Summer is just around the corner, and that means lots of weekend getaways and even longer vacations. While it can be fun to bring your dog along with you when you
hit the road, it isn?t always convenient. That?s where dog kennelscome in.Dog kennels are traditional boarding facilities where dogs mix and mingle with other furballs during the day and in most cases, sleep in crates at night. Many pet parents like kennels because they cost less than fancy dog hotels, and give your pal more opportunities to socialize than in-home boarding or pet sitting.It?s easy to jump on the internet and find a kennel in your area in a matter of minutes, but before you decide to drop your dog off, there are some important things to consider. Here we?ll provide tips for how to select a good dog kennel so that you can feel confident taking a few days off.
Tip #1: Take a Tour
When considering a kennel, ask if you can take a tour of the facility. You should be allowed to view the play areas as well as where your pup will be sleeping at night.
- Check for signs of cleanliness, such as clean floors. While pet messes are normal occurrences in kennels, they?should still be cleaned up immediately to prevent the spread of disease and parasites.
- Make sure that fresh water is available at all times.
- Make sure that there are sleeping crates available to accommodate?your dog?s size.
Tip #2: Observe Staff and Dogs
A good kennel will have trained staff members keeping watch over the dogs at all times. Take some time to observe the play area. Are the staff members distracted or engaged? Are they stepping in to stop problems before they escalate? Are dogs allowed to behave aggressively?- Look for a kennel with staff members who seem to genuinely enjoy dogs and who are paying close attention to what?s going on around them.
- While a little wrestling is normal dog behavior, dogs should never be allowed to fight or bite.
- The safest kennels separate dogs by size, reducing the likelihood of small dogs becoming injured or frightened.