The Do's And Don'ts Of Leaving Your Beloved Pooch At A Dog Boarding Facility

Posted on: 13 January 2016

No matter how much you feel bad when you stare at those pitiful puppy dog eyes, there are some situations when Fido just cannot go with you and will need somewhere safe to stay. Thankfully, there are many pet boarding facilities available with the primary purpose of taking care of pets while their owners are away and even some veterinarians offer this service to their customers. However, leaving your pooch alone for the first time can be a little unnerving. There are a few easy-to-remember do's and don'ts that will help ensure you are only leaving your puppy in the best situation. 

Do make sure you take some time to get to know the boarding facilities you have in your area. 

Every dog boarding facility is a little different and not every one will work best for your pet. Well before your scheduled drop-off date, stop in and check on a handful of places to see what they have to offer. Ask to take a look at the housing quarters to get a better idea of where your canine will stay while you are away. A few questions you should be looking to answer include:

  • Are the kennels sizable enough for your pooch to be comfortable?
  • Is the holding area clean?
  • Do the kennels themselves have soundproof features?
  • Does it appear that there are several employees on hand tending to all of the pets?
  • Is there a designated play/exercise area?

Don't wait until the last minute to just swing by and drop off your pet. 

It is not just a good idea to stop in and check out pet boarding facilities, it is always best to make reservations in advance. Slots can fill up quickly in some of the more preferred boarding locations, so you will want to make sure you call or stop by a few weeks in advance to reserve a kennel for your dog. 

Do get the low-down on what every pet boarding facility asks of their clients. 

The pet boarding facilities that have the strictest guidelines may seem like a hassle, but you have to keep in mind that these guidelines are in place to keep all dogs at the facility healthy and protected. For example, some facilities may require that any dog staying in the building must be checked for fleas or be taking a prescription flea deterrent. 

Don't forget to check and make sure your doggy's immunizations are up to date. 

Even if the facility you choose is not strict on their guidelines, it is best to ensure that your dog's immunizations are up to date before you leave them to stay with other canines. The last thing you want is to bring home your pooch along with a new health concern that was contracted from a fellow pet boarding pooch. 

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