Most dog owners will settle for nothing less than the best of care for their pet while they are away. Understanding the options makes that decision easier.
Neighbors, friends or relatives are sometimes willing to take the dog in temporarily. Advantages are that they are usually trustworthy and don’t charge much or they do it assuming the favor will be returned at a later date. Disadvantages are that they may not admit they are too busy to provide proper care for the animal or they may not be knowledgeable enough to make good decisions if the dog becomes sick or hurt.
Home boarding businesses are increasingly popular. Many of these are run by animal lovers with considerable knowledge in pet care who offer cageless, free run of their home and plenty of individual care. However, they often have strict requirements for the clients they accept including a temperament test and reliable housetraining. And not all home boarding businesses offer any kind of accountability.
Pet sitters who go to the home several times a day to take care of pets, plants, mail and other domestic chores are also an option that can provide convenience. However some dog owners worry about a stranger in their home as well as their dog spending long hours there alone.
Public boarding kennels are another option but they can range from a cheap, crowded facility providing only the bare minimum of care to the ritzy, luxury doggy daycare that caters to the pampered pooch with entertainment, massage, and an orthopedic bed.
Since dogs cannot tell their owner how they’ve been treated, it is very important for owners to choose boarding for pets very carefully. Cost may be a consideration but proper care and kindness is most important and will ensure the dog a safe and happy stay.
A good boarding facility will:
- Be accountable through accreditation, licensing or certification
- Have no unresolved complaints listed with the Better Business Bureau
- Look and smell clean and appear well kept
- Be temperature controlled
- Require pets to have up to date vaccinations
- Provide pets with plenty of exercise and enrichment time
- Provide safe and secure indoor areas as well as outdoor areas
- Provide comfortable bedding and follow the dog’s usual feeding routine
- Employ kind, compassionate workers who are knowledgeable about pet care and about providing for any special needs the dog may have.
- Have adequate veterinary services available in the event of illness or accident.
- Provide references.
- Provide clear, written policy including pricing, hours, emergencies, and delays in return
- Require complete emergency contact information
- Be happy to show the facility without appointment
Dog owners who choose a good pet sitter or boarding kennel can have peace of mind and a guilt-free trip. Knowing a beloved pet is happy and in good care makes leaving him or her a little easier.
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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