It happens every year about this time.   We get out the suitcases, start to pack up, and across the room our pets are paying close attention sizing up the situation to determine if they are going with. Then just when they are about to wag their tails, they start worrying if this scene means they are about to be left behind with a dog sitter or taken to a boarding facility.  Guilt.

When it comes to picking the right day care or pet boarding facility, ask yourself what makes a good boarding kennel?  Bare-bones or frills?  Stay in a cage or safely roam?  Check the following and make sure you ask questions when touring the potential facility. Do your homework BEFORE boarding.  Consider doing a trial run or arrange a short stay first  before a long trip to see how it goes.

Ask Yourself:

• Do the dogs at the kennel seem content, happy, well cared for?
• Does the place look and smell clean?
• Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring?
• Are cages and dog runs sturdy and safe with adequate fencing?
• Is there overnite staff?

Ask the facility:

• Are dogs required to be current on shots and parasite prevention?
• Are vet services available?
• How often do they clean cages and exercise animals?
• What is the plan in place for pet emergencies?
• How is feeding handled? Can the owner bring food?
• Do they groom, train, bathe, massage?
• Do they have a special area for older dogs?
• Are pets exercised?

Do not leave your dog if the facility:

• Does not ask for vet or contact info.
• Does not have an emergency plan.
• Smells bad.
• Does not ask about shots.
• Give you a bad gut-feeling.

Upon returning home after a vacation, consider these tips:

• Settle in first and get the house ready, then get your pet so you can relax and reunite when you come home together
• Examine your dog for fleas, ticks, scratches or cuts. Does he look o.k.?
• Make sure you get toys, blanket, etc back

If you feel uncomfortable about kennels and cannot travel with your pet, perhaps instead dog-sitters (check references always) can come a few times a day, exercise, play with and feed your pets as well as get mail, check on things, etc. If you do plan to use a boarding facility,  remember the good places can be hard to get into without lengthy notice.   Ask about scheduling and plan ahead.

It is much better to ask than assume so that you an have a peaceful vacation knowing your pet is well taken care off and having some fun in a secure and safe environment.

Sources:
PetParents.com
CanisMajor.com
LoveOfBreeds.com
ThePetCenter.com
dogs.about.com

Susan is the owner of Honey, an 11-year-old Yellow Labrador, and Peaches, a two-year-old Maltese. Having lost her first dog to cancer, Susan has become an avid researcher on pet health and safety. Susan has worked in research for multiple large bio-medical and health companies and is passionate about giving her dogs the happiest, healthiest, and fullest life.