Choosing a Kennel for your dog

With the holidays here, many people will be traveling out of town for a short period of time. In many cases, the family dog can be taken with you to enjoy a new place. In some cases the dog must be left behind. What now?

This can be a stressful time if there is no pet sitter available, or pets are not allowed at the destination. If you cannot take your pet with you, a viable option is to find a kennel where you can board your dog for the time in which you will be away. Not all kennels are created equal, so do some homework on the kennels you are considering.

The basic necessities a kennel should provide include:

· Large kennels and outdoor dog runs

· Clean with disinfectant

· Good ventilation

· Feed dogs on the dog’s schedule

· Use the Individual dog’s food

· Provide clean bedding for the dog

· General cleanliness

· Gives medications when necessary

· Checks on the dog several times a day

· Requires current vaccinations

· Will contact your vet if there is an emergency

· Fresh Water when needed

Some kennels offer more amenities, but will cost a little more. Make sure the kennel covers the basics and ask questions if you have them.

Arrange a tour of the facility a few days before you will be dropping your dog off. Make sure the facility is clean and the dogs are well cared for. If the kennel doesn’t meet the basic criteria, or any specifications you have set, then it is time to figure out a different solution.