How to Find the Right Dog Boarding Facility

Your dog is your best friend, your trusted companion and your loyal protector. Finding the perfect place for him to stay while you are out of town can be a stressful and time-consuming task due to the importance of identifying a boarding facility that fits your needs and provides the level of care you demand for your pup. Every person and dog will have unique conditions for choosing a boarding facility, but there are general guidelines you can follow that should make the process more straightforward.

  1. Cultivate Opinions

    • One of the best ways to find an excellent boarding facility is speaking to friends and family about where they board their pups while away. Top-notch boarding facilities will earn shining reviews from people you trust, and talking to a few close friends should help you compile a short list of nearby facilities for further investigation. Online resources that provide customer reviews are also a powerful tool in learning about other boarders̵7; experiences with a particular business.

    Learn the Rules

    • Every boarding facility has its own rules. For example, picking your dog up after 7 p.m. at one facility may count as an extra night of boarding, while at another it might not. Additionally, every facility will have a detailed policy on how it handles potential emergencies such as injury or sickness. It is vital that you familiarize yourself with a boarding facility̵7;s rules regarding check-in, checkout, normal rates, additional charges, vaccinations and emergencies before you commit to boarding your dog. Compare the rules of several kennels to find the one that fits your needs and makes you comfortable.

    Investigate Special Circumstances

    • Many dogs have special needs that can affect your boarding decision. Speak with facility staff if your dog has a special feeding schedule, requires medication or has other demands that would not fit within the normal procedure. Most boarding facilities will be able to meet your pup̵7;s initial needs, but it is important to have the conversation up front to get an idea of how seriously your requests are taken. Additionally, boarding facilities with indoor or outdoor play areas make better candidates for dogs with high energy reserves.

    Take a Tour

    • Once you have narrowed your selection to one or two kennels, ask to take a tour of the facility. Any respectable boarding facility will allow tours during specific hours -- if a kennel refuses you a tour, you likely don't want to board your dog at that facility. While taking the tour, make note of the kennel̵7;s cleanliness, temperature control, ventilation, lighting, crate sizes, food storage and exercise areas. Pay close attention to how staff interacts with animals under its care. Once you have found a kennel that meets your demands and provides a safe, clean environment for your dog, you will be ready to board.