Whether you are traveling for vacation or a work trip, you can leave your dog at a boarding facility. Kennel-free boarding provides your pet a place to relax and play while you’re away. Before admitting your dog, you might have questions about the facility’s set-up and the care your pet will receive. Here are some common concerns pet owners have about dog boarding:
Safety and Security
As a pet owner, you might be worried about your dog’s safety, especially if they are prone to escaping or are temperamental. A secure dog boardingfacility has high fences, secure gates, and double-door entry systems to prevent pets from leaving the property without their owners. When dogs are allowed to play together, they are usually grouped according to their behavior and size to avoid fights. Reputable boarding facilities are staffed by personnel trained in dog handling and behavior, enabling them to respond quickly if two dogs do not get along. Dry floors within the playing areas allow dogs to move around comfortably without slipping.
Interaction With Other Dogs
When pet parents leave their dogs at a facility, how their dogs interact with others could be a key concern. During play, dogs should be supervised at all times, regardless of whether they seem friendly or not. Qualified attendants can monitor pets’ body language and redirect behavior to prevent any issues. If your dog does not enjoy group play, some boarding facilities schedule one-on-one playtime with staff to keep your pet from feeling lonely or restless. Various play opportunities keep your dog active and engaged, promoting positive behaviors. Some activities include:
- Large outdoor play areas
- A ball pit
- A sandbox
- DogTV
- Enrichment activities
Health and Sanitation
Before allowing a dog to board, most facilities require pet owners to provide current vaccination documents on Bordetella, distemper, and parvovirus. This prevents the spread of sickness between dogs at the facility. As a pet owner, you can inspect if the floors, feeding bowls, and bedding are clean enough to keep your dog healthy.
To prevent diseases from spreading, staff can identify early signs of illness, such as coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea, and separate sick dogs for treatment. Workers should also clean up messes immediately so germs and parasites will not spread and make dogs sick. To prevent the accumulation of odors, moisture, and airborne germs, quality boarding places are well-ventilated.
Communication and Updates
While you’re away, you might be concerned about how your dog is doing in the facility. Some boarding facilities offer daily photos of your pet playing, eating, or relaxing. You can also call or text if you have questions about your dog’s condition. If your pet has a medical issue, be sure to provide the staff with medication schedules or play restrictions. If your schedule changes, some facilities allow stay extensions. Sharing these updates with staff enables them to make necessary adjustments.
Schedule a Stay at a Dog Boarding Facility
Kennel-free boarding facilities allow your dogs to play, rest, and seek attention as needed, keeping them happy during their stay. Depending on their energy level and size, they offer various activities and spacious outdoor areas to keep your pet active. Call a boarding facility today to learn more about their services.
