4 Factors to Consider When Comparing Local Dog Kennels

When you have to travel while leaving your pets behind, dog boarding kennels offer a place for them to stay. However, you shouldn’t just go with any local kennel. Instead, it’s important to compare local dog kennels to make sure that your pets will be staying in a safe environment while you’re away. When you go over your options, keep the following factors in mind before making your decision.

Options for In-Person Visits

Dog kennels should be willing to let pet owners walk through the facility to see where their pets will be staying. Kennels that don’t allow this might do so in order to hide safety flaws or prevent pet owners from seeing a messy environment. Make sure you’re able to tour the dog kennel you’re considering having your pets stay in. This lets you see how clean and safe the place is before you decide whether or not to have your pets board there.

Vaccination Requirements

Local dog kennels should require certain types of vaccination to be up-to-date. This helps reduce the risk of having dogs become sick during or after their stay. Ask about vaccination requirements, and choose a facility that requires rabies, distemper, bordetella and other vaccines to be current. Places that are strict about their vaccination requirements have your pets’ best interests in mind.

Qualified Staff

Dog kennels should have staff members who are skilled, experienced and qualified to care for dogs of all breeds, sizes and temperaments. Knowing that your pets will be watched by staff members who are good with dogs and have the skills needed to handle certain problems provides you with peace of mind. Keep in mind that some places also have dog trainers available for classes.

Special Requirements

If your pets have special needs, such as a specific diet or medications, it’s important to find a place that can accommodate them. Ask how special requirements are handled by staff members at any local dog kennels you look into. These places should keep a record of when and how these requirements are met and whether or not there were any problems.