What To Watch Out For When Boarding Your Dog Articles | Dogs

By: Kelvin Ho

Kennels are full of individuals who are professionals, and care for all pets. Their objective is to ensure the proper pet care for the dogs and cats they manage.

Nevertheless, it important to check out the qualifications of any boarding kennel where we may be placing our beloved dog or cat.

Just before the 1980s a group of dedicated kennel operators founded what's called the American Boarding Kennel Association (A.B.K.A.) to aim at providing the highest quality standards for pet care. Today its membership is nearly sixteen hundred kennels in the US and Canada.

While choosing a kennel for your dog, it's a great start to find out if they are a member currently of this Group.

Your dog or cat veterinarian would also be a great source of advice on what may be a good kennel that's suitable for your particular pet.

A tip in selecting a good kennel is to ask for testimonials from previous customers. A glowing recommendation from a past customer can be one of the best guarantees of fine care and service.

Without a doubt you'll need to visit and inspect the kennel for yourself, to see first hand what they're like.

A few useful observations are:

• How do they handle problems?
• Is the area a secure area that would prevent your pet from wandering away and looking for you?
• Is there adequate ventilation, good climate control, plenty of light, and a healthy environment?
• What are the kennel's rules regarding parasite control and immunizations?
• Does the conduct and appearance of the staff satisfy you?
• For felines, is the kennel secured for their protection and safety?
• What is are the provisions for adequate food and drinking water?
• Are rest and exercise areas reasonable isolated from other animals?
• Does the kennel area look and smell clean?

Always feel free to inquire about their rules in an emergency. A boarding kennel with high standards will be able to answer any questions that you have. They will also be able to show their agreement that explains what your rights and their responsibilities are. This should help clarify any misunderstandings that may occur.

It is good to remember that some boarding kennels may limit contact with the area the animals are located. This can be to reduce undue stress for some of the animals who may react strongly to strangers. In any case, they should provide a window or viewing port for potential visitors to observe the conditions available for their pets. Also keep in mind features like all the dogs having enough space to run around in.

Qualified supervision on the part of adequately trained personnel is also vital. They should be trained to look for any signs of unusual behavior, discomfort, and act on it promptly.

Ultimately it will be up to you to review all these factors, and to decide if sufficiently high standards are being met. If yes, boarding your dog will no doubt be a valuable service to you.