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We're often asked about what we do with our pet when we find ourselves in situations where having a dog might be either inconvenient or inadvisable. Only with the benefit of a number of years of wrestling with this question have we begun to have some confidence in knowing we're making -- for us -- the right choice. Several questions need to be addressed when you are deciding whether to kennel your dog for a short time an extended time -- or at all. In this article I'd like to suggest what we've found has worked best for us..
Why use boarding kennels? Many people wouldn't dream of boarding their “best friends”. They'd prefer to take them along everywhere they go. It depends on the type of dog you have, where you are going and how you will get there, (air, rail, etc.), and the disposition of your pet. Some pets seem genuinely to hate being boarded. They may refuse to eat, and pine for their owners. If the dog has been used to kennels from puppyhood, it is obviously easier for all concerned.
Missy is our 7 1/2 year old Brittany, one of the most active of breeds. She is fairly large for a Brit, weighing around 40 pounds. Even at this age, she can be incredibly puppy-like, she pulls -- hard-- at her leash, jumps around in circles, and puts her nose down every hole and into the most incredibly awful messes that can be imagined. She loves to travel with us, and we enjoy having her along. But sometimes, we think it’s just is not appropriate to bring her along. When we traveled on Amtrak to Vermont, this past year, we had no choice. Amtrak simply does not allow pets on board. We opted not to take her to Mexico last winter, and are glad we decided thus. When our tour went to the Copper Canyon, animals were not allowed on the train, and pet owners had to utilize the local veterinary hospital, or rely on someone exercising and feeding them while they (the dogs) were left, tied up outside the coach. It was only a two day trip, but it probably seemed much longer to the pets’ owners. In early November we will be spending two nights at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA, attending an ARVC meeting. Even if the hotel provided for dogs to accompany their owners, it would be far more enjoyable for all concerned if Missy did not come. It is up to me to find a suitable “home” for Missy while we are gone.
So, we resort to kennels. I always visit the potential boarding place before I bring Missy in. Several factors influence my decision whether this would be a good place to leave her. It is preferable for the kennel to accredited, either by the American Veterinary Medical Association, or the American Boarding Kennel Association. But this is not as important to me as other considerations. Location is important. I really like a kennel which is not right downtown. I prefer a kennel which has inside/outside runs, where a dog can go between the bed area and the outdoors. If this is not possible, I will ask if there are regularly scheduled walks, where the walks take place, in an asphalt parking lot, or a grassy play area. How many walks a day will Missy get? I like at least two. The attitude of the staff is very important -- I want a kennel which has dog knowledgeable and dog friendly people, behind the front desk as well as working with the animals. I ask to take a tour of the place, and if tours are not available, I do not board the dog. In this first visit, I can get the paperwork -- shot records, home vet name and number, etc., taken care of in a calm manner, not with an excited dog pulling at her leash, trying to smell all the good, new , “doggy” smells, while I am trying to find shot records, reading and signing release forms, etc.
There have been some incredible changes in kennels in the past few years, and more are coming. No longer are dogs kept in small wire “boxes”. I expect a dog run, preferably with access to the outside, when I board Missy. If there isn't ready access to outside runs, the dogs should be exercised several times daily -- either walked or just let loose to roam in an enclosed area. Dog beds are made from foam rubber, encased in plastic, and then a sheepskin mat over this. Better than the bed she has at home! Some places have play times, when dogs of even temperament and like size are let out to play together. In fact, there are now doggy “day care” centers, places where working pet owners take their dogs each day. As I dropped Missy off for several days’ boarding, I was surprised to see car after car pull up, and owners bringing their dogs, everything from poodles to setters, all excited about their days activity. Another new trend is to set up dog “suites”, with a TV or VCR playing in the background, and a bed set off the floor. You can even tape your voice saying all the nice things your dog would like to hear, to eliminate any separation anxiety!
Costs vary. Obviously, the more amenities, the higher the charge. Also, you can expect to pay more at kennels near large cities, or in resort areas. Sometimes, there is an extra charge for playtime or for walks. I usually get Missy groomed at the end of her stay to remove any “kennel odor”, and there is always a charge for this, although often the last days boarding charge is waived when the dog is groomed just before leaving.
No place is perfect, and I suspect if Missy could vote, she would opt to stay with us. But she always seems excited when she goes to a new kennel, and it has often been the best choice.