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Choosing a Boarding Facility/Kennel for Your Pet

By Dr. Kelly Brodnik

You have decided that you need to board your dog, your cat, your bird, your ferret, or even your fish while you go away on a much needed vacation, emergency family leave, travel for your job, etc. How do you find a place that you trust will take good care of your beloved? Here are some suggestions in helping you to narrow down the search:

Tour the Facility

Taking a tour of the facility is the single most important factor in deciding on a boarding facility. Why? You will see first hand what type of situation your pet will be placed in. If a kennel or boarding facility does not permit you to tour at any given drop-in moment, question why. While you are there, ask yourself the following questions:

· Is it clean? Is it bright and lively? Does it smell bad?
· Is there a lot of urine and feces in the animal's confinement?
· Is there fresh water available for every animal?
· Does the staff act in a caring manner to the pets that are boarding?
· Are the enclosures safe and risk-free for escape?
· Check the condition of other animals that are presently being boarded

Question the Staff

Next, ask the staff the following questions (and any of your own that you may think of-now is the time):

· Does my animal get exercised everyday, how often, and by whom? What about holidays and weekends?
· Will my animal be fed your diet or may I provide the diet I wish my animal to consume (especially important if the animal is on a prescribed diet)?
· Can I provide toys and blankets that smell like home for the animal while I am away? What is your replacement policy should something become lost or ruined?
· What if my animal is sick or injured during its stay, what procedures are done? Who will see to it that my animal gets proper medical care?
· Will you contact me if there is an emergency?
· Can I call to check on my animal? How often?
· What vaccinations and preventative measures are required of my animal (and other animals) prior to boarding? This is important to know so that your animal can be adequately protected from viral infections and that your animal is not infecting other animals on the premises.
· Are there separate isolation areas for animals that become sick?
· Will my animal be given medication if necessary?
· What are additional charges to the boarding fee? (Exercise, medication, special food-there may be fees assessed to special needs).
· Will my animal be bathed or groomed prior to its release? Is there an additional fee for this service?
· What are the hours that I may pick up my animal?

Ask for References

Ask the staff for references from people who routinely board their animals at that facility. Ask your family and friends who they use for boarding.

Ask your Veterinarian

Ask your veterinarian for referrals to local boarding facilities. Often, they are aware of kennels or facilities that frequently have problems or ones that stand out in their standard of care.

Lastly, always be prepared. The most reputable kennels will be full far in advance of most major holidays. (Some people may book 6 months in advance or even one year!!). Never assume that animals are accepted at hotels, resorts, parks, etc. Call ahead to be sure and decrease the chance of having to board your animal in a less-than-desirable facility out of necessity. If you can, take your animal with you, or have someone you trust come to your home and stay with your pet. Always check with airlines prior to travel about their specific requirements which can vary from airline to airline. Always leave an emergency number where you can be reached at all times and a note specifying consent for medical care/financial limits on veterinary costs. Have a safe trip knowing that your pet is being well cared for!