Finding the right kennel

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Vacations, business trips, or personal emergencies will happen...and when they do, you need a good boarding kennel, sometimes called a pet hotel, to park your pooch! A quality kennel can offer your buddy a safe and secure home away from home.

Boarding Kennels--The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Taking care of your dog doesn't stop when you're away, but let's face it; talking to your furry friend over the phone isn't going to put food in her bowl or give her the attention she needs. You will need help. Family or friends might not have the time or inclination to watch after your dog beyond a walk, water, and food. For long vacations, they may not want the responsibility of caring for your dog at all. A professional kennel or pet sitter may be the answer to both you and your dog's needs.

Using a boarding kennel will let your pet:

• avoid the anxiety of airline travel or a long, cooped up ride in your car.
• have a place where she is welcome and expected (unlike many inns, hotels, and motels that shun or charge exorbitant fees for pets).
• receive more care and interaction than a friend or neighbor could provide during the day.
• be watched by staff trained to look for potential medical problems.
• be safe and sound in an area designed to prevent runaways--even those dogs who are "Houdini" back home.

Kennels can have downsides. These include:

• stress and anxiety from staying in unfamiliar surroundings.
• being around other animals that may transmit disease.
• overcrowding, lack of cleaning, and an untrained staff.
• inconvenient locations or hours.

Where Are the Good Kennels?

Family, friends, your vet, groomer, or trainer are always a good place to start. Look on the Internet or through the Yellow Pages under "Kennels & Pet Boarding." The American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA) may also be able to help steer you to one of their members. Once you have names--even ones you got from dependable sources--don't forget to do a thorough check of the kennel's background.

First, find out whether your state, county, or city requires boarding kennel inspections. If so, you should look for or ask to see a current certificate or license.

The American Boarding Kennels Association (719-667-1600) is a trade association for kennel owners to encourage professional standards in pet care.  [Continued]

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