Finding Fido’s Home Away From Home: How to Select the Perfect Dog Boarding Facility

So you’re going out of town and need to find somewhere for your furry friend to stay. You want a place that will treat Fido like family while you’re away enjoying your vacation. Selecting a dog boarding facility is a big decision – after all, your pup is part of the family and deserves the best care. Where do you even start to find a place you can trust? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article we’ll walk you through what to look for in a top-notch dog boarding facility so you can find a home away from home for your four-legged family member. By the end you’ll feel confident you’ve found a facility that will give your dog the royal treatment he deserves so you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing he’s well taken care of.

Verify Licenses, Certifications and Safety Protocols

When checking out a dog boarding facility, touring the place and meeting the staff should be at the top of your list. 

Meet the owners and any staff that will be caring for Fido. Get a feel for how much they seem to genuinely care about the dogs in their charge. Do they greet Fido by name and with affection? That’s a good sign. Ask about their experience, training, and credentials. Peace of mind comes from knowing your pup is in capable, caring hands.

Check that the kennels and play areas are spacious, clean, and secure. Each dog should have their own private kennel for eating and sleeping. Make sure Fido will get time outside their kennel daily for exercise, interaction, and play. Plenty of time outside in a safe, fenced area is ideal. 

Inquire about the schedule and routine. Will Fido get frequent potty breaks, play time, walks, grooming, and affection? How much one-on-one attention will they get? A predictable routine with lots of personal interaction will help Fido feel secure.

Discuss food and any medication requirements to ensure all needs will be properly met. Don’t forget to ask about costs, services, and any additional fees upfront before booking.

By taking the time to thoroughly evaluate the facility and staff, you can rest assured you’ve found a perfect home away from home for your faithful friend. After all, they’re family –  they deserve the very best care.

Consider Your Dog’s Needs – Space, Play Time and More

When dropping your furry family member off for a stay at the kennel, you want to feel at ease knowing they’ll be in good hands. That means finding a facility you trust completely. 

To ensure your pup is staying somewhere reputable, first verify that the kennel  is properly licensed and certified. They should meet all legal requirements for your area and have certifications like “Certified Kennel Operator.” Ask to see their licenses and certifications.

Safety is also key. Ask about the kennel’s emergency protocols like fire drills and disaster plans. Check if they have 24-hour staffing and security systems like security cameras. See if there are separate areas for dogs of different sizes or temperaments.

Inquire about the kennel’s experience caring for dogs similar to yours. Do they require proof of vaccinations? What is their policy if a dog gets sick or has a medical emergency? You want a place prepared to properly handle any situation.

Tour the facilities yourself. Note whether the kennels are clean and spacious, with areas for eating, sleeping, and exercising. Meet some staff members and see how they interact with the dogs. You’ll get a feel for whether they genuinely care for the animals. 

By thoroughly checking licenses, certifications, safety measures, experience, and facilities,  you can find a kennel you trust to keep your faithful companion happy and cared for when you’re away. Put in the work to vet places properly, and you’ll both rest easy during your time apart, knowing your furry family member’s “home away from home” was the perfect choice.