There may come a time when you need to go out of town and leave your dog behind. If you have friends, family and neighbors who are unable to watch your dog, boarding your dog is always an option. There are many types of boarding facilities and each offers different amenities.
It’s possible to find boarding for dogs no matter where you live. Check with local veterinary clinics and private facilities while asking friends and family for recommendations. You can also look online for options. You can search for kennels and boarding facilities by location at Dog Boarding (http://www.dogboarding.com/). There is a website called DogVacay (http://dogvacay.com/) that allows people to sign up as hosts for your dog, and you can pick and choose at which home you would like your dog to stay.
What to ask
It is important that you know how well your dog will be cared for in your absence and what to expect. Not all facilities have the same atmosphere, nor do they all offer the same amenities. Therefore, you will need to ask the right questions to ensure peace of mind.
What is included? – Each dog should have their own space, such as a crate or kennel. They should have a bed, blanket or other area to sleep on. Upscale boarding facilities may have mini hotel rooms for dogs, complete with carpet, furniture, toys, music and TVs. Dogs should also have regular access to an outside area for bathroom breaks and exercise.
Will the dog be able to exercise? – Some high-energy dogs may not be used to being caged most of the day. Ask the facility if it has a fenced outdoor area for dogs to play and exercise. If not, do they walk your dog several times a day? Be sure to consider your dog’s activity level when choosing a boarding facility.
How much does it cost? – Prices for boarding can vary depending on your location and the type of facility you choose. Some also charge based on the dog’s weight. A basic facility can charge $12-$26 a day. If you prefer a boutique-style boarding facility – with amenities such as heated floors and music – expect to pay upwards of $50 a night. For high-end facilities – complete with furniture, artwork and TVs – expect to pay $100 a night or more. There are many add-on services available as well, but these can end up being costly.
What will your dog eat? – The boarding facility may supply food or ask owners to bring it. Dogs can get an upset stomach if they experience changes to their regular diets. Therefore, you may want to bring your dog’s regular food for feeding regardless.
What if your dog needs veterinary care while you are away? – Most facilities will keep a log of your dog’s daily activities, such as feeding and bathroom habits. If your dog becomes sick or injured while you are away, what is the facility’s protocol? Will the staff call you and let you know? Does the facility have to take your dog to their vet or can the staff take your dog to your regular vet?
Tips
- Visit a facility before you decide on it. You will want to investigate the grounds and check the cleanliness of the kennels. You will also want to see the size of the space your dog will be staying in. Is it big enough to accommodate him?
- Once you choose a facility, reserve your space as soon as possible. Popular boarding facilities fill up quickly, especially in the summer and other vacation periods.
- Ask if there are any special requirements your dog needs before you drop him off at the boarding facility. For example, some facilities require that dogs be up-to-date on their shots or be a certain age, as some facilities do not accept puppies.
- Be sure you have everything when you drop off your dog. If there are any special instructions, write them down and give them to the staff.
- Leave your contact information with the facility as well as the phone numbers of local friends or family in case of an emergency.
- Watch out for add-ons. You may be charged for routine activities such as walks, medications, baths and grooming. Know upfront what these services cost so there are no surprises when you pick up your dog.
- You may want to get your dog microchipped before you drop him off, especially if he has a tendency to dig under fences or escape.