Choosing a boarding kennel for your dog is not always easy. There's so much to consider and many options that one can quickly confuse. So, how do you know which boarding facility suits your furry pal?

We have developed a comprehensive guide that includes everything you need to know when choosing a boarding kennel for your dog.

Let's take a look at it:

- What to look for in a dog boarding kennel? -  

Being a loving pet parent, you won’t want your furry BFF sitting in a small cage. First, determine what kind of boarding facility you and your dog will need. Look for a boarding kennel that is comfortable for you and your dog. Here's what you should look for in a dog boarding kennel: 

• Is the boarding kennel clean? 

It's better to visit the boarding facility before you commit to sending your pet there for an overnight stay. Look around and check for cleanliness. There shouldn't be any rubbish or choking hazards around for pups to get into.

• Is the boarding kennel secure? 

Your pet should never be left unattended with other dogs. There should be supervised play, and a facility staff member should be with the group at all times. Doors and gates of the boarding kennel should be secure so that dogs are kept safe during their stay.

• What is the size of the play areas?

It would help if you were looking to find whether the dog boarding kennel has plenty of outdoor areas and whether any Indoor areas are large enough for dogs to be comfy. You should also check outdoor areas are safe and secure.

• Is the boarding staff highly trained? 

Boarding staff must know how to keep the group calm and redirect a dog’s attention. The staff should communicate and deal with dogs in a safe and friendly manner. 

• Is there a vet on call? 

Accidents can happen at any time. Any good dog hotel should have a 24-hour veterinary service. You never know when a dog might require emergency assistance. Find out how well-prepared the boarding facility is for emergencies.

In an emergency, the on-call vet can examine your pet's condition and provide proper treatment. This will guarantee that your furry companion is in good hands.

- Dog boarding checklist: Packing list for dogs -

Now that you have arranged your dog’s stay while you're away, it's time to make sure you’ve packed everything your pup will need while you are away.

Packing all your dog’s essential items for boarding is an important step. There are many things your pup will need for a comfortable stay. The following items are a must!

• Health certificate and vaccination records. Make sure your pup is up to date on all of his vaccines. 
• Your dog's up-to-date identification. This includes a collar with an ID tag with your name, phone number, and address. Having your pet microchipped is accurate is also a great idea.
• Dog owners must bring food for their dogs to avoid diet changes. Pack enough food to last your dog’s stay, along with apparent feeding instructions. Individual meal portions in zip-lock bags for the length of stay are preferred.
• Boarding can be stressful, so bring them something from home. This can be a blanket, a piece of clothing, or a few of your dog’s favourite toys. In this way, they'll have something familiar to them.
• Contact information in an emergency, including where you will stay during your trip. Also, provide an emergency contact number for another person if boarding staff can’t get hold of you.
• Any particular medication your furry child might need. Make sure medication has clear dosage instructions on how and when to give them medication. Pack extra medication, just in case your trip gets delayed.
• Adequate treats for the entire stay
• A collar and a lead

Cost is one of the most significant considerations when choosing a dog boarding kennel.

• Ask the boarding staff about the deposit to secure the date.
• Know exactly what’s included in the pricing before finalizing the boarding kennel. 
• Always confirm the cost, time, dates, and details in a written contract.
• Ask about their cancellation policy in case you have a change of plan.

You can talk to a boarding facility staff member about what they require and what other pet parents typically pack for their dogs for an extended stay. With some preparation, your dog will be all set to have a comfortable boarding experience!

- How can I make my pet’s boarding easier? - 

There is much more to it than just filling out a dog boarding checklist. You can make boarding easier by choosing a boarding kennel carefully, asking the right questions, and preparing your dog for the stay.

Once you choose a boarding facility, it’s a good idea to take your pet for a visit beforehand. Let your dog sniff around the kennel and allow the boarding staff to give him a treat. You may also book a night to let your dog acclimatise before a more extended stay. This will give your dog a positive association with the boarding facility.

- In closing -

If you are a pet lover, you already know these furry companions bring so much joy into our lives. Prepare your pet for their boarding stay, research properly, and believe that you have made the right decision. A dog boarding experience that will allow both pet parent and their pet to be stress-free and relaxed when they're apart from each other.

We hope you have found this blog post helpful.

Have a good day!