When choosing a boarding facility for your pet you need to be prepared to ask a few
questions prior to deciding on their vacation accommodations. Asking friends and neighbors
who they have used can narrow the field. Again the yellow pages are a great source for locating
local commercial kennels.
The answers to the following questions will help you determine the capability of the kennel
establishment in coping with your pet's housing needs:

   1. How long have they been in boarding industry? Do they participate in continuing
       education? Belong to national trade associations? Are they, the management certified.
       Is the facilities? If not, why?

   2. How do they deal with sensitive animals? Will they feed special diets and give
        medications. Offer special exercise programs? Will they use the food you brought?
        Will they use “Fifi’s” special blanket or toys?

   3. What is included in the boarding price?  Do they offer fresh bedding and sanitary
        food and water containers? What types of food do they feed if you choose not to
        furnish your pets diet? How often are the animals accommodations cleaned?
        Are the animal containment areas heated and air conditioned?  Will your animal have
        it’s own private quarters? How many times will your pet be exercised daily?

   4.  When you arrive view the facilities. A special window to view the animal housing
         areas keeps from disturbing the other animals being housed.  However, some kennels
         do allow visitors in the housing areas. This is a matter of kennel owner preference it
         does not mean the kennel is dirty. They are just being protective of their guests.

   5. Can you smell offensive odors when you enter?  Is the kennel property free of
        litter and debris? Is the atmosphere inviting? Do the staff take the time to fill out
        forms that give them your emergency number or a local contact number in the
        event they should need to get in touch with you? Do they check to make sure
        that your pet has had all the necessary vaccinations?

   6.   Do you need reservations? What other kennel rules do they have? [i.e.: medications, toys,
         etc.]  Do they require deposits on extended stays?  Do they have a check out time?
 
   7. Are pets in a safe environment at all times? How many hours a day are staff available
        for the animals? Is there someone on the kennel property 24 hours a day? How do they
        handle animal care on weekends or holiday periods when closed to the public?

Remember kennel operators have a family and a life too! Do not impose on them
and ask to drop off or pick up your animal before or after stated office hours. This does cause
disturbances for the other animals being housed. Office hours are for a reason. In the kenneling
situation it is imperative that everyone, staff and animals included, that there is down time when
the door chime or phone isn’t ringing.  Always remember to make your summer and holiday
reservation well in advance as these are the busy periods and you might not find a room for
your four footed friend.
 
 
 
 

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