1. Introduction to Dog Boarding Kennels
Dog Boarding Kennels are special facilities that take care of dogs. If you’re going away on vacation or if you have to go on a business trip, you can leave your dog at a kennel, where they will be provided with shelter, food, and exercise while you’re gone. These facilities are a great alternative to asking a friend or a family member to look after your dog, especially if your dog is the type that just cannot stay at home alone or with a person unfamiliar to them. Boarding kennels made it to this list of options because they provide all the care and love your dog needs, and they have experience in dealing with dogs.
Dog Boarding Kennels may have overnight accommodations in small private rooms or cages for your dog, or they may house dogs in large enclosures, particularly for small breed dogs. Regardless of how they do it, you can expect them to provide safe and clean boarding conditions, food, and care. This service is often available for cats and other animals as well, depending on the facility. But since this guide is mainly focused on dog boarding, that’s what we’ll cover from now on.
2. Types of Dog Boarding Facilities
There are several types of facilities available for boarding dogs, some of which are kennel services, some are in-home boarding, and others are luxury dog resorts. The right boarding choice for your dog depends largely on individual preferences as well as the dog’s personality and tolerance for being away from home, around certain types of people and animals, and the feeling of being in or outside of a kennel or cage during the stay.
Traditional Kennels Kennels provide a dormitory-style boarding service for dogs. This is one of the most common forms of boarding services and are often the more affordable options. A common fear for pet owners about using traditional kennels is that the dog may be put off from using their cage or pee when they see other dogs doing it because their cages and area have little separation. Unfortunately, some dogs do not react very well to group settings. This can be detrimental to dogs who like their solitude or are not very social—especially if they are among dogs that growl or bark, or if they are not allowed outings—exercised at least several times a day. Therefore, it is always best to take the time to ask the kennel questions, do visits and tours, and look at the area where dogs will be staying.
In-Home Boarding In-home boarding services allow pets to stay at the pet sitter’s home. This option also provides a dog-friendly environment unlike a kennel, which is ideal for dogs that do not like other dogs, or need extra attention or care. This option is especially popular among small dog owners, because many in-home service providers will only take small dogs or only specialize in certain breeds. Most home boarders use kennels for sleeping, but specialize in giving personalized care. With this service, the dog is allowed to be out and about, enjoying the home environment while being tended to for the duration of the stay. However, the downside is that many dogs who use this service may not be properly socialized, because either the boarding facility is not active with playing with the dogs, or with small breed boarders, they are only around other small breeds.
2.1. Traditional Kennels
Have you ever seen one of those dog movies you couldn’t ignore? You know the ones—it’s a story about the bond between a boy and his dog. Turns out, it’ll only be a bad thing if some awful man takes it away. One day, the hapless boy goes searching for his missing dog only to find it at a traditional dog boarding kennel, where it’s been living with other dogs in a cage! If the movie doesn’t have a very happy ending, you can bet that those scenes put some worry in you about something that really does make a lot of people feel guilty: putting your dog in a boarding kennel.
Dog boarding kennels have a long, rich history in our country. Almost as soon as people began to have dogs in our cities, someone decided to turn space in their basement or another part of their home into a makeshift shelter for all the neighborhood pets. These first boarding kennels were not really very traditional—they fell more into the category of in-home boarding. But by the mid-1920s, a healthy market had burgeoned for larger, often purpose-built facilities. These traditional dog kennels utilized concrete-block, masonry, or wood construction, and offered indoor areas for boarding dogs—not just spaces, but rooms with walls. Their outdoor areas included fenced dog runs often paved with concrete, dirt, gravel, or even a layer of mulch.
Dogs were confined to small crates or cages, usually stacked one on top of the other, like small birdcages indoors. Your dog would mostly be let out to pee and poop on the runs while being cared for by an employee or two during the day, without any individual loves and attention to really loosen the nerves, maybe fed and tucked in for the night at regular times. With noise and activity from other boarding dogs booming through the kennel for most of each day, a typical dog stayed at a boarding kennel pretty much just to eat, sleep, and hang out in a big pile.
2.2. In-Home Boarding
In-home boarding, as the name suggests, takes place in the pet sitter’s home rather than a traditional dog kennel. If you choose this option, the pet sitter may either keep your pet at his/her house and mingle it with other resident pets or come to your house and stay with your pet there. Either way, the basic principles of pet sitting and boarding are the same.
In-home boarding may be a great option for you if you are looking for a quieter, less overwhelming environment for your dog. Typical boarding kennels can get loud and busy at times, which is not ideal if you have a shy dog, and an in-home boarding setup may be more to your pet’s liking. In-home boarding may also work better for multi-pet households that would rather leave all pets in the same house. Some pet owners prefer using a boarding service for their dogs rather than forgoing their travel plans or accommodations because of their dog’s fear of thunder.
However, in-home boarding also has its downsides. First, you have to trust that your pet sitter is doing a great job, as in-home boarding usually involves less oversight than traditional dog kennels. You may also need to pay extra for any additional services like training, walking, or grooming. Please also note that in-home boarding may be subject to different regulations than traditional kennels and do your research to ensure your dog will be safe while you are away.
2.3. Luxury Dog Resorts
For those who want their canine companions to receive the finest treatment while they are away, luxury dog resorts just may be the perfect solution. Luxury dog resorts offer a variety of distinct amenities for the pampered pooch, including all-day or round-the-clock supervision, personalized care, daily walks and outdoor play sessions, bathing and grooming services, and special medical treatment. But the real fun for Fido is the availability of luxe amenities such as swimming pools, play yards, luxury suites, TVs, private outside patios, and even personal concierge service. While some dog boarding kennels are considered luxury dog resorts simply for having more upscale accommodations, others boast state-of-the-art facilities with the ultimate in comfort and entertainment for your furry friend. Usually located in ample spaces with outdoor grass areas, the best dog boarding luxury resorts offer an indoor air-conditioned play area with the option of supervised indoor or outdoor play time.
Luxury dog resorts may offer either standard boarding or cage-free boarding, although not all dog boarding kennels are created equal. Luxury dog resorts can be either privately owned or commercial franchises that can be found all across the United States and Canada. Often larger than local, family-owned dog boarding kennels, commercial chains benefit from their size by providing consistently good service and amenities. Meanwhile, some family enterprises offer a high level of personalized attention, catering to dogs’ individual needs. In-house trained caretakers are especially beneficial for dogs needing special medical attention, such as senior dogs with health concerns, and/or dogs sensitive to certain types of foods or dietary schedules.
3. Choosing the Right Kennel
Your dog is a member of your family. So when you need to travel or are otherwise unable to care for your dog, you want to be sure that Pozi (or whatever your dog’s name is) has a comfortable and safe temporary home. Dog boarding kennels are popular ways to care for dogs when their owners are away. Dog boarding kennels come in all shapes and sizes—from veterinary offices that offer dog boarding to pet resort complexes to tiny dog boarding kennels. With so many choices available to you, how do you know if you have chosen the right kennel? Choosing the right boarding kennel for your dog is not a task that you can afford to rush. Many first-time owners of dogs who are looking for a boarding kennel for their dogs often spend a lot of frustrating hours searching for “the right” boarding kennel. It is strictly a personal choice, and nobody can make the decision for you. However, there are some things you may want to consider or ask about to help make your decision clearer. 3. Choosing the Right Kennel 3.1. Factors to Consider The first factor for you to weigh is whether you want to use a traditional dog boarding kennel or choose another boarding alternative, such as a pet sitter or placing your dog in a dog owner’s home who will take your dog into their home. These alternative methods of dog care have become increasingly popular. Once you decide that you want to use a boarding kennel for your dog, you should begin your search. You may want to look first in the Internet—many boarding kennels advertise their services on websites. You can also look in local directories, asking your veterinarian, asking dog owners you know what facilities they use, and reading local newspapers. When deciding on a particular dog boarding kennel, a few considerations to help narrow your choices may include the type of dogs they board (large vs. small or a particular breed), and the length of time any dog will be boarded.
3.1. Factors to Consider
So let’s get started. You’ll probably want to visit, or at least call, your top choice facilities first to discuss your pet’s needs, find out more about services offered, and see if it’s a place you feel comfortable with. Things to keep in mind when making your decision are your pet’s needs, your budget, and the type of boarding you’re looking for. You’ll want to choose a boarding facility that provides the level of care and services that your dog requires; a facility that has a reasonable price, provides the type of board you’re looking for at a price you can afford; and one that makes it easy to get in and out quickly. A higher price does not mean a better place or one that does a more efficient job; however, low prices can indicate that the facility is skimping on care or does not have sufficient staff to monitor boarding pets properly. Boarding facilities provide a range of services that can suit a variety of budgets. For example, costs for basic care may cover only the necessities—feeding, watering, and cleaning up after your pet. Higher-level care may be provided for pets with special medical needs or senior dogs that require more frequent potty breaks during the day. Some facilities offer specialty services, like fetching a ball, brushing, and cleaning ears, for an extra fee. When looking for a place to drop your furry companion off when you leave town, consider what types of accommodations, schedules, and costs will work for you and for your pet. Make sure to visit or at least call a few of the kennels and ask them about the services available and whether the staff can cater to your pet’s special needs. Each kennel is different and will have its own strengths and weaknesses based on your dog’s needs, your budget, and your desired level of care.
3.2. Questions to Ask
Once you get a shortlist of facilities to check out, it’s time to call and ask questions. A helpful staff person will guide you toward the service that best fits your needs. Here are some questions to ask during the call, and the answers you want to hear.
*What vaccinations do you require? What tests?* For the safety of all their guests, reputable boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, canine parainfluenza, and parvovirus; rabies; Bordetella; and canine influenza. Most also require a negative fecal exam for intestinal parasites within the last year. The kennel should ask for records from the veterinarian that performed the vaccinations and tests.
*Do you have breed restrictions?* Some breed-specific laws may affect dogs of certain breeds in certain towns and cities. While legitimate breed bans exist, many boarders are required to treat specific breeds differently. If a facility tells you that certain dogs are considered dangerous and won’t be accepted, listen to your gut! This is a red flag that the facility does not treat all dogs fairly based on behavior and has no reasonable rules in place.
*Do you allow an initial meet and greet?* Dogs may not be communicating honestly on a quick visit. Look for a facility with outdoor exercise yards where the dogs can play happily together. Small, low-key group playtime is ideal for shy dogs, rather than a loud, rambunctious pack. It’s perfectly acceptable to observe for several visits until you’re convinced this is a good place. If your dog seems to find friends to play with, and the staff is observant and easily called back, you may have found the right place.
3.3. Reading Reviews
AREA SPECIFIC EXAMPLES, FACTS, OR INSIGHTS
Reading reviews should be one of the most important steps you take when searching for a boarding kennel for your dog. Learn to separate the good reviews from the bad; don’t stop your quest to find the best place just because one review said something negative.
Of course, any negative review that is of a reasonable length or very few words is probably not the best source of information. Vague statements like “this place sucks” are not what you want. Great reviews that hold the most information come from people you know; friends or family who have boarded their dogs in the area should be your first source. This way you can question them later for more details if need be. Of course, anyone in the Veterinarian field; pet groomers, animal shelter directors, and veterinarians are good sources as well.
Here, we will discuss some good and bad themes to look for in reviews.
A Great Review: Regardless of whether a reviewer uses dog boarding services often or just used them once, look for the following signs in their review. Positive comments about the staff; happy with how knowledgeable they were, dogs wagging their tails upon arrival or departure, saying hello to staff while behind the glass door, and speaking with owners demonstrate the kennel is clean. People often ask each other about the company’s policy on discipline; if there is praise say they are happy with the way they were treated, the dogs’ welfare, and their outstanding ability to administer medications. Positive comments about group playtime should also be present; doing frequent head counts, dog devoted time periods with the pets in group play, and play groups well organized by size and temperament.
4. Preparing Your Dog for Boarding
Of course, leaving your dog with someone else can be stressful. While most boarding kennels do everything within their power to make the experience a good one for both you and your canine, preparing your dog for your absence is up to you. There are a few different ways you can get your dog ready for a stay in a kennel, the majority of which involve a few simple steps taken before the actual boarding. Planning ahead will reduce the likelihood of your dog having trouble adjusting.
Vaccination Requirements One of the most common concerns when boarding your dog is the issue of your boarding kennel’s vaccination policy. Almost every kennel has one in place, with the primary purpose of keeping all dogs in their care as healthy as possible. The most common requirements are that your dog be vaccinated for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Bordetella, and Rabies. Vaccination against Canine Influenza is also a hotly-debated topic in the dog world. Even if your dog has been vaccinated for the above mentioned diseases, it’s good practice to let your kennel of choice know when the vaccinations were administered. Some vaccinations need to be given every year, some every three years, and some every six months. Once you know what vaccines your boarding kennel requires, see if your dog’s vaccination work is even up to date. If it turns out that your dog needs vaccines or a booster shot, do so as early as you need to. This will ensure that the vaccine is well within your dog’s system come boarding day.
Packing Essentials While a basic boarding facility will only require you to drop off your dog in good health with a collar, leash, and up-to-date vaccination records, the more fancy facilities will allow you to drop off your dog with an entire suitcase packed with items to make your dog feel special during their stay. Each boarding kennel should supply you with a packing list of the essentials, and if you’re unsure about what items they might allow, ask! A good rule of paw when packing is that you should leave behind items that will make your dog feel the most comfortable while still ensuring that you pack the least amount of items with your dog. And remember to mark any items you do bring with your dog’s name!
Trial Visits If you have an anxious dog who has a history of struggling when boarded, or if this boarding visit is probably going to exceed a week or if your dog is going to be left unattended during business hours, you may want to ask your boarding kennel for a trial visit where your dog can hang out free of charge, or for a minimal fee, or while the facility is being cleaned up from the previous boarding round. This will allow your dog to get a feel for the smells, sights, sounds, and people at the kennel and make it much easier when the time comes to actually drop your dog off. If you’re able to try it out, a trial stay is invaluable for any dog, especially anxious ones, dogs that have been previously boarded and act differently afterwards, or a dog with a particularly close bond with its owner.
4.1. Vaccination Requirements
Your dog is an important member of your family and, like any family member, you need to ensure that they are properly protected before going off for a holiday of their own. The boarding kennel industry is becoming more regulated, with many states requiring specific vaccinations for dogs staying at boarding facilities. Even if your area doesn’t have a specific legal requirement, boarding facilities will have their own policies in place that you must comply with, to ensure the health and safety of all dogs staying there. Before you book your dog’s stay, speak to your vet about the vaccinations that you should consider. To avoid disappointment, speak with your boarding facility about which specific vaccinations they require. This section outlines the most important vaccinations to protect your dog, the other dogs that they will come into contact with, as well as the requirements of many boarding facilities.
Canine Parvovirus – commonly known as parvovirus or parvo, this highly contagious disease affects dogs by attacking the intestinal tract but is also capable of affecting the heart and other organs.
Canine Distemper – this contagious disease is primarily spread through the air or through surfaces, including the ground. Young puppies are more susceptible than older dogs but many older dogs have not been vaccinated, making them at risk.
Canine Infectious Hepatitis – this contagious virus affects the liver. Puppies are also at risk from this virus but it can also affect dogs of any age that have not been vaccinated.
4.2. Packing Essentials
Packing your dog for boarding is different than packing for a trip. You don’t need to fuss over his vacation supplies. While some boarding facilities offer bed, bowls, toys, and bedding, doggy parents often opt to bring their own. This provides their dogs with the familiarity and comfort in an unusual setting. When in doubt, ask the facility if supplies are provided or what is suggested. You’ll want to pack for comfort, security, and hygiene.
Bring your dog’s bed and blankets.
A dog bed is the most important thing you can bring for your dog. The den-like environment, warmth, and coziness of the bed is what really helps dogs feel more secure than before they came in. Dogs sleep so much, that the bed may be the best part of boarding and the staff prefers having the bed there if it helps the dog to feel more comfortable. Each dog has their own area to enable separation from the other dogs, at least until they get to know each other and learn how to get along. The bed will also let the staff know where your dog prefers to sleep.
Your dog may be happiest if you let him decide what bed he wants, if you have more than one. Orthopedic beds have become more popular for the older dog population, especially if they have joint problems. If your dog has a large crate at home that you’ve adapted to being his “den,” you might bring the crate and leave the door open with something comfy inside. While dogs are not allowed on the furniture, they can be comforted by getting inside their crate or dog bed if they want some alone time.
A blanket that smells like you or something familiar gives your dog a warm, soothing feeling in a strange place. Dogs also like to burrow under blankets, so a blanket also provides that comfort and warmth. If your dog has a favorite blanket, it’s best to bring that. His preferred toys help with boredom during downtime, as well as providing comfort. You might give your dog a plush toy to carry around or donate to the kennel, who may be able to wash it and keep it in the dog’s area.
4.3. Trial Visits
Most kennels require trial visits to evaluate a dog’s behavior when boarding. A dog going on trial is not left alone, but rather seeing how they would react during a visit. Fortunately, familiarization visits aren’t as stressful for dogs as an actual boarding stay. Kennels may schedule a short visit of a couple of minutes at the beginning of an outing with their owner for the visit to encourage friendly behavior. Kennels can observe whether a dog appears relaxed or anxious or is over-exuberantly friendly when initially greeting the employee. A friendly dog may be taken into a communal area if it is empty and allowed to interact with the other dogs. This activity would be considered a positive or play introduction. These visits would allow the kennel managers to assess the commensal types of behavior toward people and other dogs. Often, the dog is introduced to a couple of other dogs, and the people supervising the dogs make evaluations of the dogs’ affinities toward each other. Is play and direction of the play equal? Allowing a dog to go on a play date similar to the activities it would have while boarding is the best way to determine whether the dog will enjoy the boarding atmosphere. Playgroups are not a guarantee that owners will be able to leave for a boarding or daycare stay without seeing notes on a classified mixture of pet-oriented sites. Each kennel sets policies about when and how long to separate dogs and will look for any signs of anxiety or stress develop.
5. What to Expect at the Kennel
When you’re considering boarding your dog, it’s paramount you shop around to determine the boarding facility that best suits your dog’s needs, your budget, and your level of comfort. Each boarding facility is unique in the services it offers, and it’s essential to know where your dog is going and that they will be well cared for. Here are some expectations you’re likely to encounter while your dog is boarding.
5.1. Daily Routines
Most kennels run on a set daily schedule. Every morning, dog owners can expect to receive a call from their chosen kennel to report if there are any special needs. Most boarding facilities have set times for feeding, bathroom breaks, and playtime. At a kennel, dogs are often kept together in groups or packs, which helps to keep them socialized. The most common groupings there with age-appropriate interact. Puppies are in one group, perhaps adult females in another, and adult males together. Dogs generally do not go out in their individual runs during group playtime. Instead, they share a fenced area with their kennelmates for socializing, romping, and playing.
In a professional boarding kennel, dogs are checked often during the day and at night. You can be assured your dog is receiving loving, tender care from well-trained staff members. The boarding care staff will clean your dog’s quarters, feed, and give them water; administer bug or flea medication, if necessary; respond to each dog’s needs during playtime; and watch for signs of illness or diarrhea.
5.2. Feeding and Care
Most canine boarding facilities are equipped to accommodate your dog’s needs. They can give special diets prescribed for medical conditions or allergies and can administer medications as needed. Many kennels have vaccinations required for both dogs and cats before boarding. Be sure to check this with your facility when making plans.
Although at a professional kennel, your dog will be allowed to interact with other dogs, for safety the dog boarding staff may ask to monitor playtime carefully and talk to you about any behavioral issues that might result in your dog being separated from the others. Rest assured; at a professional veterinary facility, your dog’s temperament will be assessed each day, and your dog will be socialized with compatible boarding buddies. Food and allergies will be discussed with you before boarding. A vet tech will take your dog’s temperament, allergy history, and diet needs into consideration.
5.1. Daily Routines
Most likely, the boarding facility will have a very set routine. It is important for the safety and well-being of all the dogs. A dog is let out in the morning, fed, taken out again, usually for some play/romp time, fed again at the end of the day, and put to bed for the night in its cradle or kennel. The dogs may be allowed some free time to romp a few at a time, but frequently, they are rotated in and out of adjacent runs for their exercise/playtime. A large area is frequently used to burn off some doggie energy, and groups of dogs of similar temperaments and sizes, preferably the same sex, are let out together. Some boards will allow your dog to be with only another dog or two or with the kennels owner’s dogs. One has to remember that dogs tend to be a pack-oriented animal, and when pushed together, dogs can sometimes decide to quarrel or play too rough, just under the excitement of being out together.
Most likely your boarding pet is going to have a routine of playtime during the day. This can range from a few minutes to several hours and can be indoors or outside, or both, depending on the weather and facility. Most kennels will allow playtime with other dogs but often limit this privilege to only known friends of similar size and temperament. It has to be remembered that dogs are social creatures that continually change their friends and the pecking order too. What may have been a good relationship yesterday can deteriorate into a growling, barking, or fight today. If your dog does not have established friends being boarded with him, it will not mean that he will not be allowed outside with other dogs; it just means that precautions are taken.
5.2. Feeding and Care
Boarding kennels usually provide three meals daily. Meals are typically dry kibble; only a few kibble brands are offered at most kennels. Dogs that are reluctant to eat may be offered canned and warmed dog food, or moistening with warm water. The medical staff at the kennel will need to be alerted if a dog shows no interest in food for three days, as this could indicate a health problem.
Fresh water must always be available, and be checked at intervals to make sure that it has not run dry or been fouled. Water bowls should be kept clean to prevent diseases from spreading between dogs. Uncoated metal bowls are the most sanitary and easiest to clean. It’s also a good idea to pack an extra bowl, in case the dog’s bowl gets broken: most kennels charge for borrowing bowls, as this can encourage theft.
Dogs do not like to lie on smelly bedding, and the bedding must be washed on a regular basis. Bedding should be resistant to chewing, shredding, and soiling. Items should not be stuffed in a carrier; they should fit loosely and allow air circulation in the carrier. The kennel staff will select the bedding to be provided. Many kennels thus recommend shuttling the pet to the kennel in the same carrier you will be using while away. The staff at the kennel should have a “laundry and/or cleaning” schedule. In addition to their regular feeding and care duties, staff members should be performing deep-cleaning on a regular basis to avoid giving contagious diseases the opportunity to spread.
5.3. Playtime and Socialization
Both dogs and people have a great time when dogs get to play together, and the benefits are huge. Dogs are social animals created to live in a pack. Playtime teaches puppies how to bite and when to hold back; they learn how to read body language and pick up on social nuances, which is crucial to the development of the dog. Adult dogs have an emotionally rich family life with people and their furry relatives. And when dogs get bored, you better watch out. Chewing, barking, digging, and howling are all signs of boredom and can lead to other more serious behavioral issues. This is also true for kennels; bored dogs become over-excited, and too much excitement can be dangerous to both dogs and people alike.
Kennel staff appear to accept the responsibility for socialization as a working partner. Many staff are dog trainers and care about the well-being of all the dogs; they understood the necessity of good play-group behavior in a dog and will encourage these natural behaviors while the dogs play with each other. The play staff should assist and supervise as needed but not interfere more than necessary. Playtime is treated as a reward for good behavior in the same manner as we do for our pet dogs. Playgroups might go outside to a yard area initially, and staff would escort the dogs harnessed to a waist belt until the dogs are trustworthy; the dogs can then run in the fenced area. A hose is used to spray and cool off; kiddie pools may be available that the dogs enjoy rolling in or jumping across. On designated doggy daycare days, some boarding facilities offer age and size separation at different times. This is not an unrealistic request.
6. The Benefits of Dog Boarding
Ensuring your dog is well cared for while you’re away – whether for work or pleasure – can be a complicated task. Hopefully, taking care of your pet is a labor of love, and any substitution needs to be carefully considered to maintain that same level of care you’re used to providing. Regardless of the reason, you may choose to board your dog rather than rely on a friend or family member. While both methods have their pros and cons, choosing to board offers some specific benefits that make that option a no-brainer for many pet owners. In this chapter, we will explore some of those benefits.
6.1. Socialization Opportunities
When you board your dog, your furry friend is not only excused from being alone, but multiple dogs are invited along for your pet’s stay! While the kennel amenities are there to provide entertainment for bored pups, the real excitement comes from interacting with the many other dogs boarding as well. Dogs are pack animals and, like kids, can benefit from bonding with others. Dogs that have been previously well-socialized learn to meet new friends and have fun in group situations. They usually have a great time playing together during the day and sleeping together at night, and when the time comes, they often don’t want to leave when their owners show up to haul them away. Conversely, dogs who may be more hesitant in social situations benefit from practice. The extra time spent with other dogs while staying at a boarding kennel accustoms them to both familiar and new pups.
6.2. Professional Care
The staff at boarding facilities are trained professionals. They are aware of the various needs your dog may have, and how to handle them all properly. Unlike a friend or family member who might be doing you a favor, boarding staff have the experience necessary to make sure your dog is getting everything they need while you’re away. They can also provide any additional specialty care that your pup may require, such as medications for allergies or other medical issues, or special dietary arrangements that need to be maintained. Additionally, facility staff can offer a multitude of different personality types, matching your dog with the right person that can give your dog some much needed extra love, care, and attention during their stay.
6.1. Socialization Opportunities
Dogs, as some of the most social animals on earth, rely on social interaction for satisfying their companionship needs. They can form strong attachments to their human caregivers, but also to conspecifics. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to engage in same-species play whenever given the chance. Puppies and young adults tend to initiate dog-dog play more persistently than most adult dogs. Interaction through play can serve many functions including purely for entertainment and enjoyment, as practicing survival-related skills such as chasing and wrestling, to assertion of social status. Puppy playgroups can give dogs the chance to refine these skills early on, but if dogs have irritating behaviors during play, adult dogs will often disengage or scold them, and act as mentors.
Dog parks, organized dog-dog play groups, and daycare facilities can all provide dogs with priceless socialization opportunities. However, these play periods should be supervised and non-forced to make sure that all dogs involved are enjoying themselves. If dogs are ever forced to interact with one another, aversive experiences can occur and even result in an aggressive bout. Therefore, it is important to remember that like many other social mammals, not all canine interactions are friendly. Disagreements can emerge if one or more dogs are attempting to control resources, or there is an unequal power distribution.
Studies describing aggression between dogs in daycare settings consistently reported that most dog fights occur during rough play when group sizes are larger, and usually not due to resource guarding. Factors associated with an increased risk of a fight in daycare are play-related injuries, and dogs being introverted or not temperamentally matched. However, even though injuries in daycare facilities are often minor and rarely require medical treatment, a safe atmosphere is especially critical for young dogs.
6.2. Professional Care
When you’re away, your dog isn’t just a pet; they’re a cherished member of your family. So you want your dog to receive only the best care possible in their time of need. Leaving your pup in the hands of a reputable dog boarding service ensures that they will be taken care of properly. You can rest easy knowing that your dog is under the watchful eye of experienced individuals who understand dogs.
Most professional dog boarders are trained canine care specialists. They have received proper veterinary education focusing on the needs of dogs. Accidents do happen and if your dog becomes sick or hurt while you are away, you want them to have at least the proper first aid and medical knowledge on hand to care for your pup until you get back. Canine specialists can recognize the warning signs of common dog health issues as well as behavioral problems.
Though dogs are often a source of unending joy, they can also be unpredictable. Regardless of how well you train your dog, it is entirely possible that they can act out while you’re away. Having an experienced staff take care of your pup can help minimize the risk of dangerous accidents such as biting and fighting. Specialists will be able to diffuse and calm anxious dogs that may go into a frenzy.
6.3. Peace of Mind for Owners
The dog boarding environment is a controlled, safe place. Facilities for dog boarding are designed for dogs, usually meaning they have been built or converted, not just taken over. Many offer indoor areas to relax as well as outside play yards to romp in, away from traffic and the stress of normal life. While you are away, your dog should be cared for by people that love dogs, interact with them every day, and are trained to recognize and respond to any signs of illness, distress or unhappiness. Unlike with pet sitters, who are in and out or just leave a certain amount of food and water, boarding kennel staff will be there, on hand for dog-related action, all day long.
As well, there is redundancy: it is not one person with one dog, but a group of people on staff with a number of dogs. Friends keeping watch on each other helps reduce stress, boredom, loneliness and other emotions that create behavior problems. At least part of your dog’s day will be scheduled playtime with other dogs, organized group activities that get everybody involved – an important benefit of dog boarding.
The staff know your dog is at their place because you are going away. You might be gone for only a couple of days. But they are your dog’s caretakers; they listen to barking, barking, barking, because your dog doesn’t want to see them and their group of friends having fun. That devotion is typical of a dog. When your dog returns to the dog boarding kennel for another visit with its friends, it knows the routine. It knows what the employees do every day. Your dog will have another adventure and have to trust your dog boarding kennel employees all over again.
7. Conclusion
Dog boarding kennels perform a terrific service — they help to alleviate your pet’s separation anxiety while allowing you the freedom to enjoy your time away. With appropriate research and planning, you can ensure you find a good kennel where your dog will be safe, comfortable, and happy. A little bit of homework beforehand will make both your and your dog’s vacations much more enjoyable. In conclusion, a sterile, impersonal boarding kennel isn’t the only option available to you if you need to leave your pet behind while you are away. Pet knowing is a great alternative that allows your pet the comfort of remaining in a familiar environment and provides them with all the attention they could want. The choice is yours!
