Are you headed out of town soon? Regardless of whether you’re heading out for a vacation, a business trip, or an emergency, finding the right boarding kennel for your pet is crucial. Bringing Fido to a good kennel will give you the peace of mind of knowing your furry friend will be not just safe and sound, but comfortable and well-cared-for while you’re away. Read on for some great tips on picking the right kennel in this blog from Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA.
What Should You Look For In A New Kennel?
When choosing any type of service provider for your pet, it’s always good to have a checklist of some of the criteria to keep in mind. That applies here as well!
Here are some of the things we think are crucial:
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Cleanliness is always important, but it’s far more than an aesthetic issue. You wouldn’t necessarily expect every surface to pass a white glove test, but the kennel should be generally tidy. Things like clean floors, a fresh smell, and appropriate/adequate trash cans can be very telling.
Keep in mind that a dirty kennel would also be more dangerous for pets. By keeping up with cleaning practices, the kennel reduces the risk of transmission of parasites and disease.
Safety and Security
Keeping pets safe is really one of the main goals of a good kennel. The facility should be set up with this in mind, and should incorporate features that improve security. That includes things like double doors, secure fencing, and separate areas for different sized dogs. It’s also important that the kennel have the right amount of staff for the pets in their charge.
Comfortable Accommodations
You want your furry friend to be comfortable in his home away from home! Take a look at the area where Fido will be staying. The kennel should be closer to a doggy spa than a jail cell.
Exercise and Socialization
Fido shouldn’t be stuck in his room the entire time. Dogs do need exercise to stay fit and healthy. Your pooch may have a run, but he’ll still need some exercise. Find out how many daily walks your pooch will get.
Daycare may also be an option. This is a great way for dogs to get to run and play with their buddies. If you’re looking for doggy daycare in Rialto, CA, contact us!
Vaccination and Health Requirements
Any decent kennel is going to require proof that your dog is currently on certain preventative treatments, such as vaccines and parasite control products.
For Dogs: Fido will need the vaccines for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies. He may also need some core vaccines. Most kennels require pups to have the Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccines.
For Kitties: Fluffy should be vaccinated for panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis) and rabies are considered core vaccines. Non-core vaccines include feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis and feline immunodeficiency virus.
Ask your Rialto, CA vet for more information on core and non-core vaccines.
Daily Activities
A good kennel will offer some options for their furry wards. Fido may be able to enjoy doggy daycare, or he may be able to play with his canine buddies.
Veterinarian Association
One thing you may want to find out is whether the kennel regularly works with a specific veterinarian or clinic. In our case, we are affiliated with Valley Animal Hospital. This is quite important, because it can really affect the procedures the kennel follows if a pet gets sick or injured. It’s also helpful because they will already be familiar with Fido.
What Are Tips For Preparing My Pet For Boarding?
When searching for a kennel, remember that your to-do list will extend beyond packing. Here are a few things you may need to do:
- Set An Appointment: You may want to set up an appointment to visit the kennel, or find out when a good time is for this. Kennels often want to evaluate pets before accepting them. This is a common sense protocol, as they’ll want to make sure they aren’t accepting an aggressive dog.
- Socialization: This isn’t exactly something you can do just a few days before a boarding stay: socialization is a process, one which takes some time. You want to help your pet feel comfortable in new situations, and around unfamiliar places.
- Make A Trial Run: It’s always a great idea to bring a pet in for an overnight stay before booking a longer visit. This will give your pet a feel for his new home away from home and let him start to adjust to the new schedule and environment.
- Confirm What You Can Pack: Kennels are all a bit different on this. Find out what you can and cannot bring for your pet. Fido will appreciate a comfort item, such as a favorite toy or blanket. You may also want to ask about any policies regarding your pup’s food or medicine, if applicable.
- Read Paperwork: Look over the information on the kennel website, as well as anything they have sent or given, and make sure that everything is squared away. You don’t want to find out at the last minute that the kennel can’t take Fido because his rabies shot is a month overdue!
- Choose Your Backup: You may be asked to provide a backup contact, someone who will be able to speak on your behalf. This should be someone you trust to make key decisions about your pet’s health.
How Do Dogs Handle Being Boarded?
That depends on the dog! Keep in mind that all of our canine companions are unique. Some won’t mind being boarded at all: it’s a chance to run and play with other pups! Others are going to be a bit sad and forlorn at being away from home. However, there’s a difference between a pooch that’s able to adapt to the temporary change of routine and one who gets extremely stressed. One good reason for taking Fido in for a trial run is that you’ll be able to see how he is when he gets out.
Can You Board a Dog with Health Conditions or Behavioral Concerns?
There really isn’t a universal response for this: it’s going to vary, depending on the dog. Most kennels will only refuse a dog if there is a concern for the health and safety of either their staff or the other pets in their care. If your canine pal has a specific issue, talk to the staff. It’s always better to be forthright. Fido may be fine, but just may not be a good fit for group play sessions. Or, he may need extra attention.
Why Are Kennels Better Than Pet Sitters?
There are a few reasons that kennels are the better option. Your pet will be looked after by trained professionals, in an environment that is meant to reduce or eliminate any risk of him getting hurt or running away.
Conclusion: Finding a new pet kennel can be daunting, but it will be much easier if you know exactly what to look for. Signs of a great kennel include cleanliness, transparency, great customer service, and clear policies regarding things like rates, cancellations, and emergency procedures.
Book An Appointment At Our Boarding Kennel
Are you looking for a great boarding kennel in the area? Please contact us here at Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA. We are dedicated to making sure that your beloved pet is treated like a four-pawed VIP during their stay at our pet hotel.
