Room with a view 101



Boarding your dog can be a rewarding experience for you and your dog if you do your homework beforehand. If your vet office also has a boarding kennel, that could be ideal for you and your dog. You and Fido are already familiar with the vet, staff and facilities. If a problem arises while you are away, they can treat and medicate your dog as necessary.

1. Compile a list of questions that are important to you. Such as:

What are the normal business hours?
Does the kennel have a 24 hour vet available nearby?
Will the boarding facility allow the pets personal items?
Do all pets have to show proof of vaccination?
Can the Boarding facility provide you a copy of their kennel policies for your review?
Are cages cleaned and sanitized daily?
Are the dogs removed during the cleaning and sanitizing of the cages?
Is it an extra fee for medicating, bathing or exercising your dog?
Can the kennel provide a list of references?
How many dogs do they board on an average daily basis?

2. Let your fingers do the walking. That’s right, turn to your local yellow pages. If the person on the other end of the line is short with you or seems in a hurry, maybe you might want to look elsewhere for boarding services. This may be a good time to ask the list of questions you complied. Note: Verify before you start your list of questions the receptionist has the time to answer the questions. If you are calling at an extremely busy time, you may want to try later.

3. Check it Out! I would definitely check out the local boarding kennels thoroughly, some you may want to avoid like a bad yard sale…just keep on driving. Carry your list of questions, re-ask the questions and compare the information you obtained over the phone to the information you are getting in person.

4. Trial Run. You may want to board Fido overnight or for the weekend as a trial run. This way, if you decide you are not completely secure in leaving him there, you have time to look for another boarding facility.

5. Information please. Be sure to give as much information about your dog as possible. If at all possible, compile the information on your computer and print it out, just in case you handwriting is not all that legible. Save the information on your computer, so you can change or add to it as needed.

Room with a view 101 List
Pets’ personal information
Your contact information
Your close friend or a family members contact information (Just in case they cannot reach you)
Phone number where you will be
Vet information
Pets’ medical history
Food
Medication
Pets’ personal Bedding or bed
Leash
Collar with identification tag
Pets’ personal food/water bowls
Toys
Treats
Sweaters (if your dog is used to wearing them)
Photo of you and your pet (this reminds kennel workers that your dog has family members that adore him)