With summer well underway, many of us are planning vacations that may take us away from our beloved pets. If you don’t have friends or family members who are willing to watch your furry friend, you may need to look into boarding options.
For today’s blog post, let’s look at four tips for boarding your dog.
1. Find a trustworthy kennel.
Although you may be tempted to simply google “dog boarding options near me,” we recommend a more thorough approach. To start, ask your vet for their recommendations, as many veterinary offices work closely with nearby boarding facilities. You can also reach out to friends and ask about their experiences boarding their dogs.
When making a final decision, you want to consider your dog’s personality as well as the boarding facility’s reputation. If you have time, make an effort to tour a few potential spots. This will help you see the kennel’s space in person, including indoor and outdoor play areas as well as overnight rooms, and also watch the staff interact with other dogs.
A well-run kennel will be an open book when it comes to how they care for your pets, so be wary of any facility that keeps areas hidden. Also pay attention to places that appear overbooked or disinterested in the boarded dogs.
2. Ask about the facility’s daily activities or schedule.
Think of a kennel as summer camp for your pup! Your dog should have plenty of playtime and interaction with both the staff and other dogs (unless they prefer to be alone). They should also be fed on a regular schedule and have access to water 24/7. Many kennels share daily itineraries with their clients, which may include:
Training exercises for basic obedience skills, like “sit” and “stay”
Playtime with a personalized group of dogs based on compatibility, age, and energy
Water-based playtime, including inflatable swimming pools, sprinklers, and hoses — an especially important feature on hot Florida days!
3. Make sure your dog’s paperwork is in order.
A well-run kennel will ask a lot of questions about your pooch, including past injuries or surgeries, food allergies, and immunization records. Many states require certain vaccinations — like parvovirus, rabies, and distemper — in all boarded animals. Be sure to check with your vet if you’re unsure about your pet’s recent vaccinations! To make the booking process a breeze, gather these details prior to your call or in-person visit.
4. Ask questions!
It’s important to ask questions about how the kennel cares for their guests outside of those basic needs like food, water, and exercise. You can inquire about how the kennel accommodates dogs with health conditions who require daily medications, like an older dog who needs a joint supplement with their morning meal. Additionally, ask if there is a veterinarian on staff or a local vet on-call in case of emergency. Finally, ask about the facility’s approach to keeping their dogs healthy. Do they regularly clean out overnight crates and communal play areas? Do they watch for concerning symptoms and quarantine those dogs as needed?
The Urban Dog Group is excited to share our new partnership with Dogtopia.
Dogtopia is a one-stop-shop when you are looking for a safe and fun place to leave your pup when you can’t be with them — whether it’s during a long work day or a week-long vacation. They are the premier destination for doggy daycare, boarding, and spa services with Central Florida locations in Orlando East, Apopka, Sanford, and Longwood.
Let The Urban Dog Group help you with your real estate needs. Contact Christine Elias at caerealestate@gmail.com.
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