Bandit the Labrador at the Dubuque railroad Bridge by Kathleen Riley
What do you do during the holiday season when your companion isn’t
able to travel with you? You may prefer a family member, friend or pet
sitter look after your pets, but sometimes that isn’t as simple as you
might hope. If that is the case, you’ll want to look at boarding
facilities in your area. The thought of boarding your dog may make you
nervous, but there are options that will fit your needs and here are
some tips to help you find the right fir for you and your pet.
Get Recommendations. Does your veterinarian, groomer
or pet-owning friends have a place they like to use? Ask around and see
if there is a pattern to good, or not so good locations.
Tour the Facility. Go and check out the facility
before committing to boarding your pet there. Ask to see everything and
pay particular attention to the sleeping quarters. If the dogs are let
outside for exercise, investigate the enclosure for safety, cleanliness
and maintenance. How is the temperature in the building? Is it similar
to your home? Will your pet be comfortable? Are there any unpleasant
odors? Is the facility clean and organized? Do the animals in the
facility seem comfortable?
Licenses. If your state requires kennels to pass
regular inspections, the license / documents should be posted in a
prominent space. Does the kennel belong to a professional organization
like the Pet Care Services Organization? They have guidelines and standards for care.
Check up on the Facility. Start at the Better Business Bureau
to see if there are complaints filed against them or if there is bad
press about them. Once you have finished looking there, do a search of the business name and see if there are reviews or complaints online about them.
Ask Questions. What records do they require on your
dogs? What is the feeding schedule? What are their policies on
administering medications? Are their individual runs or group turnouts?
Does your dog get walked daily and is that an extra fee? What happens if
your dog needs medical attention?
Links:
Find a Boarding Facility
Selecting a Boarding Facility (PDF Format)
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Used with author’s permission: Boarding – Find the best place for your dog – Minneapolis Dogs | Examiner.com