Boarding your Pup

[Amazonchix]

We boarded a few months ago. The kennel we use has indoor/outdoor runs. I visited many facilities and felt the most comfortable with the one we chose. This kennel allowed me to tour their facility completely! It was very clean and had good lighting.

The first time our male dog was boarded and the second time for our female dog (both dogs are rescues). The first time our female stayed over night (only boarded for a night) I think she held her pee all night. When we brought her home it was like she had a marathon pee session in the backyard.

The second time we boarded I cried all the way to the airport. These dogs are our children. I just kept telling myself that this kennel was highly recommeded to us by several different people, we upgraded and reserved the dogs a suite for double the space, paid for extra play time and that they were together (female is 62lbs and male is 80lbs). I even called to check on how they were doing in the middle of our trip. Needless to say, we felt the staff paid great attention to them b/c they even commented on each personalities...details not everyone notices about them. The dogs were excited to see us and didn't take any steps back on their bx's or being house broken. Quite honestly, I think our dogs liked the social part of hanging out with the other dogs. They don't allow the dogs to play together...but none the less, I believe it was good socialization...and I'm sure there was plenty of chatting it up (lol) among everyone in their run.

[charmedone.1]

Thank you all so much. I feel much better about this hearing your experiences! I am glad there have been so many positive encounters for your fur-babies with kennels.

[jessiegirl_98]

Whenever I board my dog, she absolutely has to go to a place the encorporates doggie daycare....so she'll generally play for 8-10 hours a day and be crated over night for 8. I have notice that your dog will let you know if she likes it. We first took her to a large chain and when we tried to take her back she refused to enter.... On the other hand, we tried a smaller place where they were much better with her and if you say the name of the place, she runs to the door, gets really excited and doesn't even look back when you drop her off. Honestly, your dog will let you know what they think! I've never taken her to a place where she would always be crated or would only have runs because she LOVES to play, which is why she loves her place so much!

Once you find a place you feel comfortable with, you'll feel so much better. We adopted Alex right before we left to go out of town for a week (again, we weren't sure what to do, weren't expecting to adopt, but LOVED her) and we were really worried. We found a place with a great owner that she loves and she even has her "best friends." It's comforting. If you have a dog park or anything ask those dog owner who they recommend.

[cleosmom]

I work at a pet hotel, first off make certain you can have a tour of the facility. If they flat out refuse.... run!

Make certain to ask up front about check in/out times, daily boarding rate and if it's extra to have play time, medications, bringing your own food in or if it's flat rate. Where I work we charge by the dog and by the day and simply incorporate in the daycare routine and don't have the extra charges for anything.

Find out if you can bring any personal effects, some allow it and others forbid it.