It can be difficult trying to find the right place to leave your canine companion while you're away. Today, our Hermitage vets explain what you should look for when selecting a boarding facility for your dog.
Choosing a Boarding Facility
The following are some things you should both know and consider before selecting a boarding facility (also called a kennel) for your canine companion.
Check the Rules & Policies
Before boarding your dog at any facility, make sure to ask the staff there about their regulations, rules, and policies (including what kinds of services they offer to dogs boarding with them. Information you may ask about during this conversation can include the kind of food they feed dogs who aren't sent with their own specialty food for their stay, what kinds of toys (if any) you can send with your dogs from home, and what their emergency procedures are.
Asking about the policies, procedures, and services the facilities offer can help you determine the best home away from home for your dog.
Check Vaccination Requirements
While each dog boarding kennel will have its own criteria for the minimum level of dog vaccinations that must be up to date, they will share some general requirements such as rabies, DHPP, and bordetella. Make sure you ask a prospective boarding facility about what vaccinations they require, so you can update your pooch's immunizations and produce proof of your dog's vaccinations before their stay.
Many common dog illnesses and diseases can spread quickly in kennel settings. Because of this, fulfilling a boarding facility's immunization requirements helps keep your pooch and the other dogs at the facility safe.
Visit the Facility Ahead of Time
Kennels that serve as a stay-cation for a lot of pets can get messy quickly. While a boarding facility won't be able to be kept sterile, any high-quality kennel will still look and smell clean and well-kept.
To make sure a prospective boarding facility is up to snuff, visit the kennel and make sure it's kept organized and clean before your dog's stay.
Trust Your Instincts
We believe that trusting your instincts is a great first step when choosing a kennel for your dog. If you don't feel comfortable with a place, look for another. If they have a policy you don't like, look around at different kennels until you find one that you can trust completely.
Before & After Your Dog's Stay
Keep Your Emotions in Check
Dogs are experts at reading the emotions of their pet parents. Your pup can tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. Your dog's mood and behavior will reflect this, making it harder for them to relax once you leave. To make the separation easier, keep things simple, short, and positive.
Behavioral Changes After Boarding
It's important to understand that during the first few days after your dog comes home from the kennel, they may behave a little differently. Your pup might be clingy, lethargic, or have diarrhea. They may even eat or drink more than usual. However, this is a normal response to your dog's excitement about coming home. But, if things don't settle down after a few days, contact your vet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition or boarding needs.