Dog Boarding

As a dog owner, you want your beloved canine companion to be well cared for when you’re away. Dog boarding is a great way to ensure that your pup is safe and secure, but how do you know which dog boarding option is the best? There are various options available, and it’s important to consider each one carefully before making your decision. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of dog boarding and the questions you should ask when deciding on a boarding facility or kennel. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prepare and what to bring when boarding your dog.

What Should I Consider When Boarding My Dog?

When deciding on a boarding facility for your pup, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. Schedule a tour of the facility with your dog so you can observe how comfortable they are in the new environment and ask questions about their stay. Check the facility’s health requirements to ensure your pup is up-to-date on any vaccinations they may need, such as rabies, distemper, parvo, and Bordetella.

Consider bringing your dog’s favorite toys, bedding, or even food from home to make them feel more secure and comfortable. Ensure that the facility provides adequate space, proper ventilation, temperature control, and lighting, and check that it’s clean with no offensive odors. Pay attention to staff numbers and qualifications as well as off-leash playtime opportunities. Make sure the facility has secure fencing around exercise areas, and confirm that your pet won’t have access to sharp objects or other potentially harmful items during playtime. Finally, find out if they offer additional services, such as grooming or spa treatments, and if a veterinarian is available on call in case of injuries and illnesses.

What Are the Different Dog Boarding Options?

There are several options when it comes to boarding your dog, including traditional boarding kennels, luxury boarding facilities, in-home boarding, pet hotels, and more. Traditional boarding kennels provide a temporary home for dogs with individual runs or cages both indoor and outdoor. Luxury boarding facilities offer upscale amenities, such as larger runs or suites with comfortable bedding, TVs, webcams, massages, and swimming pools. In-home boarding is when the dog stays in a pet sitter’s home, which provides an environment similar to their own home. Like luxury boarding facilities, pet hotels provide a vacation-like experience for dogs with high-end amenities like plush bedding, TVs tuned to dog-friendly shows, and webcam access.

Will My Dog Get Active and Social Time While Boarding?

Yes! Depending on the type of dog boarding facility you choose, your pup will enjoy plenty of active and social time while they’re away from home. Many traditional kennels and luxury boarding facilities offer group playtimes where the dogs are safely supervised by staff. They also provide individual walks for those who prefer more one-on-one attention. Doggy daycare is also available at some facilities and is an excellent choice if your furry friend loves playing with other dogs and being around people.

What Questions Should I Ask at the Dog Boarding Facility or Kennel?

When selecting a dog boarding facility or kennel, there are certain questions you should ask to ensure your pup is in safe hands. First, inquire about the staff’s qualifications and experience. Make sure vaccinations and health requirements are up-to-date. Ask about the kennels, bedding, toys, and overall comfort provided for guests. Inquire about feeding, exercise, and medication policies, as well as emergency protocol.

Ensure that the facility follows proper cleaning and disinfecting practices. Tour the location to assess its cleanliness and overall environment before committing to a boarding facility. Get familiar with their capacity and staff-to-dog ratio to make sure they can handle all animals in their care. Ask about activities and socialization opportunities as well as special needs accommodations if your pup has any special requirements. Finally, find out about additional services such as grooming or training offered at the facility and their associated costs.

What Do I Need to Know About Boarding At A Veterinarian’s Office?

Boarding your dog at a veterinarian’s office is a great alternative to leaving them at a traditional boarding facility. They will receive the highest quality of care and attention from staff who are familiar with their medical needs and daily routine. Before boarding, make sure your pet is up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Fill out the boarding form provided by your veterinarian’s office completely to ensure they have all necessary information about your pet’s medical history, dietary needs, and any special requirements or behaviors. Be sure to provide necessary medication and, if you’d like, your dog’s usual food. Bring familiar items such as toys, blankets, or bedding to help your canine companion feel more comfortable while away from home.

Inform the staff of any unusual behaviors or special needs to make sure they can provide the best care for your pet. Also, try to maintain your dog's routine as much as possible before their stay to help reduce stress and anxiety. Visit the boarding facility beforehand to ensure that it is clean, safe, and suitable for your pet’s needs.

What Do I Need to Know About Boarding At A Pet Hotel or Resort?

Pet hotels and resorts offer luxurious experiences for dogs with amenities like plush bedding, TVs, webcam access, massages, gourmet treats, and swimming pools. When selecting a pet hotel or resort, look for one that is clean and has proper ventilation, temperature control, and adequate lighting. Make sure the staff is well-trained and experienced in handling different types of pets. If you choose to bring your dog’s personal belongings, such as toys, bedding, or treats from home, make sure the facility allows them.

What Do Dog Boarding Facilities Need to Know About My Dog?

When selecting a dog boarding facility or kennel, it’s important to provide comprehensive information about your pup’s health, temperament, and needs. Provide the facility with up-to-date vaccination records showing that your dog is current on their rabies and other essential vaccines. Let the facility know if your pup has any medical conditions or special needs, like allergies, dietary restrictions, medications, or physical limitations, so they can make necessary accommodations. Provide your emergency contact information as well as your preferred veterinarian’s contact details in case any problems arise while you’re away. Don’t forget to inform the staff about your pup’s temperament and social skills so they can make necessary arrangements for playtime and socialization.

What Do Veterinarians Generally Recommend For Safe Dog Boarding?

Veterinarians generally recommend boarding your dog at a veterinary clinic or professional boarding facility for safe dog boarding. Veterinary clinics offer expert care and attention to pets in the absence of their owners and provide a cozy place to sleep, plenty of food and fresh water, daily exercise, and one-on-one attention from trained professionals.

Professional boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of diseases. When selecting a facility, seek recommendations from your veterinarian, groomer, dog-owning friends, or neighbors. Visit the facility with your pup to observe how the caretakers interact with them and assess the cleanliness, security, and sanitation of the facility. Look for clean, secure spaces with adequate exercise areas and comfortable bedding. Research your options thoroughly before reserving your dog’s stay with any boarding facility.

What Should I Bring, and How Should I Prepare When Boarding My Dog?

When boarding your pup, bring their health records, vaccination documents, medications (if applicable), and enough food for the entire duration of their stay. Many facilities offer “house food,” but bringing your dog’s regular food from home along with feeding instructions lowers the risk of digestive upset. If allowed, bring familiar items such as toys, blankets, or bedding to make your canine companion feel more comfortable.

Before boarding your pup, visit the facility to ensure you are happy with it, check that your pet meets the entry requirements, and discuss their medication or any other special requirements with the boarding team. Doing your due diligence and ensuring the facility knows exactly how to care for your dog will help both you and your pup have a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

When searching for dog boarding near you, it’s important to weigh all the options carefully and research each one to make sure your pup is in safe hands. Be sure to check the facility’s health requirements and ensure that proper cleaning and disinfecting policies are in place. Ask about staff numbers, qualifications, off-leash playtime opportunities, additional services, and emergency protocols. When choosing Towne Center Animal Hospital and Pet Hotel for your boarding needs, you can be sure that your canine companion will receive the highest quality of care. With our experienced staff and state-of-the-art facilities, you can rest assured your precious pup will have a blast while remaining safe and secure.