DOGGIE DOG BLOG

Posted by David Harris

As owner of Animal Resorts and Training Center in Frankfort, Kentucky, I (David Harris) am often asked many of these types of questions when it comes to boarding dogs, because at some point, you will probably need to leave your dog behind while you travel. Though it is not easy to leave your pet behind, you want to be sure your dog has a safe, comfortable place to stay while you are gone. If you are considering boarding your dog, ask your dog friends, groomer and your vet (if they do not offer boarding) who they recommend. Then, call several boarding kennels to learn more about them, the services they provide, the type of facility they have and to set up a visit. Here are some questions dog owners commonly have about boarding. Be sure to ask the facility these questions before you make a boarding reservation for your dog.

Where will my dog stay?

You know your dog better than anyone.  You should think about what type of accommodations they are used to at home and that will help you know what is best for them when boarded.

It is important to know what your dog’s temporary living space will be like. Ask for a tour of the facility to ensure that the environment is neat, organized and odor-free. Consider the cages or runs. While it might be fine for a crate-trained dog, boarding in a cage can cause anxiety for a dog not accustomed to it. Plus, older dogs with arthritis need more room to move around. If you don’t like the idea of your dog staying in a small cage or run the whole time you are away, look for a boarding facility that offers upscale boarding. These “pet hotels and resorts” often have small rooms with dog beds and toys that mimic the home environment.

How often will my dog be walked?

Some boarding facilities only let dogs out twice a day for a few minutes at a time. If this is something your dog is used to, then it might not be a problem. However, if you want your dog to get a bit more time to stretch, you should look for a place that walks dogs 3 or more times daily. Ask if they have a fenced-in area where your dog can roam a bit. If not, find out if the attendants walk dogs around for several minutes rather than just letting them relieve themselves quickly and go back in the cage.  Ask if your dog will be allowed to join day boarding groups or other dog play groups if you think they would enjoy such activities.  Many modern kennels have this option available.

What will my dog eat?

Boarding can be stressful for your dog, even if he is accustomed to it. A change in diet can add to the stress on their body, possibly resulting in diarrhea or vomiting. Bringing your dog’s regular food is the best way to prevent this. Find out if there is an extra fee to feed a special diet. Be sure to stress the importance of feeding your dog her regular food. Some dogs will not eat well while boarding, so you may want to bring along something healthy that can be added to her food to make it more palatable. Be sure to leave specific instructions with the boarding facility regarding what your dog can and cannot eat.

Also, do not alter your dogs diet prior to going on vacation out of guilt.  Many dogs spend their first night of boarding with sick tummy because their well meaning owner allowed them to eat food they are normally restricted from.

Will my dog be allowed to interact with other dogs?

Some boarding facilities offer daily sessions where dogs are permitted to play together off-leash. While this is great exercise and can be fun for your dog, it can also be risky. Even dogs that get along with other dogs can become over-stimulated in a group environment. If dogs are allowed to play together, attendants should monitor the dogs and only allow select groups of dogs to play together at a time. Ask the facility about their policies regarding dog playtime, including their established protocol if an injury occurs.  Once again, you know your dog best.  Tell the facility you chose what experiences your dog has had with other dogs and they can help you decide if your dog would enjoy joining a play group.  Also, consider setting your dog up with daycare for a few trips prior to your vacation.  This will allow both your dog to acclimate to the facility and the attendants to get to know your dog prior to an over-night stay.

What happens if my dog becomes sick or injured?

Every boarding facility should monitor the daily habits of boarders. Most keep a log of appetite, water intake, urination and defecation. Vomiting, diarrhea or other abnormal activity should be noted also. Some boarding facilities will perform a daily “once-over” on boarders to make sure there have been no changes in their physical condition. Make sure you provide current medical records and emergency contact information so that you can be contacted should an emergency arise.

How much is this going to cost?

Part of planning for a vacation includes budgeting for your dog’s accommodations. Be direct with the boarding facilities up-front. Ask about the base boarding fee per day based on the size and type of dog you have. Find out if there are any hidden costs or add-ons, such as fees to feed your dog a special diet, administer medications or take your dog for extra walks. Try to get a written estimate in advance if possible.

What are additional options that might help my dog enjoy their vacation?

Many modern boarding facilities also include services such as training, nature walks, massage and grooming services that might be perfect for your dog and allow them to enjoy their vacation as much as you do.  Be sure to ask what additional services are offered when choosing a boarding facility that is just right for your pet to stay in while you are on vacation.

A big part of enjoying your vacation is going to depend on how comfortable you feel leaving your pet behind.  So, take your time and do your homework prior to needing to leave your pet behind.  Both you and your pet will be glad you did.

Animal Resorts and Training Center has a web site that allows you to see our boarding, grooming, day care, and training facility with our “Virtual Tour”.  Visit our web site today and as always I hope you will feel free to ask questions and make comments about your pet, your boarding questions and experiences

David Harris

Owner & Writer

Animal Resorts and Training Center

www.animalresortstc.com