Are you planning to go away soon? If you’re headed on a one-tank trip to stay with friends or family, you may very well be able to take your furry buddy with you. For any longer trips, or if you’re going further away than that, you’ll likely need to make arrangements for someone else to take care of your furry pal. There are actually quite a few things you would want to consider when choosing a pet kennel. In this article from Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA, you’ll learn about the most important things to look into when picking a kennel for your dog or cat.
Consider Your Range
Many people start their searches for pet boarding kennels by searching something like ‘Boarding kennel near me’ or ‘Dog boarding kennel near me .’ Don’t automatically discount anything that’s outside your immediate neighborhood. You may find it well worth your while to go ten minutes further for a top-notch pet resort.
Look For Great Recommendations
It’s always a good idea to keep reviews and recommendations in mind when looking at not just kennels, but really, any type of service provider. Take a look at the reviews the kennel has garnered.
You can also ask around to people you know. Friends, family, coworkers, neighbors: find out where they take their beloved pets.
Ask About Perks
Kennels have come a long way from the simple crate or run. Many now offer a range of perks.
As an example, here are the extras that we offer our canine guests:
- Pupcup
- Doggie Ice Cream
- Extra Group Play Time
- Baths
- Nail Trim
- Dog Cuddle Time
- Private Playtime
- Vigorous Playtime
- Kong-Coction
Of course, we can’t leave our feline pals out! Fluffy also has several extras available.
- Catnip Cocktail
- Playtime
- Solo Laser Tag
- Dining Package
- Nail Trim
- Cat Cuddle Time
- Jungle Gym
- R&R Time
- R& R Playtime Package
These little touches can go a long way towards helping your pet feel not just safe and comfortable, but also happy.
Get A Feel For The Place
When going somewhere new, you’ll want to be assessing every aspect of the business and service. Pay attention to how the staff act and react. Are they friendly and helpful? Do they seem experienced, enthusiastic, and savvy? Or are they glum and morose, in a manner that lets you know they can’t wait for their shift to end?
Another thing that can offer valuable insight? Take a look at the kennel area.
Here are a few things you’d want to assess:
- Runs: You’ll want to take a good look at the runs, if the kennel has them. Make sure that the fencing is secure. Runs should also always offer some sort of shade or shelter.
- Kennels: The kennels themselves should also be fairly spacious. Your pet should have plenty of room to stand, sit, sprawl out, turn around, and even play a bit, without touching the sides or walls of their area.
- Cleanliness: One reason we always recommend taking a look at the kennels? It really allows you to see how clean (or dirty) they are. Keep in mind that pets are, by nature, going to be a bit messy. The kennel may not be absolutely spotless, but it should be reasonably clean and free of obnoxious odors or messes.
- Climate Control: Simply keeping the temperature in or near the right range will go a long way toward keeping your furry pal comfortable. Whether it’s heat or air conditioning that’s needed, it’s important for this equipment to be working properly.
- Air Quality: Kennels should have a good air filtration system in place. Just paying attention to the air quality will let you know if there’s an issue here. It may not smell like roses, but it shouldn’t be overpoweringly stinky.
- Safety Measures: Kennels know that, by nature, pets are prone to bolting, especially when they are in unfamiliar places. There should be at least a few features in place to help ensure that the facility is safe. That may mean double fences, cameras, or other options.
Ask The Right Questions
Part of choosing the right kennel is going to entail assessing how they view their roles as caretakers. The kennel staff is responsible for the health and safety of your beloved pet.
Here are a few things you may want to enquire about:
- Pet Kennel Emergency Protocols: Hopefully nothing will go wrong, but it’s best to know what to expect if something does. Find out whether the kennel staff has experience in managing injuries. You would also want to find out if the kennel is tied in to any specific veterinary clinic and/or if they have a vet on staff.
- Perks/Upgrades: More and more kennels are offering optional add-ons like extra walks, treats, or playtime. Doggie daycare is also a great perk, particularly for super sociable pups that love to play with their pals.
- Schedule: Find out what your pet’s daily schedule will be like for things like walks, meals, or playtime. If it’s going to be drastically different from what your furry friend is used to already, you may want to start making adjustments ahead of time.
- Certifications: Look into the credentials and qualifications of the kennel and its staff. Are any of the kennel workers certified in pet first aid? Do they know CPR? Is the kennel itself bonded, certified, or accredited in any way?
- Pricing: Cost is a key factor in many decisions. This is true for kennels as well. You’ll want to get a good idea of the base rate, as well as the costs of any extras.
Know What Red Flags To Watch For
We’ll do another blog on this soon, but it’s also important to know what the warning signs or of a kennel that isn’t really up to par.
Evading questions is one red flag. The kennel should be clear and forthcoming about the sorts of things we’ve suggested looking into. While it would be reasonable for someone new to not know every single answer, you shouldn’t get the feeling that the staff is being cagey.
Not allowing kennel inspection (without reasonable cause) is often another warning sign. It’s completely logical for people to want to see where their pets will be kept. Barring an unusual circumstance (such as Covid or other infectious diseases), you should be able to see where your pet will be staying.
Here are a few signs that you should avoid a specific kennel:
- Unclear fees
- Vagueness on Policies
- Lax requirements
- Uninterested Staff
- Poor reviews
- Crowded/Small Kennels
- Exposed Runs
Decent kennels are also going to have questions about your pet. They may require an assessment appointment, and may also want to evaluate whether your pet is going to be a good fit for the kennel.
Don’t forget to trust your instincts. If you have a bad feeling about something, listen to yourself!
Make An Appointment At Our Rialto, CA Pet Resort
Do you need to book a stay for your furry best friend? Please feel free to contact us Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA, at any time. We are always happy to help!
