How to Choose the Right Pet Boarding Kennel, for Dogs, Cats or Birds

When you are not able to bring your pet with you on a trip that you are taking, you'll need to find the perfect pet boarding facility for them. Take the worry out of finding one by following a few easy tips.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Some veterinarians offer their own pet boarding facility areas right in the hospital. But if your vet doesn't offer this service, they can give you their recommendations on local boarding facilities for your pet.

2. 
   Tweety, our cockatiel

   No matter what type of pet you have - dog, cat or bird, you will still need to do your research to make sure you are happy with the pet establishment. If you have an exotic pet, such as a lizard or snake you might need to do a little further research to find a pet boarding facility that has the proper knowledge to handle such an animal.

3. 

   Some pet kennels limit what dogs they accept based on the pet's size. This ensures the facility is able to offer the proper amount of kennel space and play areas for the dogs. These kennels are also comforting to owners that are nervous about leaving their small breed dog with a facility that also houses very large breeds in the same wards.

4. 
   Sylvester, our cat

   If you need to find a facility for your cat or bird, you will need to try to find one where there is a separate ward for them, as dogs barking will be very stressful for the cat or bird and can lead to stress behaviour, such as feather plucking in birds.

5. 

   Make sure to give enough advanced notice to the facility that you choose. During holiday seasons and at high vacation times during the summer, they can book up very quickly. Calling for a reservation as soon as possible is the best way to make sure your pet will be able to stay where you want them to.

6. 

   Before you make a final decision on a pet boarding facility, stop in unannounced for an unexpected tour of the facility. You want to know what the day to day treatment & activity will be like for your pet, not what it would be like if the caretakers knew you were coming. If the facility has a problem with you taking a tour or you don't like how they're interacting with the other boarding pets, find another kennel.

7. 

   Thinking of taking your pet with you? Be sure to click the below link to read my article on "how to pick a pet friendly hotel"

Tips & Warnings

• See if they will allow you to bring toys or a favorite bed/towel.
• Ask how you should bring your food; some like it in a bin, others like it pre-made in baggies.
• Always make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccines, including kennel cough. Consult your veterinarian.

Resources

• How to Make a Safe Home for your Pets
• How to Find a Full Care Boarding Barn or Stable for your Horse
• How to Measure a Horse for a Blanket
• How to prepare your mare for foaling
• How to Remove New Pet Stains from your Carpet or Rug
• How to Own Pets when you have Allergies
• How to Pick a Pet Friendly Hotel

[jenng]

on 11/5/2009 GREAT ARTICLE ON How to Choose the Right Pet Boarding Kennel, for Dogs, Cats or Birds 5*

[Fuller1972]

on 2/24/2009 You do have to be careful with your precious pets**5***