Whether you are going away for a few days or looking for an out-of-home training program, dog boarding is a great option for ensuring your best buddy is taken care of while you are not there. Boarding allows your dog to socialize and stay occupied in your absence. Before taking your dog into a boarding facility, you should know a few things about boarding.
7 Tips for Dog Boarding
Vaccines
Vaccines are essential to help minimize the risk of diseases passing through the kennel with the number of dogs that stay at the facility. Almost every dog boarding facility will require that your dog is up-to-date on specific vaccines and may ask for you to show proof of the vaccination. The Bordetella vaccine is critical for boarding times because it helps to reduce your dog’s chance of kennel cough. Keeping up with heartworm and parasite medications will also help keep your dog healthy while boarding.
Visit the Facility
One of the best ways to make sure a boarding facility, like this Pawhootz Pet Resort, is a good fit for your dog is to visit in person. Take the time to tour the place and meet the staff to see if it’s somewhere you’d feel comfortable leaving your canine companion. During your visit, keep an eye out for these important details:
- Do dogs have their own spaces, or will they be sharing?
- What is the cleanliness like at the facility?
- What overall feeling do you get while at the facility? Will you feel good about leaving your dog there for an extended time?
- How does the staff interact with the dogs?
Training
Some canine training programs also offer boarding facilities. This is an excellent option if you want to train your dog away from home and have them board as well. Take time to meet the trainers and find out what programs they offer and techniques they use to teach your dog new behaviors and tricks.
Facility Guidelines
All training with boarding companies have rules and guidelines for the dogs and owners. You will want to review the facility’s policies to ensure they meet your standards, such as:
- What happens in a medical emergency?
- Who takes care of the dogs at night?
- What social time will your dog get with other dogs and staff members?
- How often will your dog receive food and water?
Medical Practices
If your dog takes medication or supplements, you will want to find out if the facility will administer the medication as directed while your dog is in their care. In addition, if a medical emergency happens to your dog at the boarding facility, you will want to know their policies and procedures for ensuring your dog receives the proper care. Is there a vet on site, or do they take the canine to a local vet? How long after the medical issue occurs will they contact you?
Food
Changing your dog’s food for kennel time may not be the best option, as it usually takes dogs some time to adjust to new food. You will want to ask the facility if they will continue using your food while the dog is in the boarding house so that you can send some with your pup.
When you pick up your dog from boarding, it will be excited to see you. It might be best to withhold food and water until your dog settles down, so it doesn’t have issues digesting the food. If you want to give your dog water in smaller increments, provide ice cubes to keep it hydrated while maintaining a happy tummy.
Credentials
You want a kennel with a good, safe reputation. It is important to ask about credentials, insurance, how long they have been in business, the number of dogs they have cared for, and if they are part of any larger boarding organizations. Also, do your research for reviews and past opinions of dog owners who have boarded their dogs at the facility.
Find Dog Boarding for Your Dog Today
Placing your dog in a safe and healthy boarding facility is essential. With these tips, you will be on your way to finding an establishment that will meet your needs and keep your dog happy during your time away. Find your local canine boarding facility today!
