When you are placing your precious pet in the care of someone else, you want to be certain that they are inexperienced, safe and caring hands. This can make choosing a kennel for their temporary stay a little overwhelming. To help you find the perfect place to stay for your furbaby, we have put together the following list of 5 of the most important things you should know before boarding your pet at a kennel.

 

1.    Ask for recommendations and check out reviews

Shortlisting potential kennels will be your first task, and if you have a few in your area, there may be a number of them to consider. Don’t be afraid to look slightly further afield too as sometimes the best and right one will be a little further away. To help you whittle down your list, consider asking friends and family with pets who may have used kennels in the past whether they would recommend them or if there is any that they would avoid and why. Check out reviews online too for more valuable feedback.
 

2.    Check out the entry requirements for your chosen kennel

Most boarding facilities have some very strict entry requirements that animals must meet before they will be allowed to stay. These nearly always refer to preventative care that your pet should have had before they are allowed entry, and this done to ensure the best protection for all animals against the various illnesses and diseases that can affect them. You may be asked to provide proof of recent vaccinations, so be sure to have this to hand when you complete the paperwork. Some kennels insist on a minimum time period passing between the vaccinations being administered and your pet staying there, so it is important to check this before you book your furbaby in.
 

3.    Ask about their protocol is regarding feeding

Whether or not your pet is eating is one of the biggest worries that any owner has when they are placing their beloved animal into kennels. One of the most important questions that you can ask is about your chosen facility’s protocols surrounding feeding. What feeds do they offer? If they don’t offer a feed that is suitable for your pet, are you allowed to provide your own? What schedule do they adhere to and will your pet be given sufficient time to eat at mealtimes? Make sure you are happy with the answers before booking your pet to stay.
 

4.    Can they offer the care that your pet needs?

All animals are a little different and some breeds, ages, and temperaments of pets need care that is a little different from the ‘norm’. For example, you may have an older pet that struggles to move around and requires a completely flat environment that doesn’t require them to move around too much. Alternatively, you may have a pet that is on medication and you need to be sure that your chosen kennel has trained and experienced staff who can administer it on your behalf.
 

5.    Visit the kennel to see if for yourself

Finding out information online or over the phone is helpful, but you should never book your pet into kennels without seeing the facility for yourself first. You will get an immediate impression from the staff who work there and the environment as a whole. Assess how much space your pet will have; how clean it is and the mood of the pets that are staying there when you visit. And trust your gut if it tells you that something doesn’t feel quite right.

Choosing a kennel for your pet doesn’t have to be a minefield. If you would like more advice or information, contact our friendly and experienced veterinary team today.