Pet Boarding: Take Care when Choosing a Kennel

It is not always possible to bring your pets with you on vacation. In fact, it is most stressful for animals to travel. Choosing a good kennel is essential for your pet to have just as good of a vacation as you. Here are some tips you should consider when choosing a kennel that is right for your pet.

Take a tour of the facility and write down what you find out about the following areas:

1. Smell. Does the facility smell clean? If not is it properly ventilated and does it offer decent lighting? If the facility doesn't smell clean there is a good chance it is not sanitary. In which case you better run for the nearest door. You don't need your pet coming home with an illness and probably fleas.

2. Temperature. Is it too hot or too cold? The temperature should be close to the temperature in your home for your pet to feel comfortable.

3. Staff. Are the workers caring and compassionate? Does it look like they take pride in their work? Are they knowledgeable and capable of handling emergencies should they arise? Do they require your pet to be current with their vaccination including kennel cough? This will help to inure that your pet come home as healthy as he or she went in.

4. Exercise. Are there areas your pet can run around? Is there a scheduled exercise time for your pet? You don't just want your animal locked in a cage the whole time you are away.

5. Bedding. Is bedding provided for your pet? Are they expected to sleep on the concrete floor? Can you bring your pet's favorite bed? These are questions you should ask the staff since your pet will most likely spend a lot of time in their assigned kennel.

6. Cats and Dogs. Cats should be kept separate from dogs. This is for obvious reasons. You will also want to make sure each animal has his or her own food and water dishes.

7. Meals. What meals are going to be fed to your pet? Are they going to get fed a well balanced diet? If you have a puppy or kitten are they going to be fed appropriate meals? If you have a special brand of food your pet eats ask if you can bring it with you.

Remember a great kennel will listen to all of your concerns and work with you to ensure your pet has a comfortable stay.