Finding the Best Kennel for Your Dog

It can be a stressful experience when your dog has to stay overnight away from home. However, the right boarding facility can take away all the doubt and make a big difference in how enjoyable the stay and experience is for your dog. Finding the best kennel may be a challenging experience if proper channels are not observed. However, doing a few things will help you get the right kennel in a simple way. Consider the following during the selection process.

Supervision and Interaction in the Facility

Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. A good kennel unit will offer a wide range of opportunities for dogs to engage their body and mind in various activities such as walks, food puzzles and playtime with other dogs and staff members.

Confirm if the boarding facility is well staffed at night. Dogs should not be left unattended to at night since medical emergencies that require immediate attention may arise. The kennel unit must be able to identify dogs with special medical conditions and issue constant supervision for them.  

Whether Vaccinations Are Required

Start by making a detailed inquiry in the boarding facility on the nature of vaccinations offered. Some boarding kennels may not even have such vaccinations which are important when dogs are grouped together. The kennel of your choice should be able to offer the necessary vaccinations, including Bordetella, a kennel cough, for all the dogs in the facility. You must also ensure that all your dog's vaccinations are up to date before dropping them off to the facility.

The Facility's Layout

Go ahead and ask about the boarding facility layout. A good kennel facility with indoor/outdoor dog runs will allow your dog to periodically access the sun and play around during the day. It will offer the necessary protection from cold during the night. For facilities with indoor kennels alone, make sure they provide spacious units for ample walks during the day and access to outdoor runs. The outside areas should offer enough shade and protection for harsh weather like snow and rain.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioners must be available in warmer climates especially when your dog is heat intolerant. The facility should be well disinfected on a daily basis and must have proper ventilation to discourage odors and allow airflow. You may consider asking for a tour around the facility to evaluate the comfort and cleanliness of pets.

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