1. Introduction to Dog Boarding
When contemplating the care of our furry friends, ensuring their welfare while we’re away is a genuine concern. While some pet parents are fortunate enough to have family members or friends who pet sit, others do not have the luxury of being able to rely on free care. Therefore, they need to find the best option available to accommodate their dogs. Dog boarding services are available to provide care when you are away. Illnesses, planned events, and work-related travel are some reasons you may need a place for your dog to go. Dog boarding facilities have several options to provide care for dogs when their owners are away. They can range from individual rooms for each dog to suites or condos that accommodate multiple dogs to large yards where the dogs can enjoy each other’s company. Also, there may be amenities, such as play areas or webcam access that make the experience a little more luxurious for the guest.
While most pet parents have probably heard of dog boarding services and have even seen a dog boarding facility, they may not be very familiar with them. Some pet parents may choose not to board their dogs because of the expense involved or just from hearing horror stories about less than favorable experiences. But to help pet parents feel more comfortable with a dog boarding facility, this report will introduce the various benefits of use, the services they provide, and how to choose the best facility that caters to the needs of each dog.
2. Benefits of Local Dog Boarding
Traveling can sometimes be a frustrating experience, especially for pet owners. Finding a safe and convenient boarding facility for their furry friends can involve a lengthy search and some stressful situating. It’s hard work securing the peace of mind needed to leave home for a while when dogs are part of the family. And when travel plans are suddenly thrust upon someone, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately for busy pet owners, there are local dog boarding facilities available to help reduce this stress.
Do you live in a busy neighborhood that’s heavily trafficked? Or perhaps in an unpopulated city dwelling with no outdoor space? Either way, if you’re not fortunate enough to have a backyard for your dog to play in, or a nearby park that allows your dog to run free and socialize with other dogs, you might want to consider local dog boarding. Simply put, boarding refers to a business that takes care of dogs and keeps them safe and entertained while their owners are away — whether traveling, working long hours, or even just need a little help for brief stints. Local dog boarding facilities typically have the resources and capabilities to provide a service to pet owners that the home or hotel cannot.
Local boarding facilities mostly help pet owners when pets are unfortunate enough to spend too long without their presence. Some pets travel better than others, and some pets might need to be boarded more often than others. Some may dislike the noise in an airport terminal, while others might cringe at the thought of a long car or road trip. And some pets are just more high-strung than others. Just as with people, too-long travel can stress pets out beyond a certain level and lead to issues in behavioral problems — developing anxiety or destructive patterns over time. But with local dog boarding, traveling for you doesn’t have to be as stressful for your furry friend.
2.1. Convenience for Pet Owners
Finding a local dog boarding facility can be a pet owner’s best friend. That’s because dog boarding at a local facility can make drop-off and pick-up much easier. Previous years may have had pet owners driving two seconds down the road to their local pet daycare or kennel facility. But today, many pet owners have found it difficult to find a local place to care for their animals. So, what do you do when a trusted family member is out of town, and your local dog watching service is no longer an option? Pet boarding facilities are great solutions! Instead of requiring a pet sitter to come into your home once or twice a day, boarding facilities require your dog to stay there nightly. Think of it as a sleepover for your dog.
So why do pet boarding facilities help? There are many options available when it comes to boarding your pet. Pets can stay in their own individual boarding area or collectively interact with other pets. Boarding facilities are often staffed by employees who are trained to properly watch over the dog population and keep them safe, preventing any major accidents. Most facilities even offer a range of services, including bath days or scheduled outside time, to keep your pets looking clean and neat. Additionally, you can feel comforted in the fact that your dog is getting 24-hours of care from experienced caretakers. Plus, because you’re likely to be boarding your dog during busy vacation times, your dog is meeting other dogs meant for fun and play just like they are!
2.2. Reduced Travel Stress for Pets
Pets commonly display anxiety during travel due to being separated from their families, forced to endure confined quarters, or being subject to changes in travel itinerary that involve frequent stopovers with changes in travel transport. It is also well-documented that certain extra-large or extra-small dog breeds often have a touch of anxiety or fear associated with travel, as both airplane and automobile design create uncomfortable and unsafe travel environments for them. Dog boarding services that are located closer to the pet owners’ homes create less travel stress for pets. A shorter and less stressful travel experience to a boarding facility helps minimize travel anxiety for pets and considerably reduces the potential for a problematic boarding service experience. Excessive travel anxiety in dogs is usually marked by drooling, barking, whining, panting, chewing, and pacing, especially if the travel time is long. Owners who do not want to put their dogs through long travel times to dog daycare or pet boarding facilities should look for local services to help alleviate that concern. Many dogs find airplane travel particularly discomforting since the experience includes being restrained for long periods, often in a cramped space, while being surrounded by strange noises, scents, and people. Studies conducted on the subject of air travel indicate that approximately one-fifth of all the pet injuries reported involve dogs and are primarily connected to air travel by cargo. Of these dogs that suffered injury while flying, several were from specific breeds—that were extremely stressed due to the confined airline carriers and the high altitude.
2.3. Familiar Environment for Dogs
While there is a wide variety in style, comfort, safety, and services provided for dogs at boarding facilities, it’s also true that many dogs do not particularly enjoy being boarded when their people leave on vacation. This is a personal preference as not all dogs seem to mind being housed away from their homes. Whether dogs are more likely to enjoy being left at boarders or less likely probably has a lot to do with their personality but if dogs do, in fact, enjoy being boarded by strangers more than they do staying home, this is a strange special proclivity. However, many dogs are claimed to dislike boarding and many owners avoid it as much as possible. One good way to keep a dog from hating boarding, maybe even to be happy about it, is to leave them at a facility or person that they already know and trust in a familiar environment.
If, for whatever reason, dogs can’t stay at home while their owners are away, having them cared for by someone they know and in surroundings that they are familiar with is likely a much better option than unfamiliar environments. Their own home (or that of a trusted friend) is a familiar place with smells that are comforting, sounds that are known, and the visual surroundings are all comforting because they are filled with representations of a dog’s owner and family. Being stuck at the boarding kennel away from home with strange smells, strange sounds, strange sights, strange touches, and strange food would not help pets on the mood nor it wouldn’t help keep them calm. Dogs are sensitive to changes in their family’s patterns and it causes them anxiety.
3. Types of Dog Boarding Services
When it comes to dog boarding, pet parents can select from a variety of different types of facilities. Each boarding option has special benefits that cater to various owners’ demands, including boarders with expensive breeds that need pampering. We will define each boarding alternative below so you can choose the option that is best for your dog.
3.1. Traditional Kennels
Think of a boarding kennel as a dog hotel. These facilities resemble an office building, equipped with boarding cages and a play area for supervision. Most are equipped with separate areas for large and small dogs. Canines will spend their time kenneled individually or with a family pack member in a small enclosure. Typically, evening and early morning walk sessions take care of bathroom needs. Food and water will be provided, but amenities are minimal. Some offer additional activities, such as playtime or walks, for a nominal fee. Kennels can be good locations for dogs that socialize well with other dogs.
3.2. In-Home Boarding
For parents wishing for any metareness of home and family for their pets, in-home boarding is the answer. This shared care option allows dogs to be part of a family during a stay. In-home boarding options allow for boarding in a parent’s house or that of someone who has been screened to provide care in their home. Many offer added benefits such as daycare services during regular business hours or a backyard for bathroom needs.
3.3. Doggie Daycare Options
Sleeping arrangements are the only differences for dogs staying at daycare. Dogs under the constant observation of staff with expertise in canine behavior enjoy unlimited play with others. Supervised play allows opportunities for exercise and socialization. With facilities ranging in size and services, from plain rooms with mats to executive suites replete with webcams, play and rest areas, canines enjoy pampering compared to facilities that board overnight.
3.4. Luxury Boarding Facilities
Luxury facilities are available for pet parents wishing to treat their dogs with extra care and pampering during vacation time. Exotic Boarders include in-home services such as chefs preparing gourmet meals. Animal guests enjoy small, lavish suites with private lounging areas and couches. Amenities include grooming, cuddling, and human-like playdates as needed. Pricey, yes, but what better way to treat your special companion!
3.1. Traditional Kennels
When boarding your dog, you may picture loud barking, small cages, and a couple employees tending to everything. This picture probably resembles a standard kennel. Kennels have dog runs, which are long fenced areas in which groups of dogs can play, often for extended periods of time. Typically, the dogs in a run are of similar sizes and also related, as some packs are very big and the dogs in them are usually very strong. Kennels may vary in quality and services offered. Try to find a family- or privately-owned kennel, as these offer a homelike feel for your pet. Look for one that offers the option for as little confinement as possible, and have your dog spend a lot of time playing in a dog run with other dogs. Go visit the facility several times before making a reservation and observe the place in action, checking for sufficient cleanliness as well as happy, healthy, insulated dogs.
Traditional kennels may be a little rough around the edges, but they do offer a variety of options at low prices. Most facilities offer packages allowing dogs more time to socialize and gain exercise. Consider packing a toy or blanket familiar to your pet, along with special treats to encourage interaction, and even a little food from home to make the first days a breeze. A private, family-owned kennel is usually the best option for a more intimate feel, and prices can range anywhere from $10 to $50 per day. Or, if you want to go a step further, try finding a house that offers at-home daycare. With at-home daycare, you drop off your pet in the morning and pick it up in the evening, when the pet is usually reunited with the family members and possibly a few other pets, allowing for plenty of social interaction.
3.2. In-Home Boarding
In-home dog boarding is a growing trend in dog care because many dogs are happiest in a home environment. In-home boarding is when your dogs will live in a boarding sitter’s home or, in some cases, your home while you are on your trip. Your pets are exposed to less stress and anxiety, plus they have a larger feeling of freedom – a home environment rather than cages or concrete blocks. By having a smaller number of dogs, they get more attention and personal care from the sitter. This way, your dog will feel relaxed and special.
When searching for an in-home service, there are many pet sitters and dog boarders to choose from. It is a growing industry, and many have years of experience, training, or become certified in pet care or training. Recommendations from local pet owners, veterinarians, dog daycare centers, or pet supply stores are often good places to start. Look for an experienced pet sitter who possesses a good track record and favorable reviews. Many have profiles online and can show photos and testimonials from previous clients. While many in-home pet care services offer their services at reasonable costs, they also have their standard requirements. You will want to verify their insurance, setup fees, additional charges, if any, and any contracts you may have to sign along the way covering cancellations, etc. You will also want to discuss feeding instructions, any medications, and emergency procedures. If your pet has specific health issues, be sure that the sitter can meet needs or that special arrangements have been made.
3.3. Doggie Daycare Options
Some dog boarding facilities offer more than basic boarding services and allow dogs to hang out during the day while their owners are vacationing. Many of these hotels also offer doggie daycare as a standalone service. Although slightly more expensive than leaving your pet at home alone for the day while you’re at work, local dog daycare facilities provide plenty of play opportunities for your pup, offer a safe and supervised place to stay during the day, and help prevent potential household disasters that can occur when dogs are left at home.
Doggie daycare facilities are great options for dogs that don’t have a safe place to stay during the day while their owners are at work and also for friendly dogs that love socialization. Facilities with large outdoor areas allow dogs to run and play with each other. Staff monitors play activities, allowing dog-friendly canine buddies to keep tearing around but also separating dogs when rough play begins and ensuring that no one dog is picked on continuously. After the fun is done for the day, each dog is put in an individual crate or kennel for a short rest period before being picked up by his owner. Dogs usually are not allowed to play in a large group at least one hour before closing time, but an employee typically spends some one-on-one time with each dog before leaving for the day. Doggy daycare services are also great for puppies who need an outlet for their energy and for younger dogs that still require daily exercise.
3.4. Luxury Boarding Facilities
When you go to a luxury hotel, you expect the best right? If you’re going to pay extra to treat yourself to premium services, you want it to be worth the money. Only luxury boarding facilities go above and beyond the average daycare services to a level that makes it seem like vacation for your pooch while you enjoy vacation for yourself. Whether that involves plasma TVs and doggie massage, or themed suites at a resort, typically based in the normal homes where they board the dogs, luxury boarding facilities should make sure that your pup comes back home relaxed and ready to hang with the family again. But in addition to catering to your dog’s surroundings, you also want to make sure they are receiving quality care. Before you can drop off your pup and board your plane, you want to ensure that their needs, whether that be medical or social, are being met. When it comes to luxury boarding facilities, training experience is pivotal. These dogs are not just your everyday friendly Labs or timid doodles, they’re rescues with pasts that have taken their people skills input anxiety overdrive; or they’re elite working dogs trained to perform tricks and be put on display, just looking for some mental stimulation. A luxury boarding facility should cater to both extremes.
4. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Facility
When planning a trip, choosing a reliable and qualified boarding facility is very important for the security of your dog. However, before making a decision, it’s always to visit the specific facility, walk around, and ask questions to see not only if this facility is a good fit for your dog, but if the dog boarding facilities are a good fit for you as a dog owner. There are many factors to consider when choosing a boarding facility, including location, cleanliness, staff experience, customer reviews, and recommendations. Location is the first factor to consider when trying to find a suitable boarding facility for your dog. The best option is always to look for facilities that are closer to home since you will be going back and forth for dog drop-offs and pick-ups and these trips can take up time and resources. However, bear in mind that if the facility experiences a high rating and is in high demand despite the distance, it may be worth looking into those dog boarding facilities to ensure your pup’s safety. Another thing to consider is the hotel layout and how easy it is to get in and out of the facility, especially during emergencies and rush hours. Checking to see if there is enough parking space available within the area is also a good idea. No matter how well-trained the staff or how many activities the animals participate in per day, if the facility is dirty, the dogs are likely to get sick and the boarding experience is going to be negative. The cleanliness of a facility is usually a direct result of the employees’ knowledge, training, and commitment to cleanliness. Check to see if there is a strong odor or urine on the floors and whether the equipment and supplies are well-maintained. Also inspect the cages that will be used for boarding small animals like puppies and small breed dogs.
4.1. Location and Accessibility
Choosing to go with a dog boarding service means giving your pup the inside scoop on a little vacation while you are away. But just like every vacation is not suitable for every person, each dog also has their own preferences that need to be catered for. For some dogs, the comfort and love that they get at home make them happiest. This is ideal for younger dogs who are still exploring their surroundings and gaining confidence. For dogs that are more independent and enjoy socializing, local boarding facilities work wonders. To ensure that your dog is safe and loves their “home away from home”, consider the following factors when searching for a local dog boarding facility.
You will need to first check out facilities that are within your reach. Local dog boarding facilities that are closer to your home are preferred over those that are further away. For puppy owners, the search will not be too taxing. But for owners of dogs that may have already been exposed to various places, a little distance can be necessary. If your dog is generally anxious or aggressive with long car rides, also consider the distance when looking at facilities. Dogs that get carsick or panic on long car trips will not be able to enjoy their vacation aboard with pet boarding services. Instead, a local boarding service makes things easier and allows your dog to be dropped off quickly and stress-free.
Once you have chosen a few local dog boarding facilities, visit them to ensure that they fall in line with your expectations. A facility that is clean, properly staffed and provides an atmosphere of trust and play is a definite plus. Additionally, be sure to supervise your dog while they are being introduced to the facility. Since your dogs will need to spend the majority of their vacation in the facility, it is also a good idea to ask for a trial day beforehand. This will help determine if the facility is a right match while helping your dog ease into the experience.
4.2. Facility Cleanliness and Safety
Whenever you leave your beloved pet with someone else, it is understandable that you may feel anxious but inspect the boarding facilities to alleviate some of this anxiety. So what should you look for? First and foremost, cleanliness. How does the facility smell? Are the kennels pristine? Are the common areas clean and free from pet accidents? If a facility is not clean, it makes one wonder how they treat pets there. It may also be a reflection of how that facility keeps up with pet health and safety issues. Also take the time to go through dog boarding facilities at different times during the day. Is the facility too loud? Do the dogs seem happy and safe during their outdoor playtime? If possible visit at different times to see how the dog will be accommodated for regular activities during the day like feeding, playtime and overnight accommodations.
Making sure the facility is clean and safe, and smells pleasant, is essential. Dogs are social animals. Get a good feel for how many dogs on site share that space with your pet. If there are lots of pets talk to the owner to determine what ratio of staff to dogs they provide and what the pets do when they, the owner, are not there. Is your dog going to be blended into a larger group of dogs or will they have times to themselves to spend with the staff also? Ensuring that any dog is not left to just hang out in a kennel all day is critical for the dog’s physical and mental welfare. And lastly, it is vital to be sure that any facility you are considering is properly licensed, insured, and certified by the proper officials. Be sure to ask!
4.3. Staff Qualifications and Experience
If you’re debating between dog boarding facilities, one of the most frequently overlooked parts of your research could be inquiring about the facility staff’s qualifications and professional background. Although doggy daycare staff certainly do not need to be behavior consultants, trainers, or veterinarians to look out for your pup’s basic health and safety, it is helpful for them to have background knowledge in canine body language, play behavior, health signals, and bacteria and virus transmission in order to keep your pup happy, safe, and free from canine illness.
Cottages with staff members who have training in animal behavior and pet first aid are ideal places for dog boarding. However, if you’re unable to access a facility that meets these needs, that doesn’t mean you still can’t find a safe, healthy dog boarding situation! Perhaps the next best thing would be a facility with continuous, around-the-clock access to the pups by well-trained staff members who observe body language, introduce compatible dogs to each other carefully, and generally have the right instincts about keeping pups in their care free from physical and emotional harm while communicating with the pet parents. Some staff may have experience in working with clients’ pets, dog training, or pet first aid outside of a boarding environment. In addition, staff with training dogs and training rescues for behavioral awareness while looking out for each pup’s emotional well-being and teach training while providing positive reinforcement may be useful if you as a pet parent want to incorporate training into dog boarding.
4.4. Customer Reviews and Recommendations
Though discussing and discerning references can be an uncomfortable topic to raise, customer reviews are among your best resources in the search for respite for your pup (or animals of any sort). A reference is a personal contact — a friend, neighbor, co-worker, fellow parent, dog trainer, groomer, pet store owner, or chance acquaintance — someone who knows both you and your dog and can speak “risk-free” about local boarding options. Aside from your veterinarian or local trainer, few people are better suited to give you an honest account of an individual’s capabilities in their home environment and if they align with your dog’s needs. People older or outside of your relative age group, who have had dogs or pets in the past, or anyone with an abundance of time on their hands are generally more favorable informants.
You can easily find customer reviews online at various sites. Again, however, take these reviews lightly, as research shows that more people are inclined to write negative reviews than positive. Local online pet owner forums or groups usually have more receptive “pay-it-back” attitudes, where individuals might have more to say, or be more willing to say it, without charge or time limitations. Additionally, pet-oriented websites can often help you find local boarding facilities following a keyword search.
5. Services Offered by Dog Boarding Facilities
Dog boarding facilities offer a variety of services and support options to help care for pet parents and their dogs. Many facilities offer the option of flexible drop-off and pick-up times, allowing customers to take and pick up their dogs from daycare outside of regular business hours. Most also provide dog daycare, where animals can play throughout the day while owners are busy at work or running errands. Other services may include bathing and grooming, administering medications, pick-up and drop-off services, and training lesson opportunities. Since dogs can’t stay at the boarding facility forever, many owners want their dogs to have an active schedule while they are there. Regular exercise offers several health benefits and is important for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise can reduce boredom, relieve stress, and can prevent unwanted behaviors. Bored dogs can develop and engage in destructive behaviors, like digging and barking. When you drop off your dog at the boarding facility, check to see how much exercise and playtime will be provided during the day. If you are looking for a shorter-term stay of less than a couple weeks, make sure to discuss this with your dog boarding facility; if it isn’t feasible to give the dog enough exercise, you may want to shorten the stay or use a different facility.
5.1. Daily Exercise and Playtime
When it’s playtime, that could be something as structured as fetch, or as unstructured as a pile of puppies rolling around, wrestling, and chewing on one another. Or it could be something along the lines of what your dog tends to do with their dog friends when you’re walking them near one another. Some facilities have mapping technology so you can see exactly how often and for how long your pup was outside. Facilities that are extra conscientious about your pup’s physical and mental health will also provide different play experiences – some that get your dog moving, some that involve interacting with other dogs or people, and some that focus on activities, like playing with puzzle toys or with funny sounds and textures. For example, your dog could get some playtime with a staffer throwing a ball, chasing a flirt pole, or going on a walk; or with some dog friends chasing or getting in a friendly wrestle-fest while being closely monitored; or both. These daycares and boarding facilities design their schedules to stay two steps ahead of dogs getting bored or overly excited. Some even create a unique schedule just for your dog.
Active play groups that mix sizes and energy levels will sometimes design the playtime schedule so that calmer dogs are separated for a brief time from the more rambunctious pack. Sometimes rest time is done indoors, with quiet dogs in the boarding facility area and more active dogs in their own play area, while at other facilities you just stick your pooch in their suite for a break.
5.2. Feeding and Nutrition Plans
Creating the best pet environment is at the top of our list when choosing services offered by boarding facilities. Of course, no facility can be a perfect match for each and every pet, but it is nice to look at as many options as possible so we can find the best fit. After all, picky eaters can be affected by changes to their meals or routines. It is important to look at what types of food are provided by the boarding facility. Some will provide basic meals, others will provide prescribed veterinary diet meals. Some might not provide meals, and we must pack food for our dog and include instructions for the staff on what the pup needs and how much to serve. Those that have picky eaters or dogs with potbellies will want to ensure the boarding staff has the right instructions to prepare a safe allergen-free meal, and they will want their dog to attend daycare where they can burn off any extra calories. Some staff may be trained to accommodate specific dietary needs like allergies, and some only feed the least expensive option. If our dog has any allergies, it is of utmost importance to prepare a list of what they are allergic to and what their diet is while being boarded. A well-trained and prepared facility will follow these listed needs carefully during the stay. It is our responsibility to inform the boarding staff of any changes to the pup’s needs.
5.3. Grooming Services
The services offered by dog boarding facilities cover all aspects of pet care. This includes feeding your pet on a schedule, daily exercise, playtime, and socialization with other pets. Additional services such as grooming and bathing may be offered, or the facility may be willing to take your dog to the groomer. When pet owners are boarding their dogs for an extended stay, they often ask for additional grooming like nail trimming and bathing.
Brushing: Your dog’s coat needs care on a daily basis or they risk getting matted or dirty or develop skin diseases. Grooming while at a boarding facility will help to reduce shedding and any allergy problems associated with pet dander. Having your dog groomed properly will also allow a facility staff member to know if there are skin conditions that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. When your dog returns home, they will smell and look great!
Bathing: Some dog boarding facilities will offer bathing as a service, while other facilities may allow you to take your dog to the groomer once or twice while you are on vacation. If you have a water dog that loves swimming or playing at the beach, bathing may be necessary every few days. Talk to the pet owners and staff to determine how often your dog needs to be bathing and how to handle this service. If it is offered while boarding, many facilities will require you to bring your own shampoo or grooming products. Some of the more popular ones include hypo-allergenic products.
5.4. Veterinary Care Options
A key component any pet owner looks for is veterinary care options. You will want to find a boarding service that has a vet nearby. Should an emergency arise during your pet’s stay, you do not want to be waiting for a vet that is far away. Many services do work with a vet and have them come in at certain times throughout the week for onsite care, but that is not the ideal situation. If your pet has a chronic illness such as kidney failure, they are probably going to need some medicine. Having a vet on site or within minutes of the daycare can be the difference for disease control.
There are additional situations in which immediate veterinary skills are needed. If your dog does happen to eat something they shouldn’t, they may need some assistance. Some other additional problems are if your dog comes in hostile, which many dogs do when they are in pain, or if a dog and one of its play buddies engage in some heavy rough play. Having a vet nearby during playtime or for aftercare can assist in your dog getting the medical care needed. The key is to make sure the boarding facility has the proper veterinary care assurances so you can leave your dog knowing they will be taken care of in the event they need it. The last thing you want to worry about when leaving your dog in someone else’s care is their safety and security. Take time to thoroughly discuss all services and the surrounding area with the dog boarding facility so that you will know your dog is in good hands.
6. Conclusion
Taking care of your dog while traveling may feel overwhelming. But thanks to dog boarding facilities and pet hotels where you can board your dog, you can ease your stress and enjoy your time away. Dog boarding facilities have people certified in dog care and dogs are treated like family there. So, you can rest assured that your furry friend is getting the love and attention it deserves. The expert caretakers at boarding facilities know how to deal with different breeds. They offer various services including feeding, walking, and grooming dogs, so your dog gets everything it needs to stay happy. Many of these facilities also allow interaction with other dogs along with some outdoor playtime, so you don’t have to worry about your pet getting bored. If you can’t decide on which boarding service is best for your dog, you can ask for recommendations from your vet, friends, or family. You can also check out the online reviews of the boarding facilities and contact them to inquire about their services. Make sure to ask if they have someone on the premises at all times. After selecting a facility, visit it in advance and make sure to take your dog along as well. This way, you will get an idea of how your dog would respond to the setting, available services, and what treatment the staff provides during the visit. You can also ask other dog parents who are using their services for feedback. Knowing about facilities’ services and regulations in advance would help your dog get accustomed to it. This way, you may have to make only one visit to the boarding facility, which may reduce the time it takes for your dog to settle in on its first day of the stay.
