Dog boarding and doggie day care aren't something you should consider lightly for your
pet. While there are plenty of
respectable, boarding kennels available, there are also some that won’t give
your dog the care he deserves. If you
have decided to use a dog boarding
or day care facility to watch your pet while you are on vacation or temporarily can’t care
for him, be sure you know what to expect and what will be provided for your
loved pet.
The first thing you should know is
that, rather than having a neighbor check in a few times a day or dragging your
pet along on a long, uncomfortable car trip, dog boarding is one of the best things you can do for your pet’s
safety and comfort. And, if you're a 9 to 5'er, dog day care is a reasonable option for your four legged friend. Most kennels have
trained, responsible staff who will not only feed, water and care for your
pet’s physical needs, they will also provide a nurturing, enjoyable environment
that your dog will enjoy while you are gone.
Many places that provide dog boarding are also affiliated with
or provide grooming services and other extras.
If you are going to board your dog for two or more days, consider
arranging to have your dog groomed, including having his nails clipped and a
nice shampoo, the day before you pick him up.
This is a nice treat that most dogs enjoy, and he will be clean and
ready to go when you pick him up.
One thing to keep in mind is that dog boarding isn’t just about the food
provided and whether there is proper physical care, although these things are
extremely important. You should also get
the impression that the people who will be caring for your pet are genuine dog
lovers. Visit the facility and, if
possible, watch them interact with some of the dogs in their care. Ask if there are play and exercise sessions
every day and if someone on the staff would be willing to walk your dog if he
is accustomed to it on a daily basis.
The more interested the staff is in meeting your pet’s unique needs, the
better off your pet will be while staying at a dog boarding kennel.
If you are going to be taking your
pet to a dog boarding kennel for the
first time, make the trip a short one.
Remember, this is new territory for your pet, and he may take some time
to adjust. If you can let him stay at a
boarding kennel for just a few days (perhaps over a weekend) the first time, he
will have to chance to get to know his caregivers and adjust to your
absence. He will also learn that you
will, in fact, come back to get him.
That way when you have to board him for a longer stretch (two weeks or
more), he will adjust more easily because he will be familiar with his
surroundings.
Finally, be sure that if your dog
has a particular toy or “security object,” such as a blanket, you take this
with you to the kennel. Most dog boarding facilities will allow your
pet to keep this security toy with him during his stay so that he will feel
more comfortable. If you keep these
things in mind, dog boarding can be
a safe, pleasant experience for your dog whenever you need to go away without
him.