay at a boarding facility.
Choosing the Right Place Dog Boarding In Maryland
Of course, the first rung on the ladder is finding a dog hotel or boarding facility that’s a good fit for you as well as your pooch. Roach recommends checking out multiple facilities to find one where your pet will be happy which meets your expectations for your pet’s care. “In the event that you head into the facility and feel uncomfortable for just about any reason, take a look at a different one,” “It’s important that you are feeling comfortable about where your pet is staying.”
Obviously, the facility should look and smell clean, but you should also keep an eye out for safety hazards where your pet will be sleeping or playing, such as sharp edges or holes in fencing. Also smart: See how personnel connect to the dogs in their care.
Below are a few questions to ask boarding facility managers before booking your dog’s stay:
Can I see your complete facility? (When the answer is no, think about whether you want to leave your pet there.)
What happens if my dog becomes injured or sick while in your care?
If my dog misbehaves, how do you want to and your staff handle it?
Which kind of training does your staff receive on dog handling and behavior? How often do they receive continuing education?
What are your vaccination requirements?
Is your staff certified in pet medical and CPR?
Is usually a veterinarian on staff or on call? Will see your face contact my vet directly?
Is there an employee member watching the dogs during the night?
MAY I bring my dog’s own food, toys and bedding?
Can you charge extra for giving medication or feeding my dog his own food?
The type of attention from or interaction with people will my dog have daily? Is there yet another charge for playtime or cuddling? For extra walks?
If you’re unhappy with any of the responses to these questions, consider checking out another facility.
Preparing Your Pooch
Once you choose a place, it’s smart to take your pet for a visit beforehand. Let him sniff around the lobby and allow the staff to provide him a delicacy or two. You may also book daycare or an overnight to really get your dog acclimatized before an extended stay. “This will give your dog an optimistic association with the facility,“You might ask if you may fall off a blanket to keep there for every day to find the facility’s smell on it. Then bring it home which means that your dog gets used to the smells of the facility.” When you take your pet to the kennel or dog hotel, ask the facility if it’s OK to leave him with the scent of home, such as a vintage T-shirt of yours or his favorite toy or blanket.
Kennels typically require proof vaccination for rabies, distemper and bordetella, but rules vary, so make certain to enquire about certain requirements of your boarding facility and then confirm with your vet that everything is to be able, so you can get your wellbeing certificate. Young puppies who haven’t completed their first group of vaccinations shouldn’t be boarded. Also, if you will be difficult to reach, make sure to have a crisis contact who’s empowered to make decisions for you – including medical and financial ones-with the boarding facility and the veterinarian.