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Community Corner

How to Pick the Right Boarding Kennel

If you can't take your pet with you, boarding kennels and pet sitters are wonderful options.

The holiday season is officially upon us. This time of year usually conjures up images of shopping, wrapping gifts, baking, decorating and getting together with family and friends. I’m lucky to have my family nearby, so it’s easy for all of us to gather for holiday festivities.

But many people will be traveling out of town to celebrate, which means they will need to find accommodations for their pets while they are away.

If you can’t take your pet with you, boarding kennels and pet sitters are wonderful options. Finding the right boarding kennel or pet sitter can be a stressful process, but there are many steps you can take to make sure you find the perfect fit for you and your pet. This week we’ll discuss boarding kennels, and in our next installment I’ll give tips on finding a pet sitter.

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Boarding kennels are businesses designed and operated specifically to care for pets. Most boarding facilities provide a variety of pet services beyond boarding, such as grooming and training classes.

A great way to find a boarding kennel is to ask a friend, neighbor, veterinarian or dog trainer if they have any trusted kennels they can recommend. You can also check the Yellow Pages or do a Google search to find facilities in your area.

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The first thing you should do is make sure the kennel displays a license or certificate that states it meets mandated standards. The Humane Society of the United States suggests that you ask whether the prospective kennel belongs to the Pet Care Services Association, a trade association founded by kennel operators to promote professional standards of pet care.

Once you have a few kennels picked out and have confirmed they can accommodate your pet on specific dates, schedule a personal visit. Pay particular attention to the general appearance of the kennels. Do they look and smell clean? Does the staff seem caring and knowledgeable? Are the kennels adequately sized and is bedding provided? Are the kennels secure so your pet can’t get out? Don’t be shy about asking questions, such as how often your pet will be walked, fed or socialized.

If you have visited the facility and are satisfied that it’s a good fit, there are several steps to take to make sure your pet is ready for his or her little vacation. First and foremost, make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations. Dogs should be immunized against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus and bordetella. Cats should be vaccinated against rabies, panleukopenia or distemper, feline rhinotracheitis, calici virus and pneumonitis.

Be sure your pet knows basic commands, like sit and stay, and is well socialized around people and other pets. It’s also a good idea to accustom your pet to kennel stays. If you are going on a short weekend trip, consider boarding your pet so you can work out any problems before an extended time away.

Before you leave the house and head for the kennel, pack up your pet’s medication and special food (if they have any), and write down your veterinarian’s phone number and contact information for where you will be staying. Remind the staff about your pet’s special needs (if any) and verify when you can pick up your pets when you get home.

I have boarded my dogs in the past, and I know first-hand how hard it is to walk away knowing you won’t see them for a few days. But trust me – it’s best to avoid the long, emotional goodbyes. It just upsets your pet and makes it harder for both of you. You can leave knowing that your pet is in capable hands, and they will be happy to see you upon your return.

There are some drawbacks to boarding kennels. It can be stressful for pets to be away from their home environment, and they are in close proximity to other pets that could potentially expose them to health problems. I, for one, have a dog that is afraid of other dogs, so he would be very stressed in a kennel environment. But many animals enjoy the company of other dogs and cats and like the mini-vacation away from home.

If you don’t want to board your pets while you are away, in-home pet sitting is a great option. Check back here in a few weeks for tips on picking a reputable pet sitter.

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