What Should I Look for in a Dog Boarding Facility?

Boarding your dog is hard! They’re family and honestly the best kind of family. They never talk back, they love unconditionally, and they’re always there for you. You want what’s best for them but where do you even start?

Start a month or two ahead. As soon as you know the trip is coming start trying to find the right place for your dog! Finding the right fit is imperative! Set up multiple meet and greets at different places.

There are three main setups for kennels:

1. Standard Mass Boarding Kennel

   The standard Boarding Kennel is perfect if your dog is an escape artist. They’ll have eyes on them any time they’re in play groups and most likely will house them inside in an escape proof room. These can be loud and smelly so they aren’t great for a dog who gets scared easily and there is often no one there at night which can be scary for the dog and the owner.

2. Home-Style Dog Boarding

   Home style Dog Boarding is great for the pet parent who wants individualized attention to their pet. There will be someone there overnight who lives in the home and cares for them like their own. It is typically a quieter setting with a yard to play in and is easier to have a more customizable stay without add on costs. Don’t be fooled by places that say they’re home-style then only live on the property. Home-Style boarding should be in the owners home.

3. Pet Sitting (in your home)

   Some pets aren’t meant for the other two styles so there is pet sitting. This means your sitter comes to your home to stay with your pet. Be specific and set hours so everyone is on the same page. If you want 24/7 care you will pay dearly for it but if you only need overnight or drop ins it can be fully customizable if you both are very specific.

Tour all three and see what’s best for you and your dog. Most places will gladly do a Meet and Greet! At the meet and greet ask your questions, watch your dog’s reactions, and be specific about your needs!

What should you ask when looking for a kennel?

1. Insist on seeing where they’d be staying!

2. How many hours of playtime do they get?

3. Is the facility licensed through the state?

4. How often are they inspected?

5. Are they insured?

6. Will they interact with other dogs?

7. What vaccinations are required?

8. How often and in what manner do you get updates?

9. How long has the average employee worked there?

10. Rates…I know seems obvious but people often forget :)

Why does licensing and insurance matter? It matters because you want the person caring for your pet to have done the work and know that they’re in this for more than the money. If an emergency happens you don’t want a sitter who can’t think on their feet and get the necessary help. Over the years a million things will happen and you want someone who has shown they’re prepared by attending the trainings, following the laws, and having the backup of insurance for when life happens and you’re in another country!

Be honest about your dog when you attend the meet and greet! It’s normal to not remember every detail of your pet’s personality but if you have a jumper, runner, fighter, scary-cat; they need to know so they can prepare. It’s better to tell them so they can take precautions than for them to find out the hard way.

Tell them your expectations. If you need to get updates daily let them know and see if they can accommodate. It’s is perfectly fine to be needy if it makes your trip better. If you’re going out of the country and only want emergency contact that too is fine. Let them know what you need!

Have a “Pawsome” Day!

Love,

Wren