Your Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Dog Boarding Facility
Choosing the right dog boarding facility is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Like most dog owners, you want the best for your furry friend. You want to know that your dog will be safe, happy, and well cared for while you’re gone.
Of course, bringing your dog with you on vacation or business trips isn’t always possible. That’s why dogs need dog boarding facilities, and finding one that fits your needs can be challenging. The last thing you like to do when you go out of town is worry about your dog.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a dog boarding facility:
- Staff And Experience
Staff and experience are among the most important factors in choosing a dog boarding facility. The staff should have experience with all breeds and different needs for each breed. Expert dog trainers should also train them in handling dogs with special needs such as those being aggressive or destructive.
They should also be able to take care of ill or injured dogs who need medications or special diets. The staff should also be trained in animal first aid and CPR, as well as have an understanding of veterinary care. These are essential skills to have in case of an emergency while you are away, so your dog can receive the best possible treatment. This will help ensure that your pet is safely cared for while away from home.
- Facility Cleanliness
When choosing a dog boarding facility, it’s essential to remember that the facility’s conditions can significantly impact your dog’s health and well-being. Facility cleanliness is perhaps the most important factor when choosing a dog boarding facility. A clean, well-maintained facility will go a long way toward ensuring that your dog will be comfortable and healthy while spending time at the facility.
The best way to determine if a dog boarding facility is clean is by visiting it in person. If possible, schedule a tour with an employee so you can ask questions about how often they clean their kennels and what type of cleaning products they use.
- Veterinary Care
Before you board your pet, make sure you choose a dog boarding facility that provides veterinary care. The facility must be able to administer vaccinations and provide emergency care if needed.
A reputable dog kennel will have a strict protocol for routine vet care, including vaccinations and parasite prevention. They should also have a policy on how they handle emergencies and what happens when an urgent situation arises.
You should ask about any additional services that are offered such as grooming or training. For example, some facilities provide obedience classes or alternative therapies such as hypnosis for dogs with behavioral issues.
- Amenities
Amenities are one of the vital things to consider when choosing a dog boarding facility. Many factors can determine what amenities are available, but they’ll include indoor and outdoor play areas and room size. One thing to remember is that if you choose a facility that offers more amenities, you should expect to pay more money for your pet’s stay.
Here are some of the essential amenities of a dog boarding facility:
- Climate-Controlled Environment
A climate-controlled environment reduces stress on your dog. Dogs are more comfortable in a room at the same temperature as their body, so they’re often curled up in small spaces like under blankets and beds. Dogs often get overheated when left outside in the heat, so many boarding facilities offer fans or air conditioning to keep your pup cool.
- Indoor Play Area
Dogs need exercise, so they must have plenty of room to run around inside the facility. The size of the indoor area should be proportional to the number of dogs housed there. This will ensure that all dogs get enough space to play with each other and stretch their legs.
- Outdoor Play Area
Most dog owners want their pets to enjoy outdoor time as much as possible, so outdoor play areas are essential for most people who use pet daycare or boarding services. Outdoor play areas can be fenced-in spaces or open fields where pets can run freely without being on leashes all day long.
- Indoor Sleeping Quarters
Dogs often feel more comfortable sleeping indoors, away from the dangers of being outside. The sleeping quarters in these facilities are usually spacious and well-lit so dogs can feel safe while they sleep. The sleeping quarters are generally big enough so that many dogs can rest comfortably in one area without being too crowded or suffocated by each other.
- Grooming And Bath Area
These are a must-have for any dog boarding facility. Dogs love to be clean, and they love a good bath. If your dog is like this, you’ll want to ensure that your dog boarding facility has a grooming and bathing area for your dog to use if your pup needs one. The groomers will also brush their teeth, which is another thing dogs love.
- Socialization Activities
Socialization is an integral part of any dog’s life. It’s how they learn about the world, other animals, and people. When you’re at home with your dog, you can play with them, take walks together, and show them new things. Unfortunately, this is impossible when you’re out of town or at work all day.
If you ever leave your pet in a kennel, they must experience socialization activities while they’re there. Socializing will help keep their mind sharp and allow them to stay happy while they’re away from home. If this isn’t done regularly, they may become bored or depressed without proper stimulation.
A good boarding facility will have many different ways for your dog to meet new people and other dogs while they stay there. Some even offer classes where the staff will work with their pet one-on-one over time to help them get used to being around new people and other dogs in public places.
- Feeding Schedule
Dog boarding facilities should have a feeding schedule. This is important because it helps the staff know when to give food and water to the dogs. The dog boarding facility can also use this as a way to monitor if the dogs are eating well or not. Dogs must eat well when staying at a dog boarding facility as it shows they’re comfortable in their environment and aren’t stressed out or anxious about anything.
Every dog has different needs when it comes to food, so the facility needs to know what kind of diet your dog requires and provide them with the right amount of food accordingly. This will ensure that your dog stays healthy while staying at the facility, which will make them happier and keep them safe from any health problems that may arise due to lack of nutrition or overfeeding.
- Ask For Referrals
When looking for a dog boarding facility, it’s important to ensure you get the best one. You want to ensure that your pet is safe and comfortable while they’re at the facility. If you ask for referrals from friends and family, this will help you to find the best place for your dog.
- Ask Your Friends And Family
You can always ask your friends and relatives if they know of anyone who has used a dog boarding facility before. When they tell you about their experiences, you’ll be able to see if they’re happy with their choice or not. If they weren’t satisfied with their experience, it’s best to find another place for your dog to stay while you’re away on vacation or work.
- Check Online Reviews
There are many online websites where people can post reviews on businesses like dog boarding facilities. Checking online reviews on reputable websites will help you determine if this business is worth using or not. The more positive reviews there are for a particular business, the better chance it has of being trustworthy and reliable when providing quality care for pets needing temporary housing during travel or emergencies where owners cannot be present.
- Certification
Before booking a dog boarding facility, the first thing to check is whether it has certification from the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).
The AVA is an organization that represents the veterinary profession in Australia. It can help you find a reputable dog boarding facility by providing information about the accreditation process and listing approved facilities.
You can search for dog boarding facilities on the AVA website or a search engine such as Google. The results will show you how many certified facilities are in your area. Dog boarding facilities should be licensed and certified. This is especially important for those who board their dogs in a kennel or a private home.
Final Thoughts on Choosing The Right Dog Boarding Facility
If you’re looking for a dog boarding facility, take your time and choose the right one. Your dog’s happiness and health are at stake. It’s vital that your pet feels safe and comfortable and that they have a fantastic time while you’re away. Dog boarding is an important part of your dog’s life, so you must take the time to choose the best option for your pup.