How To Choose A Pet Boarding Facility

You would definitely want a kennel facility to board your pet when you are going for a vacation, or are out for long hours. The time to look for such facilities is now and not just before you need it. Pet boarding is a very competitive business and it is good for customers looking for high quality care. You could also depend on the instructions and accreditation of Pet Care Services Association.

Use the following checklist to find the best pet boarding facility:

• The facility should be near your home, so that you can pick up and retrieve your pet easily and conveniently. Also it should be in a safe locality and neighborhood that is free of heavy traffic, noise or a manufacturing unit. It should be securely fenced and gated to prevent pets from accidently running away and it should be difficult to for any unauthorized persons to enter it.

• Next it is necessary to ensure that the staff are genuinely interested in the pets and have training or certification in pet care. They should be friendly and ready to help you. Besides being warm and competent there should be someone in the facility to attend to the pets 24/7.  

• It is best to also ascertain if the staff has good contact procedures to contact you and you can also contact the staff 24/7 in case of need.

• Ascertain whether the facility has a vet on call in case of emergency; also ascertain if the facility would contact your vet in case of illness.

• It is next important to ascertain if the pets have had all vaccinations especially for rabies and kennel cough; also would the facility administer medicines given to your pet on regular prescriptions.

• It is necessary to ensure that the facility looks and smells clean and that the cleanliness is consistently maintained. Ensure the food bowels and feedings are consistently changed to prevent spread of disease.

• Next find out if the food is to be supplied by you or does the facility have a feeding schedule.

• Next ensure the facility has plenty of light and good ventilation. Also gather information if each dog has a kennel or they are kenneled together. There should be sufficient place to play. Also ensure that each dog have an elevated platform with clean bedding so they are not resting on the concrete floor.

• Next gather information about whether the facility has provisions for bathing and grooming your pet.

• Ensure that the facility does not produce anxiety and is fun, joy, relaxed, and camaraderie; the facility should be homely not clinical.

• Next ensure if the rates charged matches the services provided.

• Lastly check with the Better Business Bureau and investigate online if there have ever been any complaints lodged against the facility; if there are any and you still like the facility you could ask the administration for an explanation.   

If you are satisfied you could rest in peace that your pet is making new friends at the facility as you vacation.

Image Courtesy: Google