Dog Boarding Care & Dog Day Care Resources

Dog boarding and doggie day care aren't something you should consider lightly for your pet.  While there are plenty of respectable, boarding kennels available, there are also some that won’t give your dog the care he deserves.  If you have decided to use a dog boardingor day care facility to watch your pet while you are on vacation or temporarily can’t care for him, be sure you know what to expect and what will be provided for your loved pet.

The first thing you should know is that, rather than having a neighbor check in a few times a day or dragging your pet along on a long, uncomfortable car trip, dog boarding is one of the best things you can do for your pet’s safety and comfort.  And, if you're a 9 to 5'er, dog day care is a reasonable option for your four legged friend. Most kennels have trained, responsible staff who will not only feed, water and care for your pet’s physical needs, they will also provide a nurturing, enjoyable environment that your dog will enjoy while you are gone.

 

Many places that provide dog boarding are also affiliated with or provide grooming services and other extras.  If you are going to board your dog for two or more days, consider arranging to have your dog groomed, including having his nails clipped and a nice shampoo, the day before you pick him up.  This is a nice treat that most dogs enjoy, and he will be clean and ready to go when you pick him up.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that dog boarding isn’t just about the food provided and whether there is proper physical care, although these things are extremely important.  You should also get the impression that the people who will be caring for your pet are genuine dog lovers.  Visit the facility and, if possible, watch them interact with some of the dogs in their care.  Ask if there are play and exercise sessions every day and if someone on the staff would be willing to walk your dog if he is accustomed to it on a daily basis.  The more interested the staff is in meeting your pet’s unique needs, the better off your pet will be while staying at a dog boarding kennel. 

 

If you are going to be taking your pet to a dog boarding kennel for the first time, make the trip a short one.  Remember, this is new territory for your pet, and he may take some time to adjust.  If you can let him stay at a boarding kennel for just a few days (perhaps over a weekend) the first time, he will have to chance to get to know his caregivers and adjust to your absence.  He will also learn that you will, in fact, come back to get him.  That way when you have to board him for a longer stretch (two weeks or more), he will adjust more easily because he will be familiar with his surroundings. 

 

Finally, be sure that if your dog has a particular toy or “security object,” such as a blanket, you take this with you to the kennel.  Most dog boarding facilities will allow your pet to keep this security toy with him during his stay so that he will feel more comfortable.  If you keep these things in mind, dog boarding can be a safe, pleasant experience for your dog whenever you need to go away without him.