Top 10 Must-Know Tips for Dog Boarding Success

Section 1: What to Consider When Choosing a Dog Kennel

Your first step in finding the right dog kennel should be to schedule a visit. Most kennels are open to visitors, giving you the chance to inspect their facilities and ask specific questions. The staff's responses should provide you with peace of mind, ensuring that you feel comfortable leaving your pet in their care.

The kennel should be spotlessly clean, inside and out. Proper sanitation is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases. The pens and exercise areas should appear and smell clean, and the animals currently boarded should also be clean and wellcared for. Take a look at the outdoor exercise area, where waste should be removed regularly to keep the space free of any dog excrement.

Exercise is vital for every dog, but the amount depends on the dog's needs and the kennel's ability to provide these services. Discuss this with the kennel staff to understand their exercise routines, whether dogs are allowed to run freely in a confined area, and if additional walks or exercise sessions are offered for an extra fee. For active dogs, the extra activity is often worth the cost.

Inside, boarding facilities should have ample pens and exercise areas, with larger pens available for larger breeds. Natural light from windows should be abundant, but if not, sufficient indoor lighting is essential. Good air circulation, without any odors, is important as proper ventilation significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission.

Find out how many animals are fed at one time and how many staff members are responsible for caring for them. More staff and fewer animals may mean more individual attention for each pet.

Some kennels have a relationship with specific veterinarians, either onsite or nearby. Determine how the kennel staff handles emergencies, whether they contact their own veterinarian or a vet you regularly use. Discuss your preferences with the staff if you have any.

Ensure that the kennel staff can manage any medications your dog is on if it is currently taking them. Note that some kennels may not be able to provide your pet with the medications it needs regularly.

Some boarding kennels offer grooming services. Consider booking a grooming session for the day your dog returns home, ensuring it comes back from the kennel clean and fresh.

Section 2: Requirements for Boarding Your Dog

All boarded dogs must be healthy and free from contagious diseases. If your dog has a longterm medical issue or is currently being treated, inform the kennel in advance to ensure a comfortable stay.

The kennel may require a health certificate from your veterinarian, proving that your dog has recently been vaccinated.

If your dog has fleas or other external or internal parasites, it should be treated before or upon arrival at the kennel.

Some kennels have very specific vaccination requirements. Don't assume your dog has received all necessary vaccines without confirming this with the kennel. For instance, some veterinarians may not administer the DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) vaccine annually, which may be due to general policy or specific health reasons for individual animals. In other cases, the vet may only vaccinate for a portion of the DHLPP vaccines. There are no universal vaccination rules, so always confirm with the kennel in advance to resolve any issues before your dog stays there.

The kennel cough ( Bordetella ) vaccine is a common requirement for most kennels, offering protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacteria that can cause upper respiratory symptoms (primarily coughing) in dogs. The vaccine is typically administered subcutaneously or intranasally (through the nose) and is usually given once a year, but some kennels may require it before boarding.

Generally, most kennels require annual DHLPP and kennel cough vaccinations, with rabies vaccination following state laws.

Section 3: What to Bring to the Kennel

Bringing your dog's regular food to the kennel is essential to avoid digestive upset, especially when they are in a stressful environment, like being away from home. For dogs prone to diarrhea under stress, a highfiber diet may help during boarding. If your dog is on a special diet or has specific dietary needs, make sure the kennel is aware and follows your specific instructions.

If your dog has a special bed or favorite toy, ask if you can bring them along. Familiar items from home can make your pet feel more comfortable when you're not there.

Leave the kennel staff with a list of emergency contact numbers so they can reach the right person if needed. Provide your phone number (if possible) that you can be reached at, and if you're unavailable, ask the staff to call a friend or relative. This person should be able to make any necessary emergency decisions. Discuss your expectations with this person before you leave. The kennel should also have your veterinarian's number in case of medical emergencies.

If your dog is on medication at home, ensure the staff continues to administer the medication during boarding. Bring your dog's medication to the kennel and inform the staff of the specific medical issues being treated.

If you feel the kennel is not suitable for your pet, consider hiring a pet sitter. These animalloving individuals can come to your home to care for your pet, and some even stay overnight in your home.