How do I find a really good reputable kennel for my dog?

Question

I have a 3 year old Mini Schnauzer that is my only dog. I'm going away for a week or so and I need a good kennel for him. How do I decide what kennels are good? I want my dog to be safe...and I've heard a lot of horror stories about dogs getting sick, etc, at kennels. My dog lives at home where he gets attention pretty much 24/7. I know it'll be a big transition for him, but when I'm away, he needs to stay at a kennel. Please help! thanks!!

Answer 1

Boarding kennels (and vets) are not the best places to leave your healthy dog. I've worked in both kinds of places and I wouldn't leave my dog there unless it was an absolute last resort (no pun intended!) Like sending your kid to school, it exposes them to many other dogs and the risk of diseases like kennel cough. Most of the time, the dogs are not walked often enough and this may ruin your housebreaking.

Anywhere you go, make sure that you are allowed to inspect the facility. If they won't allow this, they may have something to hide. If they give you a story about insurance rules, don't buy it. The fences should be in good repair and the place should look and smell clean. Some kennels have video hookups so that you can go online and check in on your dog whenever you want.

It's better to find someone who will care for your dog in their own home; someone who only takes a few dogs at a time. Ask your friends for recommendations - who watches their dogs? If you don't have any friends with dogs, ask people at a dog park, pet store or obedience class. Make sure they have experience with handling dogs and know what to do in an emergency - theirs or your dogs. Do they have a fire escape plan?

If you have someone watch the dog at your house, be sure it's a trusted friend or relative - or you may find all of your stuff ripped off when you come back. Or at least make sure they are bonded and insured and highly recommended.

No matter what you choose, be sure you have a written contract, stating the price that you are expected to pay and who is responsible for vet bills if your dog is injured or becomes ill. Make sure you get a copy of the contract as a receipt or you may have a hard time proving you left the dog with them if it disappears. Insist that they take contact phone numbers for you and someone else who is local in case of an emergency. It's a really good idea to have your dog vaccinated and microchipped - in case he is lost, this is the most reliable way of getting him identified and returned home.

Answer 2

Kennels are just fine, so long as you find a good one. First of all, take a tour. If the kennel won't show you around, don't take your dog there. That is one reason I would never use PetSmart. They wouldn't let me visit the area they keep the dogs. They also don't take the dogs outside at all. They have what they call a "Relief Room" that they take the dogs into to use the bathroom. They insist it doesn't ruin housetraining, but I have talked to two different people that say it did. You also have to pay extra to let the dog have playtime. It's ridiculously expensive.

I would also be weary if the places with indoor/outdoor runs, especially if you live somewhere with big temperature extremes. It sounds good in theory, but honestly, how well air conditioned or heated can a place be if the dogs all have the doggie doors open all the time. Also, it means that there isn't as much human contact because they don't need to take the dogs out of the runs to play.

I really like places that have all indoor runs, but take them out (to a well fenced yard) to play several times a day. And definitely make sure they require all shots to be updated! The best way to find a kennel in your area is to use the telephone book and call a few. There are often websites listed along with phone numbers too, so you can see pictures and get more info before calling. You should be able to get a quality place for $15 - $20 a night.

Answer 3

first off if you are that worried see if you can have someone you trust stay with him or have him stay with them. if he must be in a kennel check your vet clinic as lots of them do board animals. when looking into a kennel see if there is one your vet clinic or friends recommend. before booking your dog for a stay go and see the kennels. any reputable place will give you a full tour and answer any questions you have. also make sure you are comfortable with the staff, trust your gut always. when you do drop your dog off make it a quick goodbye and seem happy it will stress your dog out less if you don't make a big fuss and production of you leaving. as for diseases and getting sick. you should make sure all vaccines are up to date especially the one for kennel cough, if they aren't have them done at least 2 weeks before boarding so his immune system can build up. and in the event of an accident happening leave your vets contact info as well as yours with the kennel. let your vet know you're leaving and that they have the okay to treat your pet. and last but not least try not to worry and enjoy your trip (and when you can't do that call the kennel and check in on how you dog is doing) :)

Answer 4

we're going through the same predicament right now!!

basically, i've started calling kennels in the area and talking to them over the phone first. then, if they sound promising, i set up a time to visit. some have walk-throughs a certain times and some say "just show up and we'll show you around!"

what i've found:
--look for an indoor/outdoor run. these will allow the dog inside and outside whenever they want. most places close the door at night to keep them inside or when it's bad weather.
--look for a kennel that REQUIRES all dogs to have proof of their shots, esp shot for kennel cough. if they aren't making you have it done and checking your paperwork, then they may be letting other dogs in without shots!! that is BAD NEWS!!!
--ask about their daily routine. do they have outside play time?? do they have people interaction?? do they allow the other dogs to interract?? (this can be good and bad). how many, if any, walks do they get per day?? can you bring your doggie's food or do they charge extra for that?? can you bring your doggie's toys or crate??
--also various kennels charge different prices. some have all kinds of amenities like pet hotels and some are basic dog kennels...so check them out!

i hope this helps!
we're going with a kennel called the "canine country club". they have indoor/outdoor runs, individual play time in the big yard (they don't like to mix the dogs there), we can take his crate and they will give him his own food and his own treats. they are really nice and clean and they have a local vet that they use 24 hours if there are any problems with a dog.
they also give out meds etc to any dog with special needs, which we don't have, but if your dog does, then you will want to ask about that!!!
oh, and it's only about $17/night!!!! they also offer to pick him up and drop him off, but we opted out of that one.

so, i hope that gives you some good info...look up "pet" in the yellow pages and start dialing!!

good luck, take care and have fun on your trip!

Answer 5

I do not reside in London, however the way in which I vetted kennels for my puppy was once to only flip up, in the event that they enable you to appear circular with out an appointment then they have got not anything to cover, when you flip up they usually insist you return at a later date I might be cautious of them, might be you would have a phrase with you neighborhood vets and notice if they are able to suggest a well kennel in your puppy and even the RSPCA maybe competent to suggest a few too, desire you discover a excellent one for you puppy and well success.

Answer 6

The best way to find a good kennel is to drop in, unexpected, and ask to see their facilities. Look closely how clean things are. Are the water bowls filled and clean. Are there clean kennel personnel? How does it smell when you first walk in? Is in cool inside on a hot day or warm inside on a cold day. Use your common sense and trust your first instinct.

Answer 7

A lot of vet's now offer kennel services. If you trust your vet look into that.

Answer 8

See if you have a PetsHotel in your area (they are housed inside PetsMart). I've been boarding my Pom there since he was 9 months old and I haven't had any problems. Plus they have activities and playtime, which gives 'only dogs' a chance to socialize.

Answer 9

Look into hiring a pet sitter instead..... it will be alot less stressful for your dog and often much cheaper too!