4 things you should consider when choosing a boarding kennel

It’s that time of the year when people are planning how they will be spending their time over the summer break. As the interstate borders begin to open, people are excitedly booking their holiday destinations and busily planning how they will get there.

For some of us, holidays involve packing up with our pooch in tow. For others, it means the search is on to find a suitable kennel to house our beloved pets while we are away.

Selecting the right kennel can be difficult, stressful, and sometimes induce feelings of sadness and guilt - after all, no one can love and care for your pet as much as you do?

That’s why it’s important to select the right kennel for your beloved pet and their specific needs.

The single most important thing you should do is visit the facility to get a feel of the space and the people who will be tasked with taking care of your dog. While you’re there, you should observe:

1.     Staff experience and staffing levels: Staff should have ample experience in animal behaviour and animal care. With this in mind, they should be able to answer all of your questions and ease your concerns in both a concise and professional manner. Ask about the ratio of staff to animals and ensure you are comfortable that they will be able to provide adequate care for your dog.

2.     Exercise/Play programs: Know what your money is buying. Every kennel offers differing levels of ‘inclusions’, you should enquire about the amount of exercise/playtime your dog will receive daily, and ensure that this aligns with your dogs level of required physical activity.

3.     How does the kennel look & smell?: Does the facility look and smell clean? Is there enough ventilation and light? Is there adequate indoor and outdoor space for exercise? Ensure you observe your surroundings and always go with your gut.

4.     Seek recommendations: Whether the facility has been recommended by a friend, neighbour, vet, community group, or has received a large number of positive reviews – word of mouth will give you a good indication of the quality of the care your pet will receive.

Once you have selected your kennel, made your booking, and dropped off your dog – you should be forgiving on yourself. Trust that the people you have employed to care for your dog will do their job.