Travel: Kennels

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As much as you might like to bring your dog on your travels, sometimes it's just not possible or practical. And you may have used up all your pet-sitting favors from family and friends.

It's time to go kennel shopping.

As with other travel arrangements, planning in advance is the key to success in making sure the kennel is a good fit for your best friend. The options (and prices) vary from spa-like to spartan, so take the time to get references and visit the place.

Go on a tour

Key signals separate good kennels from bad:

• Cleanliness. It must smell as well as look clean--not just in the areas where your dog will stay, but also in play areas and other places your dog will go.
• Ventilation. Is the air fresh, or is there a stale-air smell?
• Roominess. The play area should be large enough for many dogs, since too little space can make dogs aggressive.
• Comfortable bedding. The kennel may ask you to bring your dog's own bed, but make sure they also have enough bedding if they need to change it due to spills or other accidents.
• Interactions among dogs. Watch how the staff handles dogs of varying sizes; some kennels separate smaller dogs from larger ones, so the small ones won't feel overpowered. This is usually a good thing. Observe how the dogs staying at the kennel interact.
• Your dog's response. Just like people entering a not-so-clean hotel or an uncomfortable room, dogs can show their displeasure through agitation or restlessness. Bring your dog on the tour and see how she handles it. Trust your own gut instinct, and your dog's, too.

Evaluating the contenders

If a couple of kennels seem to be in tip-top shape, several other factors can help you make your choice:

• Ask for references and call them. Get the opinion of several dog owners, preferably those whose pets vary in size and personality. Also ask if the kennel is a member of the American Boarding Kennels Association, a group founded by kennel operators to promote higher standards of pet care. You might also request recent inspection records to make sure the kennel regularly meets state standards for safety and hygiene.
• Make sure the kennel has a relationship with a veterinarian. Alternatively, see if the staff is willing to work with your own vet, particularly if you have a dog with special medical needs.
• Observe how staff members interact with and talk about the dogs. Warning bells should sound if they speak in a negative way about any of the dogs, or handle the dogs roughly.