What to look for when hunting for a good dog boarding kennel–When boarding your dog, whether for just a few hours or for a week or more, you want the peace of mind knowing that your beloved pet is getting the very best care possible. You want to be assured that your pup is comfortable, fed properly, exercised and watered sufficiently, and treated with kindness.
For starters, ask the owner of the boarding kennel for references. Have him/her give you at least ten references, and check out each one. Ask specific questions ahead of time, so you know what kind of treatment your pet will receive.
Also, you want to board your pup with an experienced person who knows how to handle dogs with aggressive behaviors, since some dogs tend to have aggressive behaviors. If the caregiver can handle such dogs, you can be sure that your pup is safe.
Make an on-sight visit of the kennel ahead of time, if possible. Look for a kennel that is constructed in materials that can be cleaned thoroughly and quickly. Steel, aluminum and concrete are easy to clean, and do not hold any odors or unwanted matter. The facility should be sanitized occasionally; this will offer your pet a healthy environment.
Wood is not the optimum material for a kennel,since it tends to hold odors, bacteria, and other potentially unhealthy residual matter. If you have other options, don’t choose a wood constructed kennel.
Sunlight–Also important is the amount of sunlight the kennel is exposed to. Any building that receives just a small amount of sunlight, or none at all, will stay damp and cool, a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. On the other hand, if sunlight is allowed to surround and enter the building, there is considerably less risk for unhealthy mold and mildew growth.
Does the boarding kennel have an efficiently working septic system? This is imperative to keep bacteria and odor to a minimum, and to provide a cleaner, fresher, more pleasant environment for your pet. Some facilities have no system in place, and everything is simply washed into the surrounding grass or dirt. That’s not what you want! Look for a system that has no back up of water or solid material. Take the whiff test. Yes, it’s a dog kennel, and yes, there will be some dog odor, but if the kennel and kennel runs are frequently washed down, there will not be a build up of urine or fecal matter.
Is there enough room for your dog in the space provided? There should be sufficient room inside for your dog to lie down without being crowded, and ample room outside to stretch his legs and get a little exercise. This is not a college dorm, and your dog should not have to share a kennel run with another dog. Make sure he gets his own space. A good kennel facility will allow your pup the ability to go inside or outside whenever he desires (assuming the weather cooperates).
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when looking for a good dog-boarding kennel. After all, your favorite canine family member.deserves the very best. Don’t you agree?
