Benefits of Dog Boarding

Although you love your pets, you can’t always bring them with you when you travel. If you’ll be going on a business trip or vacation, dog boarding provides a good solution for pet care while you’re away. Boarding facilities offer a number of important benefits for dog owners who need to travel without their pets.

Safe and Secure Environment

As long as you find a high-quality boarding facility for your dogs, you can count on them being cared for in a safe and secure environment. Look for facilities that have secure fencing around outdoor play areas, so your dogs won’t run off and get lost or injured. The inside of the place should be clean and have fresh water available for your dogs.

Skilled and Caring Staff

Dog boarding facilities that offer exceptional care have staff members who know how to handle dogs of all sizes and temperaments. These staff members have the right training and skills, as well as good rapport with dogs, to ensure that your pets will be happy and safe. This can provide you with peace of mind when your dogs are under someone else’s care.

Plenty of Playtime

Some boarding facilities offer playtime sessions for dogs, which gives them a great way to stay busy, burn off energy and meet other pups. If your dogs stay at one of these facilities, you can count on them having plenty of playtime while you’re gone. This will keep them stimulated and happy while also preventing boredom or anxiety.

Luxury Amenities

Some dog boarding places also offer luxury amenities, such as spa services. Check into the amenities offered at the facility you’re planning on having your dogs stay at. You might find that the facility offers special shampoos, manicures and similar services. Your dogs might also be able to get one-on-one playtime or snuggle time at night, as well as gourmet treats or meals at certain times.

Chicago Boarding Requirements for Dogs

When you plan on boarding your dog, it’s important to make sure you can meet all of the requirements for it. Before making your arrangements, learn more about Chicago boarding requirements so you can be prepared.

State and City Law Requirements

State and city laws require you to show proof that your dog has all of the following:

• Current vaccines for rabies, bordetella (kennel cough), distemper and parvovirus
• Fecal exam that shows no proof of parasites within the past year
• Microchip number
• Valid dog license for the city of Chicago if you live there

You’ll need to provide paperwork with all of this information to prove that you’ve met these requirements. Keep in mind that these legal requirements help protect your dog during boarding. Vaccine requirements reduce the risk of having your dog become ill at a boarding facility, while the fecal exam helps prevent your dog from getting a parasitic infestation from other dogs. Microchip numbers offer a convenient way to make sure that dogs who are lost can get back to their owners, while the license requirement ensures that your dog has the necessary dog license that all Chicago dogs must have.

Boarding Facility Requirements

Each facility has its own Chicago boarding requirements, so you’ll need to check these before making arrangements for your dog. These requirements generally cover spaying and neutering, as well as behavior. For example, your dog might need to be a certain age in order to board and you might have to show proof of spaying or neutering. Some facilities also have dogs undergo a temperament assessment before they’re allowed to board. This helps prevent aggressive dogs or dogs with other behavioral problems from potentially harming other dogs.

Make sure you give yourself time to gather any paperwork or proof you’ll need in order to meet legal and boarding facility requirements before arranging your dog’s stay. This helps make the entire process easier and less stressful for you and prevents last minute problems.

What You Should Know About Dog Boarding Over the Holidays

If you’ll be away for the holidays and have dogs, putting them in a boarding facility helps you make sure they’re cared for. However, dog boarding over the holidays requires a bit more planning than at other times throughout the year. Keep the following tips in mind, so you can have a stress-free experience preparing for holiday boarding.

Book Early

Boarding facilities tend to fill up quickly during the holiday season in Chicago. To make sure that you’re able to book the facility you want for your dogs, make your arrangements as early as possible. This helps prevent you from having to scramble at the last minute to find a good dog boarding facility, and you won’t feel as though you need to put your dogs in just any facility that still has room. It’s important to make sure that your dogs are boarding in a high-quality place that will keep them safe and happy while you’re gone.

Meet the Requirements

You’ll need to provide proof that your dogs are up-to-date on rabies vaccines and certain other vaccinations in order to board them. If your dogs need current vaccines, make sure you get them ahead of time, so you’ll be able to show this proof to the boarding facility. Your dogs will also need to have valid licenses if you live in Chicago, and they’ll need microchip numbers. They’ll also need fecal exams showing that they haven’t had parasites in the past year. Keep in mind that dog boarding facilities also have their own rules and requirements. Check on these, and gather any proof you need before making reservations.

Ask Questions

You can make your dog boarding over the holidays go more smoothly during the holidays by asking the facility any questions you have. If your dogs eat certain food, ask if you’re allowed to bring their own food. If your dogs have special needs, make sure the facility has staff available to handle these. Also, leave your contact information with the boarding facility, so they’ll be able to reach you in case of an emergency.