Do you travel frequently? Or do you only leave town occasionally? Either way, it’s a good idea to develop a strong relationship with a reputable kennel. You don’t want to entrust just anyone with your beloved pet’s care and well-being. You want a reputable kennel that you can rely on to provide the peace of mind you need. Knowing that your furry bestie is secure, sound, and well-cared for at the pet hotel is crucial! A Slidell, LA vet offers some tips on choosing a great dog boarding kennel below.
Exercise Opportunities
Many kennels provide additional walks, cuddle sessions, or playtime as an add-on. However, your dog should be walked at least twice a day as part of the basic package. (If Fido has his own tiny run, once per day should suffice.)
Privacy
While some pets are very social and like spending time with their friends, others are uncomfortable with too many roommates and neighbors. Pets should, at a minimum, have their own sleeping quarters.
Kennel Setup
A boarding kennel should be substantially larger than one seen at a veterinary office or groomer. Your pet should be able to sit, stand, stretch, stroll, and turn around without being constrained by the kennel walls or roof.
Climate Control
Climate control is another important feature to look for. Even if you live in a relatively constant climate, you must ensure that your pet is protected from heat and cold.
Standards/Policies
Good kennels also have certain restrictions for the pets they accept. For example, most will not accept puppies or kittens that have not finished their first round of vaccinations. They’ll also be picky about their customers, and they may evaluate each pet before booking them to ensure that they only allow nice, well-behaved guests inside their facility. That is critical for the safety of both the kennel staff and the other pets.
Veterinary Attention
If your pet experiences an emergency at a kennel, rest assured that they will receive urgent attention. Inquire if the kennel has a veterinarian on staff or if they work closely with a certain clinic. (Note: this isn’t a concern if you board at your Slidell, LA vet’s.)
Perks and Upgrades
Kennels all work a little differently. Many are becoming more like luxury hotels or spas for their canine companions. Inquire about the extras you can get for your four-legged companion! These may include extra cuddles, food, catnip, playing, or walks.
Documentation/Vaccination Requirements
Avoid any kennel that does not require confirmation of your pet’s recent vaccinations. Fido should be up to date on not only his core immunizations, but also be current with a few non-essential vaccines like Bordetella and Parvo. They may also require information or documents regarding your pet’s medical history.
Kennel Setup
Many boarding kennels allow both dogs and cats. However, Fido and Fluffy should never be kept close together. Being in a room with a lot of dogs can be quite distressing for kitties!
Booking Procedures
Booking policies will vary because each kennel operates differently. Make sure the kennel has reasonable policies for things like cancellations, extended stays, and so on. Read over any paperwork carefully.
Reputation
Look up reviews for the pet boarding kennel you’re considering. One or two negative reviews among many positive ones may not be a dealbreaker, as they could indicate a demanding customer. You want a place where the vast majority of feedback is good.
You can also ask friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family members to recommend a reputable kennel.
Location
You may start your search by typing ‘dog boarding near me’ or ‘puppy boarding near me.’ However, do not limit yourself to what is within five minutes of your home. It may be worthwhile to go an extra 10, 20, or even 30 minutes for an excellent site.
Staff Qualifications:
One question you should ask is regarding the kennel staff’s qualifications and experience. While it may be appropriate to have someone new and inexperienced do some fundamental jobs, such as cleaning, more experienced staff members should always be on hand. (This is one benefit of boarding with your vet.)
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is one of the first things you should look for when touring a kennel. A messy kennel indicates that the personnel is not committed to maintaining facilities clean and sanitary, which speaks volumes about their overall quality standards. That is not to imply you should expect it to be completely immaculate. However, it should normally appear clean and well-kept, with little odor of trash.
We recommend asking how often kennels are cleaned and sanitized.
Feeding/Packaging Standards
Kennels have varied policies about whether or not you can bring Fido’s bed. However, most permit certain things, such as toys or comfort items.
They should also be clear about food requirements. For example, many prefer that kibble be separated and labeled.
General Atmosphere
You can also get a pretty good idea of a kennel just by observing how the staff and pets seem. If every worker seems to be stressed and unhappy, well, it’s not a good sign. And while some of the pets may clearly be less than thrilled about being away from home, they should be clearly comfortable and well looked after.
Book A Stay At Our Slidell, LA Kennel
Are you looking for a great home away from home for your furry bestie? Please feel free to reach out to us! As your Slidell, LA pet hotel, we are here to help!
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