Pet Boarding

Whenever I travel, which is about every other week, I always get the concerned inquiry of “What do you do with your dogs?”  

Addie and Willie-Nelson prepping for their Christmas card photo shoot.

These guys are spoiled. They just spent two weeks with their Nana who is now blessedly retired and can come and stay with them when I’m gone for extended periods. When she comes all bets are off. I generally expect to return to two roly-poly dogs who have been feasting on scrambled eggs every morning and hotdogs every night…in addition to their regular dog food.

 I tried the kennel thing once and my poor Aussie was so traumatized from the experience I swore I’d never do it again. So I started looking into dog sitters. That can get expensive very quickly. Then I decided to change direction and do what my mother used to do when we were kids…she recruited babysitters at church.

I mean what a great place to find a semi-responsible, nerdy teenager with a need for gas money! So I started hiring kids from my church to come over and take care of my dogs while I’m out of town.  Here’s the caveat though, my dogs are VERY low maintenance. They are both Herding Dogs and are used to being outside. Thru the magic of their doggie door they have access to the garage and the backyard. That statement alone makes this a very simple job for a teenager. I’m not entrusting them with a $3000 AKA Show Dog or anything. They come over to feed them and play with them, bring in my mail and water my plants all for a bargain daily fee. IF I get home and find that both dogs and all my plants are alive there is a nice tip at the end. I like this because I like knowing that someone is checking on my house everyday…so it serves two purposes really.

If you are uncomfortable leaving your furry family member alone with a teenager (or your mother) a clean, comfortable kennel is probably your best bet. Here are a few things to consider when vetting a kennel:

Get referrals from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, animal shelter, or dog trainer. You can also check online or, if you live in the dark ages like me and don’t have Wi-Fi at home, you can always go to your trusty Yellow Pages under "Kennels & Pet Boarding." Once you have names, it's important to do a little due diligence.

 Find out whether your state requires boarding kennel inspections. If it does, make sure the kennel you are considering displays a license or certificate showing that the kennel meets all the standards. You can also look online at the remarks left by customers. I always feel a little better about professional places that share their customer comments.  Angie’s List is also a great place to look for recommendations.

After selecting a few kennels, confirm that they can accommodate your pet for your specific dates and can tend to your pet's special needs (if any). If you're satisfied, schedule a visit.

 What to look for

On your visit, ask to see all the places your pet may have access to and pay particular attention to the following:

·         Does the facility look and smell clean?

·         Is there sufficient ventilation and light?

·         Is a comfortable temperature maintained?

·         Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring?

·         Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? (These requirements help protect your animal and others.)

·         Does each dog have enough room to run inside and out and/or do they schedule specific exercise time?

·         Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from the elements and do they have secure fencing? Nobody likes an unexpected jail break.

·         Is bedding provided to allow dogs to rest off the concrete floor?

·         Are cats housed away from dogs?

·         How often are pets fed?

·         Can you bring your pet's special food?

·         Is there a veterinarian on staff? If not, what veterinary services are available?

·         Are other services available such as grooming, training, bathing?

·         What are the hours? Does the kennel offer early morning drop off and late night pick up?

·         How are rates calculated?

Once you’ve done your due diligence it’s time to drop your pet off. Be sure to allow plenty of time to get your furry friend checked and situated.

Finally, don’t linger. Long and sad goodbyes are great for movies or sad love songs but not for your pet. By drawing out the farewell you may be unwittingly stressing your pet out.