Choosing a Boarding Kennel
Going out of town? A boarding kennel can give your pet quality care—and can give you peace of mind.
Pros and cons of using a boarding kennel
Your pet depends on you to take good care of her—even when you have to be out of town. Friends and neighbors may not have the experience or time to properly look after your pet, particularly for longer trips. Leave pet care to the professionals, such as a pet sitter or boarding kennel.
A facility specializing in care and overnight boarding allows your pet to:
- avoid the stress of a long car or airplane ride to your destination.
- stay where he’s welcome (unlike many hotels).
- receive more attention and supervision than he would if home alone most of the day.
- be monitored by staff trained to spot health problems.
- be secure in a kennel designed to foil canine and feline escape artists.
Potential drawbacks to using a boarding kennel include:
- the stress related to staying in an unfamiliar environment.
- the proximity to other pets, who may expose your pet to health problems.
- the difficulty of finding a kennel that accepts pets other than dogs and cats.
- the inconvenience of the drive over, which can be especially hard on a pet easily stressed by car travel.
How do I find a good kennel?
Ask a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, animal shelter, or dog trainer for a recommendation. You can also check the Yellow Pages under “Kennels & Pet Boarding.” Once you have names, it’s important to do a little background check.
First, find out whether your state requires boarding kennel inspections. If it does, make sure the kennel you are considering displays a license or certificate showing that the kennel meets mandated standards.
Also ask whether the prospective kennel belongs to The Pet Care Services Association, a trade association founded by kennel operators to promote professional standards of pet care. Besides requiring members to subscribe to a code of ethics, The Pet Care Services Association offers voluntary facility accreditation that indicates the facility has been inspected and meets its standards of professionalism, safety, and quality of care. Check with your Better Business Bureau to see whether any complaints have been lodged against a kennel you are considering.
After selecting a few kennels, confirm that they can accommodate your pet for specific dates and can address your pet’s special needs (if any). If you’re satisfied, schedule a visit.
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