Boarding kennels – choosing the right one

Pet-sitters and boarding kennels are two main options for your dogs if you go away on vacation and cannot take them with you. Pet sitters are individuals who come to your home and stay there when you are away, which may be less traumatic for most dogs as they look after your dog in their everyday environment. Most dog owners, however, have to rely on boarding kennels. Pet sitters are more expensive, and some people may have concerns about allowing relative strangers in their home. Taking time and care to choose the best boarding kennel for your dog will help minimize stress for you and your dog and ensure that they return home fit, healthy and happy.

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In most developed countries, there is some regulation of facilities that house pets for boarding. In the US, boarding kennels must be licensed by the local authorities, and the license must be on display. To maintain this license, kennels are inspected regularly. Licensed kennels must comply with regulations relating to enclosure size, hygiene, feeding, and general standards of care. However, this license relates only to a minimum standard of care and aims to maintain basic welfare and prevent disease transmission. It should not be used as the sole basis on which to select a kennel.

The best way to find out about a kennel is by personal recommendation. Ask your dog-owning friends, your local veterinary surgery, or local groups online for recommendations. The more people who have had a good experience, hopefully so will you and your dog.

All good kennels encourage visits from prospective clients. This allows you to meet the owner and discuss your pet’s requirements and see for yourself the standards of care and welfare. It is a good idea to visit the kennels without an appointment but during normal opening hours. If you have no experience of kennels, visit two or three before you make a decision.

Overall cleanliness of the premises is a good start. The enclosures should be secure (to prevent animals escaping), and individual kennels should be separated by solid barriers to prevent the spread of disease. Are the kennels draught-free? Are water bowls clean and full? Do all dogs have access to a secure run and covered area? Do the dogs already in the kennels look happy and contented?

Ask lots of questions: make a list before you go so that you ‘don’t forget anything. The staff should be happy to answer them, and it is a good sign if they ask questions about your ‘pet’s particular requirements. Find out how many kennel staff are employed, the ratio of staff: dog is, and how much time they spend with each animal daily. One of the most important factors in providing a happy stay for a dog is the ‘staff’s relationship with the pets under their care. Dogs are highly social animals and depend upon human company. It should be clear that the staff love dogs and have time to play with and groom the boarders.

Ask if there is temperature control for sleeping areas. Heating is essential in winter for pets that have been kept indoors. Air conditioning might be needed in summer. Also, ask about exercise: is there somewhere the dogs can run free off the lead? If not, they should be walked several times a day. If your dog has any specific requirements, such as being nervous or aggressive with other dogs, or needs any medication, make sure you are satisfied with the answers to your questions and happy the kennel can meet your ‘dog’s needs. ‘Don’t be afraid to discuss your ‘pet’s specific concerns; the staff should be trained to work with behavioral and medical needs.

There is always an increased risk of infectious disease when multiple dogs are kept in close proximity. The risk should be minimized by ensuring that your dog is up-to-date with routine vaccinations and that your pet is healthy when entering kennels. Good kennels will strictly enforce vaccination requirements and require documentary evidence of a current vaccination card signed by a veterinary surgeon. Usually, all residents must be vaccinated against all the common and preventable dog diseases: Bordetella, distemper, parvovirus, and influenza.

Ask your veterinarian if you are not sure what vaccinations your pet has received. The bordetella vaccine commonly referred to as “kennel cough,” is not always given by veterinarians as part of the routine booster vaccinations. So, it is worth checking that your dog is current in prevention against this disease complex. It is also good to make sure your pet is protected against heartworms, internal parasites, and fleas during their stay. Seek advice from your veterinarian and arrange a general health check for your dog if you are in any doubt.

All kennels will be registered with a local veterinary practice in case dogs become unwell while boarding. If your veterinary practice is nearby, you can ask that your pet be seen by your veterinarian if there are problems. Ensure your veterinarian knows when your dog will be in kennels, that your contact details are correct (including being able to contact you while away), and whether you permit life-saving treatment if you cannot be reached.

Many kennels will be happy to care for your pet if they are in good health but require routine medication, such as pain killers for arthritis or even insulin injections for diabetes. Kennels are much less able to take on pets with potentially contagious diseases. Any medication requirements should be discussed in detail beforehand with your veterinarian and the kennels. For high-dependency animals, your vet may be able to make boarding arrangements within the veterinary clinic or hospital to reduce worries about serious problems developing while you are away.

Try to choose boarding kennels close by to reduce travel stress and increase familiarity with surroundings. If you go away frequently, always use the same kennels: your dog will become familiar with the environment and may even get to know the staff. You could conduct a short trial and put your dog in the kennels for a brief period, such as over a weekend, to see how they get on before committing to a more extended stay. Remember to book for holiday periods well in advance; popular kennels get booked up early. Take your ‘dog’s bedding and also a favorite toy from home as long as there is no concern your dog will chew or ingest the toy or bedding. Most dogs settle well into kennels and soon make friends with other dogs or staff.

Boarding kennels are usually run by dog-loving people who are committed to keeping your pet safe and happy while you are away. Finding a kennel that suits you and your dog will ease the stress of separation for both of you and ensure your dog is in the best hands to remain healthy and happy.