We’re now approaching the busiest time of the year for pet boarding kennels. More people travel around the holidays than at any other time of the year. Finding the right kennel can be tricky. This is definitely not something to take a trial-and-error approach with. You don’t want to trust just any random person with caring for your beloved pet! But with so many places using slick marketing techniques, how do you really know which is best? In this article from Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA, you’ll find out about some of the red flags to avoid.
Red Flag #1: No Paperwork Requirements
We’re actually putting this one at the top because it really would indicate a very poor and careless business regimen. Whether you board your pet at our Bloomington, CA kennel or any other pet resort, you need to make sure that your furry friend won’t be exposed to dangerous viruses or disease, and that any animals they come into contact with are safe.
Red Flag #2: The Kennel Won’t Allow Access
It’s always best to get a look at where your pet is going to be kept. It’s not uncommon for the kennel to have some areas be off-limits. That actually is a good sign, as you would want things like food, medication, and personal items to be secured. However, you should be able to see how the kennel is set up, and make sure that the dog or cat boarding kennel is clean and comfortable.
Red Flag # 3: No Solid Emergency Plans
If there’s one thing we know about pets, it’s that we can never overestimate their capacity for getting into trouble. Fluffy and Fido are naturally playful and curious. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to many different illnesses and injuries … many of which can appear or occur with little or no warning.
Any decent kennel will do anything and everything in their power to ensure that the pets in their care always stay safe. They should also have very, very clear policies and procedures in place for what to do if something does go wrong.
There are aspects of this that may vary from place to place. Some kennels may have an association with a specific vet, or may even have one on staff. That person may be their go-to for any emergencies. Other kennels may reach out to the client’s vet. In some cases, you may need to be clear about what you do and do not authorize.
Your backup contact would also come into play here, as they are authorized to speak for you in these matters. It’s probably not a huge deal if Fido breaks a nail, but if he somehow were to eat a nail, he may very well need emergency surgery!
A kennel that is vague about emergency procedures may not have a clear cut plan of action. That’s not only shoddy business: it could put your pet’s life at risk.
Red Flag # 4 Unclear/Unreasonable Fees
Like any other business, dog boarding kennels are going to be concerned with profit margins. After all, businesses must be lucrative to thrive! That said, be cautious of kennels that have unfair or unclear fees and rate schedules. That applies to things like cancellations and reschedules as well. It’s reasonable to expect to be charged a fee for a last-minute cancellation. This is standard with many service providers, from hairdressers to personal trainers. Still, you shouldn’t get sticker shock over the fee for a stay you’re canceling well in advance.
Red Flag # 5: Dirty Kennels
Fido and Fluffy aren’t necessarily the neatest roommates. You may not necessarily expect every single surface to be shiny and squeaky clean. However, the kennels and play areas should look neat and well-kept. You shouldn’t smell rancid odors. Water bowls should be clean and filled as well.
You’ll also want to be a bit proactive here, and ask some questions about how often the kennels are cleaned. With kitties, you’d want to find out how often Fluffy’s litterbox is scooped. If Fido has a run, ask how often that is picked up.
Red Flag #6: Unenthusiastic/Untrained Staff
You wouldn’t necessarily expect every member of the kennel’s staff to be professional dog trainers. However, they should have some experience. Ideally, you’d want a kennel that has a steady, solid staff.
Customer service can also tell you a lot. If the staff workers seem disgruntled or stressed, that can give you a sign that the kennel isn’t on the up and up.
Red Flag #7: Bad Reviews
The internet has made it very easy for people to leave their feedback about businesses and the services they offer. Keep in mind that any business is vulnerable to being criticized by a difficult customer. The occasional less-than-glowing review may just be a sign of misunderstandings or unusual circumstances. Look for general trends. If the vast majority of feedback from your Bloomington, CA pet resort is positive, then that’s a good sign. If a kennel only has a few reviews and they are all negative, you may want to look elsewhere.
Red Flag #8: Bad Scores From Pets
Your furry friend can’t exactly write a review or tell you what they thought, but you should be able to tell a bit by how they act when you pick them up. If they seem traumatized or frightened, that’s definitely something to keep in mind.
There are a few caveats here. For the most part, pets are homebodies that are always going to be happier in their own domains. That doesn’t mean Fluffy and Fido won’t enjoy their time at the pet resort, though. Many dogs love and thrive on being able to run and play with other pups. However, this will somewhat vary from pet to pet. A very timid dog may seem unsettled just by being away from home.
The kennel’s staff and operating policies also factor in here. Ideally, you should get some sort of report or update about how your pet did. That doesn’t mean you should expect a formal essay: you should, however, be able to get an idea of how things went. If they have no information to offer, then they may not be paying very close attention.
Red Flag # 9: Lack Of Clear Information
Reputable kennels will have an idea of what sort of information they need to get from their clients, and what kind of information they need to receive. They should offer key information in a clear, concise manner. They should also address common concerns, such as how play groups are divided.
You may be able to find answers to many common questions on the kennel website, or perhaps in handouts or client paperwork. If you have to dig for every bit of information, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right.
Book A Stay At Our Bloomington, CA Pet Kennel
Do you need to schedule boarding for your furry best friend? Please do not hesitate to contact us at Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA. We are dedicated to offering great service!
