Boarding Your Pet in a Kennel

BOARDING YOUR PET IN A KENNEL

Here are some tips for choosing a good boarding facility and your preparations for your pet should the need arise.

Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right about the kennel, it probably isn't!

All responsible kennel owners should willingly show you every area where the pets are kept.

The kennel should be clean and orderly.

Food and water bowls should be cleaned and neatly stacked.

Food should be stored off the floor and labeled for each pet (Remember s/he'll already be stressed by being away from home, so you should ALWAYS take his/her own food (with WRITTEN feeding instructions) and food and water bowls to the facility. This will help avoid GI disturbances like vomiting and diarrhea.).

A well-run kennel should not have offensive odors -- regardless of how many pets are there. There should be adequate ventilation and cleanings to prevent this.

The temperature of the kennels shouldn't be too hot or cold.

Ask what the procedure is if your pet escapes somehow.

Make sure you take ALL MEDICATIONS your pet needs with WRITTEN instructions, including Heartworm Prevention if your dog will be due while boarding.

For DOGS:

Ask to see the outdoor exercise areas. They should be spotless and made of concrete or gravel.

Ask whether every dog receives outdoor exercise or whether there is an extra fee for this. Some people believe that every dog should be exercised -- not just the ones who pay extra.

Ask whether every dog receives a little petting and individual attention, or whether there is an extra fee for this. Some people believe that every dog should have some individualized attention -- not just the ones who pay extra.

A responsible kennel will require your dog to have updated shot records, including Rabies, DHLPP and Bordatella (Kennel Cough) vaccinations (While responsible kennels require dogs that are not up-to-date on their Kennel Cough vaccinations to get one upon admission for boarding, recent studies have shown that the vaccine works MUCH BETTER if given 10-14 days BEFORE admission).

The kennels should be sturdy and secure, and the outdoor areas should be fenced overhead and have overhead protection from the elements.

For CATS:

Ask to see the cat exercise areas. They should be spotless and be absolutely secure from escape or places where your kittly can crawl in and get trapped.

Ask whether every cat receives exercise or whether there is an extra fee for this. Some people believe that every cat should be exercised -- not just the ones who pay extra.

Ask whether every cat receives a little petting and individual attention, or whether there is an extra fee for this. Some people believe that every cat should have some individualized attention -- not just the ones who pay extra.

A responsible kennel will require your cat to have updated shot records, including Rabies, FVRCP and Feline Leukemia vaccinations.

Litter boxes should be changed AT LEAST twice daily.

Ideally, cats should be boarded in a separate area from dog boarding.

For BIRDS:

Birds must always be boarded in areas separate from dog and cat boarding.

Birds should always be boarded in their own cages.

Make sure you supply adequate food and treats (with WRITTEN feeding instructions) and any medications (again, with WRITTEN instructions).

Ask whether every bird receives a little petting and individual attention, or whether there is an extra fee for this. Some people believe that every bird should have some individualized attention -- not just the ones who pay extra.

A responsible kennel will require your bird to have updated shot records, including any vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian.

Cage paper should be changed AT LEAST twice daily.

A little detective-ing and good preparation and communication on your part should result in a worry-free boarding experience and a happy reunion when you return.

We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your veterinarian's office, or feel free to e-mail us.

David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC