How To Choose A Pet Boarding Facility?

Answer 1

Finding a place to trust your best friend with while you are out of town is never easy. The most important thing is finding a facility that is clean, well supervised, and provides adequate accommodations for your pet. The rule of thumb is that a cage should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down in comfortably. Many boarding facilities also offer doggie daycare, which is time for them to play freely with other well behaved dogs. For the feline lover it is best to look for a facility that houses the cats separately from the dogs, as they will be very uncomfortable if kept in close quarters with barking dogs all day. Although all boarding facilities will claim to provide the best in accommodations for your pet, it is best not to judge a book by it’s cover, and take a look at the place yourself. Here are a few tips to get you on the right track to finding Fido a new home.

Make a list of local pet boarding facilities in your area, and decide which ones you would like to visit. When you walk in the door, try to get a feel for the place. Are the people at the front desk friendly? Ask to speak with the kennel manager or the lead person on duty to see if they will give you a tour of the place. If they refuse to let you in the boarding area, walk out. This means that there is something back there they do not want you to see. Any reputable boarding facility will be proud to show you the accommodations.

If they allow you in the boarding area, the next thing to take note of is how it smells. A facility that smells like dogs is okay, but if there is an underlying scent of urine or feces, this means that it is most likely not the right place for your pet. A well run pet boarding facility will look and smell clean.

Last, but definitely not least, check around and compare prices for boarding. While it may seem that the most expensive place is the best option, this is not always the case. There are many clean, well run pet boarding facilities out there that provide excellent accommodations for your pet without charging a mint of money.

Answer 2

While many pet lovers often consider a pet as a member of the family, there are certain places furry friends can’t go. This can be extremely stressful and create quite an inconvenience for both the pet and the owner. Pet boarding is an option that most pet owners have to consider at some point. To lessen the anxiety, it’s important that the owner and the pet are completely comfortable with the chosen facility.

Since many pet owners think of a pet as a child, choosing a pet boarding facility can be handled in a similar fashion as choosing a daycare. Owners will probably be curious about the environment and the activities the pet will participate in while separated, so visits to the facility might assist in making the best choice. Once the facility is chosen and the pet is boarded, the memory of happy pets enjoying their stay at the pet boarding facility could also help to ease a nervous owner’s mind.

Inquire about the services offered. Many pet boarding facilities offer grooming, nail care, massage, and other pampering services which are designed to spoil the pet. This could be interpreted as a reward, instead of a separation, making both the pet and the owner feel better.

Ask for references. As with a daycare, what goes on when the parents are off campus is sometimes quite different than what is seen during the initial tour. These cases are rare, but be aware that they do exist. It should be quite comforting to speak with pet owners who have used the facility in the past. Particularly, ask for a list of references that are repeat customers. These are people who were pleased with the service of the facility to the point of using their services again.

A pet is usually a wonderful addition to a family. It’s said that a person’s pet only knows one responsibility and that is to show love to their owners. Finding the right boarding facility will show your pet that you have the same goal. The wonderful thing about a pet is that a pet will always love you, but you’ll both feel better if your pet is in the right boarding facility.

Answer 3

If you are among the many people who regard their pets as family members, you probably go to great lengths to make sure that your pet is well-fed, well-cared for, safe and content. When the time comes for you to go on vacation, most likely, your pet cannot join you. Fortunately, there are many facilities that board pets for people like you. If you decide to take advantage of one of these, you must investigate it thoroughly, so that you are sure your precious pet is cared for properly.

Make a list of possibilities

Come up with a list of nearby pet boarding facilities. Check the phone book, check online and ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Your veterinarian may have some reputable facilities to recommend. Your vet may even provide boarding services in-house. Once your list is compiled, eliminate those that are not suitable. Perhaps someone told you of a bad experience he had with a company; maybe another is too far away.

Call each facility

Now that you have a list of candidates, call each one. Ask about their facilities, prices and policies. If your pet requires special care or attention, mention the situation and note the response. If you do not like some of the things you hear about some of the facilities during these conversations, cross those off your list. You should narrow down your lists to several possibilities.

Visit the facilities

Visit each pet boarding facility remaining on your list, and request a tour. Note the condition of the animals, the cleanliness of the facility and the attitudes of the people that interact with the animals. If you see anything that raises a red flag during your visit, cross that facility off your list.

Gather a list of pet boarding facilities based on recommendations from people you trust. Then, call and visit each facility to choose the one that suits you and your pet best.

After doing your research and leg-work, you should have a good idea of which pet boarding facility is best. Make your reservations, and drop your pet off there when the time comes. Ensure that you provide the facility with all the information regarding your pet that the facility needs to provide appropriate care, and enjoy your vacation secure in the knowledge that your pet is well-cared for and safe.