Dog Boarding in a Kennel

You are going on holiday or must be away from home for some time and cannot take your dog with you? No worries. Dog boarding houses and kennels can help you make sure your dog is well taken care of during your absence. How do they work and how much do they cost? Read on to learn more.

Dog boarding: why choose a kennel?

Dog kennels are handy when you can’t have a pet sitter come to look after your pet at home or if no relatives can help you out. You can find this type of facility in any area. They cater to all budgets and range from the most basic services to the most luxurious perks. In case you are considering using a dog kennel to board your dog, you might wonder how much it costs and what you important things you should keep in mind.

The price depends on the services provided and the length of your dog's stay. The average daily cost is $18. Prices for luxury kennels, on the other hand, can reach $80 per day. In these facilities, dogs are accommodated in individual rooms. CCTV keep an eye on them 24/7 and some facilities even offer grooming services. Know that dog boarding in places like New York is usually more expensive. Before booking, always ask for a breakdown of the costs to make sure you're not paying for services you don't need.

Other things to consider

Leaving your dog in a kennel should not be taken lightly. Before you book a dog boarding kennel, there are a number of important things you should consider:

• Is your dog social? If your dog isn't too happy around other dogs, kennels are definitely not for him. It'll be very upset and may be a threat to other dogs and members of staff.

• Are your dog´s vaccinations up to date? Make sure that everything is up-to-date, including the immunisation against the kennel cough that is very contagious. Make sure that it is wormed. Ask the kennel if they require all dogs to be immunised. If not, run away!

• Make sure your dog has everything it needs for a great stay. Besides food, you can bring a few toys and a towel with your smell. It'll help your dog settle in and relax.

• Provide detailed information about your dog. The more you know... Give as many details about your pooch as possible. That way, the staff will know how to react in any given situations. You should also mention if your dog has a condition that requires staff to give medicines. If that's the case, you need to write down everything: the name of medicines, how many times a day they need to be given, the dosage, the possible side effects, etc. Don't forget to bring your dog's health records.

• Plan ahead. Don't leave looking for a kennel to the last minute. Facilities tend to be crowded during the summer holidays and you may struggle to find one that can accommodate your dog.

• Ask for advice. You can ask your vet whether he can recommend a good kennel. You can also ask other dog parents you know. Be careful with the reviews you read online: they are subjective.

How to choose a kennel for the best dog boarding experience?

Not all kennels offer the same quality of service. You must do your research to pick the right one and visit the place to check the premises and meet the employees. Feel free to visit the place several times and at different times of the day. Ask to see the dogs, inspect their booths and check the play areas and the garden.

Checking security and comfort

Make sure that the kennel is well secured to prevent any risk of your dog running away. It’s best to have some surveillance at night so please make sure that the facility is sufficiently staffed at night time. Ask about their procedures in case of an emergency.

When you’re at the facility, observe the employees: how do they behave towards the animals? Are there enough of them to properly look after the dogs? Are they available for them? Pay particular attention to the premises: are they clean? Are the available toys in good condition?

Have a look at the sleeping areas. Check that they are comfortable, well ventilated or heated depending on the season. Ask about the planned activities, and the playing and walking times. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like: your dog deserves to be safe and comfortable.

Ask for the license

In order to be able to operate, kennels must have a license. The goal of a license is to ensure that the dog boarding house or the kennel has the experience and the knowledge to look after pets. If the facility can’t provide you with this certification, this should be a deal-breaker. Check also that the kennel has dog boarding insurance with liability coverage. They are under strict regulations!