How do you find a good kennel for your pets?
If any of you are like me, you shudder at the idea of having to leave a pet in a kennel.... a kennel where the little guy or gal doesn't know anyone...and, worse yet, you aren't quite sure if you can trust the place to take the kind of care you do with your loved one.
But, sometimes, like a lot of times around the busy holidays, a kennel is the only choice. Dr. Wanda V. Pool, a vet who owns Deepwood Veterinary Clinic in Centreville, Va., has some tips on how to find one you can feel good about.
1. Research: Find out about boarding facilities from reliable sources, like veterinarians, and tour the place before you bring your beloved pet to stay there. (Make sure no complaints have been lodged against a facility by checking with the Better Business Bureau.)
2. Sniff test: Satisfy yourself that the boarding kennel you choose is safe, clean and comfortable, providing good care from knowledgeable, experienced staff.
3. Healthy standards: Confirm that the kennel requires all boarding animals to meet health standards. The kennel should insist on current vaccinations, including protection against kennel cough (Bordetella) and the new emerging virus, canine influenza H3N8.
4. Pet Identification: Make sure your pet is properly identified during its boarding stay. The kennel should provide a highly visible ID collar as a help to kennel staff.
5. Just in Case: Kennels should require owners to provide the name and contact information of their veterinarian and/or a signed release form authorizing medical care.
6. Expecting the Unexpected: Kennels should have plans in place to handle health emergencies, including disease outbreaks.
7. Pet Inspection: Closely look at your pet when you fetch it from the kennel and look for signs of fleas, scrapes or bruises, or illness, such as discharge from the eyes or nose.
8. Relax: Maintain your composure when dropping off and retrieving pets from kennels so they can model your good behavior.
A spaniel gets some TLC while staying at Reisterstown Board Kennel. Sun file photo.
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
Comments
Club Pooche in Columbia is not a typical "kennel" Voted "Best Doggie Daycare" in Howard County, you and your dog will be pleased to stay there. Check them out on the web www.clubpooche.com
Posted by: Warren | December 1, 2009 10:04 AM
For cats I can highly recommend Kitty Castle in Reistertown. They take wonderful care of my cats and are very reasonably priced.
Posted by: LoriAnn | December 1, 2009 10:43 AM
If you have multiple animals, in-home pet care can be a good option. I have 3 dogs, and an overnight visit through Fetch pet care is about $65. That's a pretty good deal to me considering the pups get to stay in their house and I don't have to deal with all the paperwork and carting thim to and fro.
Posted by: dcdiva | December 1, 2009 12:47 PM
Luckily I havent had the need to kennel any or my dogs but thanks for the checklist. I will keep this in mind when i have to!
Posted by: Samantha James | December 1, 2009 4:36 PM
Not sure if I'd put my pet in a kennel. I prefer my pets to stay in their environment because it will be less stressful for them. You can find "pet sitters" who will watch your pet while you are on vacation. Look for the ones that are licensed and insured.
Posted by: Rebecca | December 2, 2009 9:47 AM
i looked into kennels for my son, a min pin, but i opted for personal dogsitting. i find kennels impersonal and scary. your poor dog is locked in a cage for hours and has to listen to other barking dogs with only a small blanket. no me likey!!!
Posted by: minpinmama | December 2, 2009 11:47 AM
... and after all the research and references - you can still get screwed. One kennel put two of my dogs together even though I requested and paid for separate kennels. The result was a 50 dollar vet bill that they wouldn't pay for - other than a credit against future boarding. I
Posted by: Olivia | December 5, 2009 5:36 PM