How to Select the Right Kennel for Your Pet

To find the perfect home away from home for your pet, you need to ask a lot of questions. Below are some tips to help you in your search.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog Beds
• Dog Blankets
• Dog Food
• Dog Sweaters
• Dog Toys
• Cat Beds
• Cat Foods
• Cat Toys
• Pet Carriers

1. Ask animal trainers, animal shelters, veterinarians and pet groomers for references to good boarding kennels.

2. Make unannounced visits to boarding facilities and ask for a tour.

3. Check for kind personnel and the cleanliness of all of their facilities.

4. Inquire about food and water, and about how dogs can get exercise.

5. Be sure that animals, especially old and small ones, can keep warm at night and aren't forced to sleep on cement.

6. Find out what's provided for cats. Where would they sleep? Is there a separate room for play?

7. Ask personnel what procedures they take during an emergency.

8. Board your pet for several hours or overnight before going on a lengthy vacation to get an idea of how he or she responds to the environment.

9. Consider a pet sitter as an alternative if your pet doesn't respond well to a kennel.

Tips & Warnings

• Give necessary information to the staff regarding your pet's food, needs and medications.
• Leave a favorite toy and an article of clothing with your pet. (Be aware that some kennels may not allow this.)
• Give the boarding facility the phone number of a local friend and of your pet's veterinarian, as well as a phone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency. In addition, call the boarding facility while you're away to check on your pet.
• If your pet has any kind of illness or requires medication, make sure that kennel personnel are familiar with the proper treatment procedures for him or her.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure the walls dividing the kennels are concrete as opposed to just fence. This way, if one dog lifts its leg, it can't get on another. Also they won't bark all day at each other if they can't see each other.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure that your pet is willing to stay at a kennel. Unless your pet has kennel experience, it will probably not adapt well the first time. Try not to leave your pet at the kennel for too long, especially if it's the first time.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you go ahead of time to view the facilities. I left my dog at my vet's kennel facility assuming it was wonderful. Was I surprised when I saw the SMALL size of the kennel that my poor LARGE Rottweiler had been in for our 10-day vacation!