How to Choose a Pet Boarding Facility for Your Dog
Sometimes, you’ll go on a trip or have some kind of emergency and need to leave your dog with boarding. But how do you choose the right facility for your buddy?
Daily Routine
First off, ask the staff how the dogs in their care usually spend their day. The canines must be given enough opportunities to expend their excess energy. Ask them about the pets’ overnight routine as well.
Amenities
Find a place that provides stress-busting amenities, such as a playground where the pets can exercise or engage in group play. Even in highly rated facilities, dogs can still have a hard time coping with boarding, especially in the beginning.
Staff Supervision
Ask them if the pets are being supervised by trained staff during group play. Doggos should always be supervised while playing to avoid accidents or confrontations that can lead to injuries.
Cleanliness and Facility Size
It’s a must to choose a clean, disinfected facility so that your dog stays as healthy and happy as when you left him. This is one of the most important reasons to pick a place that is spacious enough to allow the free circulation of air. This will help prevent the spread of disease-causing microorganisms among the animals.
24/7 Staffing
Choose a facility with 24-hour staffing. Even when they’re not in play, pets should never be left alone. There should always be someone available in the event of an emergency.
Staff Training
The facility you choose should have staff trained and experienced in animal care. A good knowledge of dog behavior, care or even training will make them respond better to any potential issues.
Social Interaction
If you have very active and friendly dog, find him a facility that lets him engage with people and dogs outside the facility. Talk to the staff about your dog’s personality, and if he tends to be the quiet type who doesn’t enjoy much company, make sure to mention that. Just because you have to be away doesn’t mean your pet has to be miserable.
Overall Medical Emergency Preparedness
Ask the staff how they usually manage general emergencies and what policies they have in place. In addition, find out which animal hospital they usually take the pets to when necessary.
Medical Care
If your dog has any specific medical condition, ask what training their staff has in terms of administering medications and if they are familiar with that condition. Finally and very importantly, ask them if they are equipped to deal with an emergency and if a veterinarian will be on board round the clock.