Choosing the Right Dog Boarding Facility

Choosing the right dog boarding facility is all about making sure your dog is safe, comfortable and content while you’re away.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• • • How to Find Dog Boarding Facilities Near You
    • Choosing the Right Dog Boarding Facility
    • Tips for Boarding Your Dog
    • 3 Alternatives to Dog Boarding

  WATCH MY VIDEO: choosing the right dog boarding facility

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  How to Find Dog Boarding Facilities Near You

  To find a good dog boarding facility near you, first ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, or check with other dog owners to ask where they board their dogs.

  You can also search online for “dog boarding near me” at these sites:

  Rover.com

  Care.com

  Choosing the Right Dog Boarding Facility

  To make the best choice on where to board you dog, it’s important to ask the right questions about the facility.  Here are 4 key questions to ask when choosing the right dog boarding facility:

  1.  What is the quality of the facility?  The quality of the facility can vary from basic dog kennels to luxury suites.  Ask where your dog will sleep, how often they’ll get exercise, whether there are outdoor spaces to play and if there are play and rest areas within the facility.

  Some facilities will offer socialization activities such as group play or dog training sessions to keep your dog active.

  2.  What safety measures are in place?  Safety should be a top priority when choosing a dog facility.   Find out what their policy is on vaccinations, whether they have emergency plans in place, and whether they have a veterinarian available in case of sudden illness or injuries.

  Also make sure the facility is secure to prevent your dog from escaping, and clean.

  3.  Is the staff qualified?  It’s a good idea to ask what training, certifications and qualifications the staff has.  Dog boarding facility staff members should be knowledgeable and experienced in recognizing signs of illness or stress and dealing with different dog personalities.

  And of course, they should be true-blue dog lovers, willing to provide loving, compassionate care for your dog.  They should be at least minimally trained in pet first aid. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to make sure your dog is in capable hands.

  4.  Can they meet your dog’s specific needs?  If your dog is elderly, has any medical conditions, or requires medication, ask if the facility can accommodate your dog’s special needs.  You should also talk with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about your dog’s ability to safely stay at a dog boarding facility.

  Any dog boarding facility should be more than happy to answer these questions and should also be open to let you tour the facility before deciding to board your dog there.  If they’re not open to these things, they’re probably not the right place to board your dog!

  Tips for Boarding Your Dog

  You might also want to read my post, How to Take the Stress Out of Boarding Your Cat (includes video).  In that post, we cover these specific tips for pet boarding:

  • • • • Cost of pet boarding
        • More tips for choosing the right pet boarding facility
        • Booking in advance
        • Required paperwork
        • What to pack for your pet

  I also suggest reading the American Kennel Club’s article, What to Know and Look for When Boarding Your Dog.

  3 Alternatives to Dog Boarding

  If you can’t afford to board your dog, or you don’t think your dog would tolerate it well, there are other alternatives to boarding dogs.

  1.  Use a dog sitter.  You might consider finding a dog sitter instead.  You can find a good dog sitter who will come to your home, or may allow your dog to stay at their home.

  Finding a dog sitter to come to your home is ideal if you have an elderly dog or a dog with medical issues.  For help on this, read my post, How to Find a Good Dog Sitter (includes video).

  2.  Doggy day care. Check with local dog day care facilities. If you’re only going away overnight or for a couple of days, a doggy day care facility may offer short-term boarding.  For information about this, read my post, The Ins and Outs of Pet Day Care (includes video).

  3.  Take your dog with you!  If it’s feasible and if you think your dog’s personality, health and behavior are condusive to traveling, you might consider taking your dog with you.  For lots of help about traveling safely with your dog, read my post, Tips for Traveling with Dogs (includes video).

  I Donate to Animal Charities

  Thank you for visiting my website!  Choosing the right dog boarding facility requires asking these important questions to ensure your dog’s safety, comfort and happiness.

  The more you know about the facility, the more peace of mind you’ll have, knowing your dog is receiving quality care while you’re away.

  I receive a small commission on some of the products and sevices I recommend on my website.  I donate 10% of my earnings to the animal charities shown on this page.  

  If you found this post helpful, please share my website with family and friends who have a dog or a cat.  Thank you!  Debra

  Check out more of my articles about Dog Care