How long has it been since you’ve gone somewhere without your pet pooch?
If you’re one of the 38 percent of American households who own pet dogs, you understand the struggle of not being able to leave home without juggling the logistics of doggie daycare.
Want to go on vacation? You either have to find a pet-friendly hotel or a reliable pet boarding service to house your pup. But how do you know if a dog boarding facility is reliable, trustworthy, and staffed by competent dog lovers? This quick guide will help you find a place where you feel safe leaving your furry friend when you have to do so.
Look for a Dog Boarding License
Before you agree to leave your dog at a local kennel for a few days or longer, make sure that they are a licensed facility. Unfortunately, not every boarding kennel is licensed. Furthermore, dog kennel licensing requirements vary from state to state.
For instance, only Florida and Connecticut require full licensure for dog boarding services. In Maine, Colorado, Iowa, and Illinois require licenses for boarding and shelter. Other states have less restrictive licensure guidelines and regulations.
Regardless of where you live, look for a licensed pet boarding facility for your own peace of mind. A kennel that prides itself on being legitimate and up to code is most likely to run smoothly with a staff of genuine and caring individuals.
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Seek Recommendations From Friends
What do your fellow dog lovers have to say when you ask them about where they leave their pets while away? Friends can offer the best and most accurate recommendations when it comes to dog boarding facilities. After all, you trust your friends, and if they entrust a facility with their precious pups, that’s a solid plus.
That said, don’t take friends’ testimonials at face value. First, make sure the friends you consult share your standards and values regarding dog care. Are they as meticulous about how and when their dogs are exercised? Do they care as much about their dogs’ specific feeding process as you do?
Go for a Visit
The best way to know if a boarding facility is right for your dog is to visit and take a tour if possible. Some facilities may not be open to visitors, but quality kennel owners that have nothing to hide are usually amenable to giving a quick tour of where your dog would stay.
Even if you can’t have a complete tour of the place, you can quickly tell if it’s somewhere you’re willing to board your dog just by entering the front area. The best dog boarding facilities are clean, they don’t smell terrible, and they are staffed by people who love to interact with dogs.
You might see people playing with pooches in the yard or grooming area as opposed to dogs sitting in cages and hopelessly howling for attention.
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Getting to the Bottom of Boarding Dogs
Now that you know how to search for the right dog boarding facility, are you less anxious to leave your beloved pet in the care of others? Rest assured that licensed kennels that are clean and well-staffed are run with good intentions.
For more useful tidbits and guides about dogs and other pets, visit our blog often. We are here to share fun and interesting content about pets and their adoptive families weekly.
