Boarding Your Pet

by Henery Paul Castle Pines Veterinary

If you must be away from your pet, due to travel for a vacation, business trip, or out-of-town family obligation, a professional boarding facility is your best option. Your pet will be secure, comfortable, and in the hands of experienced caretakers.

In order to evaluate which professional kennel is best suited to your pet’s needs, you should consider several aspects. Cats and dogs are most generally the pets that boarding kennels cater to, but you can find some that also handle big animals/exotic pets as well.

Many times, kennels convenient to your location can be found in the Yellow Pages. Don’t equate the size of the ad you see with the quality of care.

Ideally, your own veterinarian will be equipped for boarding. If not, he/she will be able to make a recommendation. Also, friends, and colleagues are good sources for references. If you want to inquire about the reputation of the kennel you’re considering, go through the Better Business Bureau – ask if there have been any complaints about the facility.

Once you’ve found the particular kennel that seems like a good fit for you and your pet ,call for availability, and at the same time make an appointment for a personal visit. If your pet will require any special care during the stay, make the person you talk to aware of it, so that you will know if they can accommodate you.

When you visit the kennel, notice the general condition, inside and out, of the building. It should be kept neat and clean, and free of odors. Some kennels won’t let visitors into the actual areas where animals are staying. This is for the good of the pets – reactions to strangers can sometimes cause upheaval/injury. If this is the policy, there should be a “viewing window,” for you to look through to see exactly where your pet will be kept.

If you visitveterinarian highlands ranch more than one kennel, you may notice that they are set up differently. Some use indoor/outdoor runs, and some are totally enclosed, but provide exercise areas outside. You should ask about frequency of outside walks, and “play times.”

Boarding kennels are built with concern for the safety of the animals staying there. Look for strong fences, gates, and dividers between dog runs, if applicable. Cats, of course, should always be housed in enclosed spaces.

Inquire as to the competence of the kennel staff, ask about experience, training, and how long they’ve been employed there. Caretakers must be able to recognize any symptoms of distress your pet might show. Be sure that regular checks are made as a daily routine.

Check out the provisions for climate comfort, shelter from bad weather, and proper ventilation. There should always be enough daytime light in the kennel.

Sleeping quarters should be spacious enough for your pet to be able to move around easily, and stretch out comfortably. Find out if bedding is provided, some kennels require that you bring it from home – a good idea anyway – something familiar for your pet.

Any reputable boarding kennel will invite your questions and concerns. Cover all your bases, and relax, knowing that your pet will be in safe hands while you are away.