Choosing a boarding kennel for your dog can be as important as choosing your child’s daycare or school system so, don’t rely only on word of mouth but make your own assessments firsthand. Before you decide on a kennel for your dog, visit several facilities and talk to several other dog owners.  Fortunately, the business of boarding dogs has come a long way in recent years.  Responsible kennel operators should be more than happy to show you around and to answer any questions.  Ask about veterinary and emergency care, immunizations, exercise schedules, and any other topic you may want to discuss. Speak with any and all staff members who are present. Consider how clean the cages look and how clean the kennel smells. Good basic hygiene is the first and foremost requirement of any kennel.  Proper ventilation is essential in the elimination of airborne viruses and bacteria. Notice if it feels damp, cold, overheated or stuffy.  Notice the appearance of other pets. Choosing a facility that has caretakers within hearing range of the dogs at night is recommended and a kennel that provides all night supervision is ideal. Often kennels will have the availability of extra quality time with the caretakers. This opportunity to socialize with humans is extremely important.

All dogs that are boarded should be current on all vaccinations. Bordetella or kennel cough is a common upper-respiratory infection that is very contagious and can easily be picked up in a kennel situation if a dog is not vaccinated. You should plan on taking Max to your veterinarian about four weeks before leaving on vacation for a complete physical examination and any necessary vaccinations.  In this way you can be confident that he is in good health and will have the proper protection while you are away. Your veterinarian can also be a reliable resource in locating a dependable kennel.

If your schedule and finances allow, it is an excellent idea to take Max to the kennel of your choice for a couple of practice sessions.  Leave him overnight and come back the next morning.  If you can do this several times, he will become conditioned to the fact that when you leave him in this location you will always come back. Calm, highly social and well adjusted dogs seem to enjoy staying in a kennel similar to a way that children enjoy summer camp. Others may simply tolerate it.  Also, remember that people are the only creatures who can tell time.  Separated from their owners, a dog is unlikely to know exactly how long their humans have been away. They do not have a concept of time as we do and will be more affected by the quality of their care at a kennel than by the length of your absence.

The American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA, 4575 Galley Rd. Suite 400A, Colorado Springs, CO 80519) is a trade organization that sets standards for boarding facilities.  It can also help you to locate an approved kennel in your area.  All kennels must be licensed and inspected by state agencies but standards vary from state to state.

While away, make the kennel staff aware of any of Max’s special needs and always leave a phone number in a case of emergency. If you will be difficult to reach, delegate a friend to assume responsibility in your absence. Give your designated representative a signed letter of authority and confirm this with the kennel personnel.  Be sure to familiarize the kennel with the age, breed and behavior of your dog.

 In an ideal world, we would be able to take our pets with us wherever we go.  If you’ve shopped carefully and prepared your pet ahead of time, rest assured, Max will be perfectly fine in a well-run kennel while you’re away.