You’ve got your bags packed and ready to head out to Florida for a week in the sun. You’ve got your suntan lotion, a new bathing suit that actually fits you, a new SLR camera……..and oh,……who are you going to trust with caring for Fido while you are gone?
Finding the right place to board your dog can take a little homework on your part to ensure that Fido’s vacation is as fun as yours.
All reputable dog boarding facilities will require that your dog’s vaccinations are updated so have a copy available for their records.
Required vaccinations include distemper and rabies. Most facilities also require bordetella, to prevent canine cough, if your dog will be interacting with other dogs. This vaccination is typically given via an injection initially and then an intranasal booster is given every 6 months.
Traditional boarding facilities offer a safe environment for your dog. However, your dog will spend most of his day in a cage and have little to no interaction with other boarders. Caring staff will feed, water and let your dog out to do his business, but they may charge extra for walks, one-on-one playtime, or administering medications. These costs can add significantly to the base rate of the boarding stay. These boarding facilities are ideal for older dogs, dogs that don’t require much activity and younger pups that are not yet spayed or neutered.
Open play environments are ideal for more active, social dogs. Dogs often have to pass an ‘interview’ process to make sure they play well with other dogs. Questions to ask of staff include:
1) Are the play yards indoor /outdoor or just indoor?
2) Do all dogs play together or are they divided by size and temperament?
3) What is the required staff to dog ratio?
4) How does the staff manage the dogs’ behaviors in an open play environment?
Often just calling out the dog’s name or administering a compassionate squirt of water can redirect a dog who is getting too rambunctious or grumpy with his dog buddies. Open play environments are a great social experience for your dog and your dog is likely to have as much fun on his vacation as you are having on yours. And just to make sure, some facilities have webcams so you can watch your dog play while you are away!
Because doggie daycare and boarding is a service-based industry, the facility should be able to accommodate your dog’s needs within reason. This may include feeding your dog his particular diet two or three times per day, providing extra naps as needed or administering medications. Also, ask about staff training. The staff should have basic training in dog behavior and first aid and all staff should be aware of emergency procedures in case a dog becomes ill or is injured.
Safety features to look for include fire alarms, smoke alarms, ambient temperature controls and emergency evacuation procedures. Check to see what environmental barriers are present to keep your dog safe if he were to escape from his kennel or play yard. Cleanliness is also important to ensure your dog is not exposed to bacteria, viruses, or other bugs that may cause illness. Floors and all contact surfaces should be swept and mopped frequently with chemicals that are dog-safe yet provide optimal cleaning and prevent unwanted smells.
And finally, take your dog in to tour the facility and perhaps let him spend a day before you leave him for an extended stay. This will help Fido get used to the new environment and ease your mind that he’ll have a great time on his vacation too!
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