What to look for in a boarding kennel

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However much we love our dog there may be times when it’s just not possible to be together and during this time we may need to place them into a boarding kennel. It will be hard leaving your dog especially if this is the first time and you’ll worry if they are going to be looked after well, will they miss you, and will they get taken for a walk or be comforted if there scared.

These are all natural feelings as your dog will be part of the family and you wouldn’t leave one of the members of your family with just anyone. The same applies to your dog with a little careful checking and looking around you can find a boarding kennel which can satisfy all your questions. Here are some tips when choosing a boarding kennel:

How to find a good kennel

A good place to start is with family and friends, ask around which kennel they have used and what they felt about it, if friends and family haven’t used one then considering getting a recommendation from your vet. Once you have got some names then do a little investigation work into the kennel, most reputable kennels now have websites where they show information on the kennels and even pictures of the accommodation where dogs are kept.

Most kennels have to meet certain standards and gain certification so look for this, when you think you have found one or two that meets your requirements call them and ask if they can accommodate your dog and plan a visit there.

All good kennels will be only too happy to show you around the facility and let you meet members of staff who will be helping to look after your pet. Feel free to ask any questions or worries you have and also to point out any special requirements that your dog might have.

What to look for at the kennel

On your visit to the kennel pay particular attention to the following:

* Make sure the kennel looks and smells clean.

* Make sure the area where the dogs are kept is light and airy.

* Is the temperature comfortable.

* Do the staff members seem happy in their work, do they seem loving and caring.

* Does each dog have somewhere they can get exercise, such as an outdoor or indoor run.

* Are the runs protected from the elements.

* Is there bedding or resting boards so the dogs can get off the concrete floor.

* Is there adequate space for the food and water bowls.

* How often are the dogs fed and watered.

* Can the owner bring special food if required.

* What vet services are there in the kennel.

* Does the kennel provide grooming, bathing and training.

The pros and cons

The pros

* A boarding kennel avoids the stress of a long journey on your pet to your holiday destination.

* He’ll be somewhere where he’s welcome unlike some hotels.

* Hell receive more attention than he would being left in the hotel room for the day.

* You’ll have more freedom on your holiday.

* Your dog will be monitored all day.

* Your dog will be secure and safe.

The cons

* Your dog could get stressed being in an unfamiliar environment.

* Your dog may be exposed to illness from other pets.

* Choosing a kennel can be difficult and cause you worry.

* If the kennel is a long way from your home your dog could become stressed on the journey.

Boarding Kennel Pictures

Boarding Kennel Videos

Boarding Kennel	Briarwood Kennel
Luxury Kennels For Sale, kennelsforsale, Dog Boarding	TGYH Episode 5 Season 3 Part 1

Boarding Kennel Question & Answers

Boarding Kennel Question: 1

My dog was boarded for a few days, and now has way more eye "goop" than normal...?

This boarding facility is nice and clean, and my dog has been vaccinated against Kennel Cough, but there has been this excess eye goop and he has dandruff now too. I thought it just might be stress from coming back home after staying with dogs, and plan on going to the vet if there is no changes/if it gets worse in a week. Any opinions before I go though?

Answer: 1.
One thing everyone who gets the Bortadella vaccination against kennel cough should know... is that it ONLY covers THREE STRANDS OF KENNEL COUGH! There are MANY more than 3! It is very easy for your dog to get kennel cough, even after having the vaccination, so after being in a kennel and having eye discharge, it's possible that your dog caught something. However, kennel cough really isn't anything to worry about... a lot of vets say "we treat the people, not the pet," because like a common cold it runs its course and goes away. It is still a good idea to put your dog on antibiotics if they contract kennel cough (or tracheal bronchitis) because it will help the symptoms.

It is not normal for your dog to have eye discharge and dandruff after coming home from a kennel. A lot of kennels may look clean but you can never be too sure about what goes on when your dog is left there. They may be exposed to other sick dogs (this is why I run a pet sitting service through my house and never use kennels!)

I would say monitor your dog for the next 24 hours, and if there is no improvement, or it gets worse, go to the vet. Its always better to be safe with your pups!!!

Good luck :)
Answer: 2.
Could also be allergies. It's that time of year in most areas. Could be stress too. I'd give it a few days and if it gets worse, definitely go to the vet.
Answer: 3.
i dont have a good answer but my dog just came back from being boarded and has the same problem. i wonder whats going on... i guess we should take the them to the vet.
Answer: 4.
Give him a REALLY good bath, maybe there was something at the place he has an allergy to. Clean his face really well a couple times a day.

Boarding Kennel Question: 2

should i board my dog at a vets office?

I have a Teacup Pom pom, and she is going to be boarded May 30th-june 9th.The cost is 20$ per night and 25 for the kennel cough shot...do you think it would be okay for my dog to stay there .. is there a risk of a high infection do you think???Is it possible that she could catch anything there?I dont want my dog getting out of a place, or another dog attacking my dog, i love and trust my vet and my friends, arnt very responsible i might sound ... over protective but i love my baby to death!

Answer: 1.
Well, I sure would not trust my dogs with anyone, not even my own family. If there is a way to take the dog with you, you should do it. I think it will be okay to board the dog at a responsible vet, but you should make sure you know who is going to be taking you dog out of it kennel and make sure they follow all your instructions to provide your dog with as much safety as you can. You should give them a harness lesh for when ever your dog is taken out of the kennel to make sure the dog is well secured. It is possible your dog could catch something, so be aware of the vets history and have your dog vaccinated against anything it might get while there. Good luck and hope this helped.
Answer: 2.
Anything is possible, though unlikely if they are a responsible and up to date Vet office. Try seeing if a friend can watch her though. That way she will get more companionship. Who wants to sit in a cage for 10 days.
Answer: 3.
I like to board my dog where he can run with other dogs, as he is very social. Where I take him, he gets to go with other social dogs into an open area to have some fun.

Boarding Kennel Question: 3

Boarding Kennel Decor?

Does anyone have any unique ideas for decorating a boarding kennel?I want it to look "homey" but still be practical and easy to clean.

Answer: 1.
Do you want to know the decor for my parents boarding kennel?

The walls on the inside are purple and white, with purple on the bottom half. The dogs have purple beds and white cushions. and the dishes are purple and white, so there's a bit of a purple and white theme. Any questions just ask me :) cause there's more to it
Answer: 2.
Toddler beds are great for the rooms, dogs love them. Cots for older dogs that can't jump up on the beds very well.

RULE #1 - don't forget that the whole idea is to be SAFE for dogs. I see so many kennels that are so worried about the rooms being CUTE that they totally forget about the safety of the dogs. NO big pictures in frames with glass, somebody could get hurt from jumping up and knocking it down (smashed glass). Use decorative blankets on the walls instead, much safer.
Answer: 3.
hmmmn when i was volenteering at a boarding kennel in Dunkirk ny for Julies Pet Palace she had a real homey kennel and had different scenes from disney movies in each kennel, 101 dalmations,tarzan,aristocats,lady and the tramp it was the most bueatiful kennel ive ever seen.
Answer: 4.
1. fake fire hydrants
2. painted walls that have big bones or fish on them
3. paw prints stickers on the doors

I dont relly no anything else
Answer: 5.
Hand painted doggies on the wall?

Maybe treat dispensers?

The poker table painting with the dogs? lol! idk
Answer: 6.
Decorate the inside to look like the outside.
Answer: 7.
Soft little sofas and blankets....TV's with animal videos playing....toys hey like a jungle gym for dogs...
Answer: 8.
Plushies and treats that hang from the ceiling.

Boarding Kennel Question: 4

What is the best kennel to board my dog in the Metro Detroit area...preferrably east side?

I have a year old shepherd mix and she is very energetic. I want to know what is a good kennel to board her. Must be in the metro Detroit area, preferrably east side (e.g. Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Warren, Harper Woods, Grosse Pointe - these cities are as far as I want to go due to gas being way too high!). Would like to stay in the moderate price range. PLEASE HELP!!

Answer: 1.
I live right in your area but am unable to board right now. Why don't you check in the pet section of craigslist.com. I've seen several ads on there for privite in home dog sitting that say they have references. Also, most vet clinics will board your dog also.

Boarding Kennel Question: 5

Dog Flu in NJ. New Epidemic.?

I recently adopted a dog from a central NJ animal association (wont give the name). This dog is very ill and has infected my large,very healthy (never been sick before in his life) black lab.I am writing this as a warning to be very careful at this time when adopting an animal from a shelter or leaving your dog for boarding @ a kennel. This is a new epidemic and is devastating to witness an animal suffer . This is very uncomfortable: coughing, rasping, vomiting, retching, lethargy,loss of appetite, wasting, behavior changes, large amounts of green snotty discharge from the nostrils, confusion and dehydration. Please isolate your dogs until there is a vaccine for this. This is viral, not bacterial: antibiotics will not work. There is no cure for this, only support in IV fluids and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. Anyone else experiencing this, please share your story.

Answer: 1.
That is scary.