Can Rover Sleep Over: The Basics of Boarding

 

When Kensington resident Kris Cardall and her family got their new puppy, Picasso, their dog-sitting plans seemed simple: Cardall’s parents would take care of the Malti-Poo whenever they traveled.

But the first trip away didn’t go so well. Picasso spent the week hiding under a couch.

So, with Thanksgiving looming and no new plan in place, anxiety crept up on Cardall. She called a friend to ask what she did with her Cavalier, Cody, when she left town, and the friend recommended a local home-based boarding business.

“It was October when I first contacted the business to make a reservation for Thanksgiving,” Cardall said. “It was late in the game and I was worried. [The owner] was great; she met with us and we did a trial day of day care to make sure Picasso would be happy. We were really lucky.” 

Cardall’s situation is not unique. Getting caught without quality care for your pets is stressful, which is why backup plans and established relationships are important.

Doing your homework by carefully checking out potential caretakers can help provide peace of mind, and it could open up a whole new world of opportunities for you and your best friend. It’s best to start touring facilities well in advance of travel, because many places book up months — even years — in advance. With the winter holidays looming, there is no time to lose in making arrangements.  

Here are your boarding options:

Home-based Boarding

Home-based boarding is a popular choice. For many people, the thought of their pups staying in a cozy, home-like setting is comforting. But make sure the business is licensed and insured before signing your dog up, and tour the home to observe the set-up with an eye for potential safety hazards and compatibility for your pup. It’s also a good idea to ask the provider how many dogs will be boarding at one time. It is important to know the provider’s plan for emergencies, exercising the dogs, and how long they might be left unsupervised. Be sure to discuss sleeping arrangements.. As much as is possible, you are looking for a home and routine that is similar to your own.

Always bring your dog when you visit potential home-boarding facilities. A responsible provider should have an understanding of canine behavior and know how to evaluate your pooch when they meet. Observe whether your dog appears comfortable or stressed. Trial days like the one Picasso experienced can be very informative and give you a sense of security before you leave on your trip.

 

“Luxury” Hotel Boarding Centers 

For dog parents on the go, a doggie hotel may be the right choice, especially considering the revolution taking place in the world of dog kenneling. As dogs continue to gain status as members of the family, guardians are looking for more high-end services – and boarding centers are offering them. Gone are the days when a chain-link fence and concrete run were the norm. Modern boarding centers provide a much more canine-centric approach to care and comfort. 

The newest trend in luxury hotels caters to pups in a doggie hotel-and-spa setting offering a wide range of accommodations, add-on services, and costs. Some facilities offer luxury suites complete with flat-screen TVs. Some are open 24 hours a day. Some don’t offer social play or contact, while others provide up to two one-hour play sessions per day. Still others serve up a complete day of day care as part of their standard packages. Be sure to ask about how they manage the dogs if they are in social day care. It is essential that you feel confident about the treatment your precious pooch will receive. Positive reinforcement techniques are the most humane. 

There are many differences between centers. It is best to see all the options before selecting one for your furry friend. Plan ahead, since most facilities require an intake assessment before they accept new guests. 

 

Traditional Kennels 

Distinct from hotel boarding centers, traditional kennels  continue to offer a clean, safe, and fairly inexpensive boarding option. Most have limited hours of operation and do not have someone on site at night. These facilities typically keep dogs isolated from one another in long concrete runs. Many kennels have begun to add social contact with other dogs as an add-on service, however, and some now offer it in their standard packages. Kennels are easily found in proximity to urban areas. 

 

Veterinary Clinics

Many local veterinary offices also offer pet boarding, a good option for an animal with special medical needs, since most home- and center-based boarders can’t administer injections or monitor sensitive medical conditions. Approach a vet clinic the same as any other potential care provider: Ask to tour the boarding area and find out what your pet’s daily routine would be.

Typically, veterinarians offer limited boarding services because of space and time constraints. A standard veterinary package will include housing dogs in cages or kennels and providing two to four potty breaks a day – plus providing any necessary medical care. Walks and just plain TLC usually come with an extra charge. Most veterinary boarding services do not have overnight staff.

Cardall’s story ends well. When Picasso got a little older, she took him to stay at a boarding center offering a full day of social play activities interspersed with rest times.

“It’s like Disneyland for him,” she continues. “When we go on vacation, he goes on vacation. We would really worry about him if he wasn’t in a great situation.”

The American Boarding Kennel Association recommends the following when evaluating any care facility for your pet:

 

• Visit the facility – it should look and smell clean;
• Make sure you understand its policies regarding vaccinations, spay/neuter requirements, enrollment paperwork, and temperament testing;
• Be sure there are secure fences;
• Make sure that dogs in play groups are carefully supervised at all times;
• Understand what vet policy is in place should your dog become ill or get injured; and
• Be sure you understand the hours of operation and reservation policies.

 

 

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