No matter how devoted a dog owner you are, there is bound to come a time when you want to go on a vacation and the destination is simply one where you cannot be bringing your four-legged friend.
Aside from the friendly neighbour or helpful family member, or if none of them is available, your next best choice will then be a local dog boarding.
Now, not just any local dog boarding – you will be astonished by simply how many are below acceptable standards, you certainly do not want, and cannot trust your beloved pet with them.
So how do you choose a good local dog boarding then? What are the criteria to look for?
There’s perhaps no other better way to assess the quality of a dog boarding other than to personally pay them a visit.
This is because you get to see everything with your own eyes – what’s the hygiene condition be like? Are the kennels too small? What facilities do they have? Do the boarding dogs look happy? Are the staffs friendly and attentive?
All these, you can see with your own eyes and trust us, they are way better than any review you may see out there.
Also, you get to ask them questions, and this brings us to our next point.
You’ll find out so much when you start asking questions. But you have to ask the right ones.
For example, ask what activities do they provide for their boarding dogs. Is there any exercise time and if yes, how long and how often? Do they get to run free or just lead walking?
You may want to find out if they accept the bringing of your own bedding (and toys perhaps) if you have a particular sensitive dog. It will help make the transition from home much easier.
It is also worth asking if they are a member of any professional body and if their staff has any animal care qualifications. All these point towards how good and professional a dog boarding is in terms of their ability to take good care of your dog.
It is helpful to find out what food they are going to feed your four-legged friend. A good dog boarding will allow you to supply your own food for your dog if that is what you prefer because a change of food can be unsettling to some dog’s digestive system.
Ask also if they are able to replicate your feeding time at home so that your dog can stick to its routine.
Also, make sure that there is always fresh water available constantly at their kennels.
Aside from the basic necessities, find out what other facilities the dog boarding offers.
Are there any activity centers installed? What is their kennel arrangements be like? If you have more than one dog that needs boarding, you may want to see if they allow them to stay together. A good one will, at the very least, let your dogs have some time together each day if they are used to living together at home.
Also, some dog boardings have webcams installed and even apps that allow you to interact with your pet so that it can hear your voice while you keep an eye on him/her during your vacation.
A good dog boarding may even have their very own in-house vet or at the very least, be registered with a local vet so that your dog can get the fastest treatment if need be.
Of course, reviews help especially if they come from friends and family. Ask around if any of them have had any experience with any good local dog boarding and if their dogs come back happy and healthy.
If there’s nobody you know locally who boards their dog, visit a local dog club or search an online forum.
To conclude, it is recommended that you do all of the above but at the end of the day, trust your own feelings and instincts. If something seems amiss or if there’s something that you’re skeptical about, keep looking – do not just settle.
Afterall, only when you’ve found the one that you can 100% trust to look after your beloved pet well that you would be able to enjoy your vacation fully. There are many good options out there – you just have to find them.
Mr Woofles is a dog boarding in Melbourne, offering expert care with a strong focus on your dog’s individual happiness and overall wellbeing. Our dog daycare and boarding programs are focused on providing enrichment and enjoyment for your dogs in a healthy, safe and fun environment.
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