How to Choose the Right Dog Boarder?

Regardless of the amount of love you have for your dog, there will be times you will need to leave them behind. Leaving your dog behind surely does not seem like a great idea, but have no worry! Today, there are many dog boarding services available, your dog can now have a vacation himself/herself, whenever you decide to have one.

Picking the right dog boarder is extremely important, especially if you want to keep your dog happy and not stressed while you are not around. Just like you do not want to book the lowest priced room in a hotel, you also do not want to pick the cheapest dog boarder to look after your dog while you are away. Your dog will be missing you and will be looking for you, knowing this, you need to make sure he/she feels good until you come back.

How to choose the right dog boarder? Choosing the right dog boarder should be just as important as chosing a hotel you will stay at. In order to chose the right dog boarder you need to take tours of different facilities, ask them about their daily routines and routines your dog will have to follow. It is important to ask about food and interaction your dog will have, as well as meet the staff members who will be looking after your dog. Certain boarding services have vaccination requirements and staff certified in pet first aid, ask about these things – the more you know, the less worry you will have once you are gone for a while.

Many dog owners claim their vacations are less stressful now after they discovered good boarding services. Dog boarders are here to make your dog feel at home, they are trained and very knowledgable of the dogs. Today, more and more people rather leave their dogs at kennels than with a family friend, why? Simply because kennels and dog boarding services will provide your dog with an amazing experience, your dog might be very excited about it next time you go! Do not get offended, your dog considers this as a way of relaxation too, we all need a vacation every now and then!

Tips for choosing the best dog boarder for your dog

While most dog owners are not really happy about leaving their dogs at a kennel, leaving their dogs there usually results as a camp-like experience for their dog. Did you know many dog boarding services nowadays have a television with pet-friendly program? They have comfortable pet beds, agility equipment and some even got swimming pools! With proper preparation, your dog will be just excited about your leaving as you are! Before you start packing up your dogs things, make sure you find a good boarding facility that will fit your dog and you. It is recommended you check out different boarding facilities in order to find the perfect one for your dogs personality.

Entering each boarding facility, you will be seeing different environments, smell different smells and meet up with staff members. If you feel uncomfortable in any of the facilities, look for another one. Your dog most probably won’t feel very comfortable there either. Obviously, the boarding facility needs to look good and smell clean, it is important to look for the potential places your dog will play and sleep at, these places need to be comfortable, clean and safe.

Meeting the staff members of boarding facilities is an important thing as well. Pay attention to how these people interact with the dogs who are there to be taken care of. Be sure to pay attention to small details and trust your feels if they tell you anything is wrong. Never give a dog to a facility you are uncertain of. Upon meeting the staff members, get to know about their knowledge of dog behaviour, trainings and care. Well-trained staff will have no issues dealing with any kind of situation that might happen, these people love and know everything about dogs, trust them.

Questions to ask the dog boarders

Can I get to see your entire facility?

Good boarding facilities will let you see their environment, these places are aware of the care you have for your dog and they know how important it is for you. If the answer is no, you should probably not consider leaving your dog at this facility.

What will happen if my dog gets injured or sick while I am away?

Every good dog boarding service has their rules when it comes to dog care, they will do their best to keep your dog safe and if anything bad happens, they will make sure to deal with it as quick as possible.

What type of training does your staff have on dog behaviour? Do they get continuining education often?

Just like teachers in school, staff of the dog boarding services needs to have their dog behaviour education on a high level. These people are surrounded with dogs on daily basis and they are required to do a continuining education related to that. If the staff members of boarding facility have no education, think twice before you leave your dog there

Are there any vaccination requirements I need to know of?

Dog boarding services should have vaccination requirements, otherwise, they are probably not very good boarding service. Routine vaccinations are an important requirement for the dogs at boarding facilities. Pet owners do not want to mix their dogs with sick or not vaccinated dogs.

Is there a veteranian available or on call? Can that person contact my veterinarian right away?

It is important the boarding facility has a veterinarian 24/7, or an animal hospital the dog boarding facility can contact in case anything happens.

Is there anyone of the staff members watching the dogs late at night?

Dogs should never be left alone at the dog boarding facilities, even at night, there is supposed to be staff member making sure everything is fine. Those facilities who do not have any staff members at night, they will never be able to be there in case of an emergency, never leave your dog there.

Am I allowed to bring my dog’s food, toys and blanket?

Certain dogs can get their stomach upset when switching foods, knowing he/she will already be stressed enough, it might be a good idea to be able and bring your dogs food instead. If this is allowed, make sure you give exact portion measurements and times when your dog should be fed. Also, bring his/her favorite toy, it will make your leaving a lot less stressful for your dog

What kind of interraction do you offer for the dogs? Do you charge for playtime, extra walks and cuddling?

Certain dog boarding services can do a little extra, but only if you pay them. However, there are boarding services that will do all this by default. Make sure you know what kind of interraction your dog will be getting.

Are all of your staff members certified in pet first aid?

Obviously it is important staff members of the boarding facility have good knowledge of pet first aid, these people will be there and make sure your love stays unharmed!

How will your staff handle my dog if he/she misbehaves?

As a good owner, you will probably wish to know how will your dog be handled in case he/she misbehaves. Make sure you pay attention to how staff members do with the other dogs aside of just asking.

Can I call to check up on my dog sometimes?

Some dog boarding services will not be happy hearing this question, they are always busy and calling them can make it very stressful. However, there are certain dog boarding services that will even send you a video of your dog napping or playing!

What kind of food do you give to the other dogs?

In case you are not allowed to bring your own food for your dog, make sure you ask about the food they give to their dogs. You know the best whether your dog is prone to certain food allergies or not, note such things!

Prepare your dog for an amazing dog boarding experience!

After you have finally found an amazing boarding facility for your dog and you managed to book your pet’s stay, be sure to check in with your veterianian. Ask him whether your dog is up-to-date with his/her vaccinations, flea and tick medications. This information is important because most of the dog boarding facilities have vaccination rules you need to follow! Knowing you are talking to your vet, ask him about some helpful suggestions, maybe he/she can help you reduce your dogs anxiety while you are so far away.

Now that you are not the only one going on a vacation, not only you deserve a bag, your dog does too! Packing your dog’s bag for his boarding stay can be a great experience. Whether you are taking your dog to a dog boarding service for the first time or not, you still want to make sure he/she has everything he/she needs to feel completely comfortable and stress free while you are gone. Most of the dog boarding facilities already have great beddings, treats and supplies a dog might need, but they often encourage the owners to bring their own items and help their dog enjoy the boarding experience to the fullest.

Things to pack in your dog’s bag

Just like you worry about possibility you forgot your hairbrush, you should also worry and make sure you pack your dog properly before you leave him to the boarding facility. Your dog has his food, medicine and supplements, toys, a leash and documents required for the doggy daycare, pack it all up carefully!

Food

Pet owners usually stick to only one or two different types of foods for their dogs. Those who tried many different foods often talk of negative change in appetite and an upset stomach. Knowing your dog will be in a completely new environment with strangers, he/she might feel upset. Changing the dog food at this time, might be a bad idea. You want to keep your dog’s aspects of life as normal as they can possibly be. Make sure you provide the dog boarders with enough food for the duration you will be gone for. Using plastic bags to pack pre-measured meals is recommended, you can also label them with ‘’Lunch’’, ‘’Breakfast’’ or ‘’Dinner’’. This way, you will ensure your dog gets the right amount of food for every meal.

Supplements and Medicine

You might need coffee to start your day, but your dog might need to take certain medications or supplements on daily basis. Those who work at dog boarding facilities, they will be happy to give your dog what he needs. Make sure you let them know about this and give them appropriate number of doses for your dog. Write instructions with all of the details about dosage amount and schedules. Always include emergency medications as well, some dogs can feel really sick by being in an unfamiliar environment and around other dogs.

Your Dog’s Favorite Toys

Some of us never go anywhere without their favorite slippers or a pillow, same thing goes for your dog. Even though most of the dog daycares have their own equipment and toys, you should consider packing your dogs favorite toys as well. To make your dog feel like he/she is at home, make sure to pack some of his/her favorite toys. These toys usually have a good smell of you and your home, this will help him/her deal with the situation a lot easier than you would expect.

A Leash

Dog boarding facilities actually walk the dogs they care of, usually they require you to pack at least one leash in the dog bag, but it is recommended you bring at least two, just in case the first one gets lost.

Documents

Do not forget to bring all of the required documentation. If you did not submit the paperwork beforehand, make sure you have all of the requirements and documents ready. This includes medical records, contracts, vaccination charts and rule acknowledgment forms. If you are unsure of anything, call the pet daycare and ask them.

Home Reminder

Absence can have a good result on your relations with the dog, while you are both absent from each other, you will be surrounded by different people and environments. In all that time, you will be missing each other. Make sure to pack your blanket, t-shirt or even a sock in your dog’s bag, he will appreciate having something from you as a reminder of how great owner you are!

Types of Dog Boarding Services

It is good to know of all the options you have before you actually really leave. There are different types of boarding options and some boarding services will be sure to ask you about your preference. All this depends on your dog, his/her personality, social needs and attention he/she might require.

If your dog has not been very socialized, a kennel might be the best option for you. It is often that dogs get anxiety by being around other unknown dogs. For longer periods of time, these dogs usually feel a lot better in a kennel. Kennel gives a chance for your dog to play within the doggy day care all the time, or he/she can leave his/her kennel crate a couple of times a day to play with his/her personal pet handler.

Certain dogs react really badly to kennels, private rooms are however, a lot better option for them. They are able to play with other dogs and enjoy the doggy day care the entire day, but at night he/she will have a private room with his/her own blankets, toys and a personal bed.

Just like people, some dogs are just too social to be all alone, they require a lot of attention and they get anxious without company around them. These dogs are usually completely cage-free and they can enjoy being around other dogs throughout their entire stay. They will have an entire day within the doggy day care and sleep in a room with other 5 dogs.

To pick the best type of boarding service, you are required to know your dog, you need to be as detailed as you are when describing his/her habits, problems and fears. Doing this will help the dog boarders do an amazing job and keep your best friend as comfortable as possible.

Top Voted Dog Boarding Services in the US

We always travel somewhere, especially today when our businesses requires us to fly all around the world, we visit our friends on the other side of the globe and it is obvious dog boarding services will continue to grow in popularity. I have made a research and gathered a few top voted dog boarding services you can find in the US. These services all deserved a good rating, continue reading to learn why!

Barks and Recreation Doggie Daycare and Boarding

It is said Barks and Recreation is one of the friendliest dog facilities in the smoky mountains, their service includes dog boarding, daycare and even grooming services. They cover the areas around Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. According to their website, they are a very open and home-like environment with amazing indoor and outdoor playing areas. What makes Barks and Recreation stand out even more is the fact that they own an electronic pet recording management system, they have climate controlled play areas and great video survelliance. To get your dog into Barks and Recreation, it is advised you check for the disounts and book your dogs stay ahead.

According to the people who had left their pets at Barks and Recreation, this place is an amazing experience for the dogs, and they recommend it to anyone looking for a decent boarding service for a reasonable price.

V.I.Pet Resort

If you are looking for a luxurious facility which offers grooming, doggie daycare, overnight boarding and more, check out VIPet resort. VIPet Resort is located in Florida, Orlando, it has been in the dog boarding business for over 15 years and it is simply great!

VIPet Resort has awesome play areas, private suites and beautifully finished floors, dogs found at VIPet Resort are always playful and ready for a training. The spacious resort offers an enourmously big park and lots of room to exercise and play with dogs. Just like a real resort, VIPet Resort offers penthouses with private television, pillows and blankets, there is even a bone shaped swimming pool for the dogs!

While VIPet Resort costs a bit more than an average dog boarding service, it will surely leave a great impact on your best friend, with VIPet resort, there is literally no worry at all! According to the VIPet Resort pet owners, this place is a real family for all of the dogs who come for daycare, it is a place everyone calls a dog hotel!

Camp Bow Wow

Located in Las Vegas, this premier dog care provider offers truly outstanding doggy daycare and boarding. Camp Bow Wow stands by their word, they will treat your furry friend like one of their own and you will be able to check up on your dog on their live camper cameras! Camp Bow Wow does everything to provide a safe and truly secure environment for the dogs who are left for daycare. They are a team of extensively trained people and they seem to be one of the most trusted dog care providers.

Camp Bow Wow offers spacious play areas, there is a large climate-controlled play yard and the price is actually reasonable as well! Those who had experience with Camp Bow Wow, claim it was an amazing experience, their dogs were happy and relaxed.

Dog Boarding of Myrtle Beach

If you need a boarding service with a reasonable price and a lot of love and activities, Dog Boarding of Myrtle Beach might be the perfect choice for you. Here the staff will be occupied with the dogs 24/7 a day, they will come up with many fun activities for your dog and make sure he feels happy while you are away.

Owners who have been visiting Dog Boarding of Myrtle Beach claim this place is extremely clean, well trained and a great place to leave your dog at while you are away. If you are unsure, they even have a free play date before you pay for the services, using this option you will get to see whether this facility suits your dog or not!

Dog Days Canine Playschool

If your dog is a party animal and simply has a lot of energy, Dog Days Canine Playschool seems to be a great pick for people like you. This is a place your dog can unleash their party animal spirit, away from home but still feeling like home, your dog will have a great dogcare and activities while you are away.

Designed to offer playful and very caring environment, this facility seems to be a great choice for majority dog owners. Featuring two big playrooms, one for big dogs and one for small dogs, this facility is filled with positive energy and will have such impact on your dog!

If you are interested, you can call them and schedule your FREE temperament test right away, these tests are great because they might help you when picking the right place for your dog.

PetsHotel Pet Boarding

If you have a dog and a cat, PetsHotel might be the right choice for you! This lovely boarding service welcomes both, cats and dogs, they will feel at home in no time!

PetsHotel offers private suite rooms, standard guest rooms and kitty cottage. Depending on your needs, pick the rooms and have your pet relax meawhile you travel.

PetsHotel is a great boarding service featuring onsite care, various exercise walks, temperature controlled environments, great ventilation system, relief area and much more! Those who have previous experiences in PetsHotel, they claim it was a great experience they will surely repeat.

Owners who often leave their pets in dog boarding facilities claim their dogs usually feel a lot less playful when they come home, they are tired and require less attention than usual. This is a good sign, this means boarding services actually do an amazing job keeping our dogs and pets entertained while we are away!