Boarding Kennels

nicolula87

Hi all

I would really appreciate some advice, I am going to have to board my dog for the first time for 4 nights (5days). I know there are good and bad boarders out there and would like to know anyones experience of kennels, what should I look for when I visit, what questions should I ask etc as I really want to make it as stress free as possible for him!

I want kennels that will let him and us visit a few times beforehand so he gets to know the place a bit but any tips on what to look out for would be gratefully received.

Thanks

Jenny.W

Boarding is not the same as kennels - I assume you are thinking of using kennels?

Personally, having used both I would find a boarder (someone who will look after your dog in their home).

Kennels can be quite stressful for a dog, for example my dog doesn't cope in kennels so I now board him.

Whatever you decide, try and go from personal recommendation, you could contact local dogwalkers etc to see if you can get any recommendations/views.

nicolula87

Yes I do mean kennels, they all seem to be called boarding kennels online hence the mix up of the terms!

Person_one

I think personal recommendations are the only way to go really. Do you know other dog owners in your area? If not, then go to popular dog walking spots and ask other owners.

My dogs do fine in kennels, but I did build them up to it slowly by spending just one night, then two, before I had to leave them there for a full week. The kennels they go to are wonderful and my family has been using them for years.

Boarding might seem like a better option, but again you'd have to go with personal recommendations. I know of one boarder who takes about 5 dogs at a time in the summer and rarely walks them. Its a nightmare for the neighbours!

nicolula87

I do know a few dog owners I can ask, really I just want to put a list together of questions / things to look for when I go and visit, because even with a recommendation I want to take my dog to visit and get a feel for the place!

zaksmum

I did have a look around a boarding kennels in my area and was so horrified that I made a complaint about the state of the place.

It was more like a dog prison.

Wet concrete floors, freezing cold with some kind of antiquated heat lamp covered in cobwebs above a concrete pen that each dog could not see out of, only the four bare concrete walls.

One beautiful Malamute in terrible distress being completely ignored and the whole place stank to high heaven.

There was no way I'd ever leave my dogs there.

I'm sure some are far far better than this place though.

trolleyrun

Can I recommend that you don't make an appointment before the first visit? The cynical part of my brain says they might have an extra tidy/clear-up if they know someone's coming to view the facilities. Have a look around on your own first, including the kennels, the area where the dogs get excercised, and not forgetting have a good look at the dogs already there. If you're happy with the above, then you can bring the dog to visit and get him/her to meet the handlers.

Questions to ask:
What do they feed the dogs and when?
How often and for how long will your dog be exercised?
Are the kennels heated?
Which vet would they contact/take dog to in case of emergency?

Personally, I wouldn't take my dog to visit apart from meeting the handlers in the car park. There might be some dogs in the kennels that are frightened and your dog could pick up on this. Just my opinion of course - you know your dog best

Mojisola

Jenny.W wrote: »

Boarding is not the same as kennels - I assume you are thinking of using kennels?

Personally, having used both I would find a boarder (someone who will look after your dog in their home).

Kennels can be quite stressful for a dog, for example my dog doesn't cope in kennels so I now board him.

Whatever you decide, try and go from personal recommendation, you could contact local dogwalkers etc to see if you can get any recommendations/views.

I second this. A lot of dogwalkers round here also board dogs. Ours goes to his dog walker when we go away. He lives in the house with her dogs, gets masses of walks and generally has a great time.

We got him from a dog rescue centre and I didn't like the idea of putting him in kennels in case he thought he'd been sent back there.

PollyOnAMission

I would also recommened a home boarder if you're not totally happy with the idea of kennels. Many dogs do fine in kennels but mine would absolutely hate it; instead they go to a home boarder, live with her and her dogs and have a great time.

minimad1970

I agree with the home boarding. That's what I do with my dog, he's such a wuss he'd never cope in kennels. I mean whose bed, lap or settee would he sleep on if he was in kennels.:D

chris_n_tj

Ask your Vet if they can recommend a good home boarder. Or if its the way you want to go then a boarding kennels. I know a great home boarder but she is in Doncaster, but there are some great home boarders out there.. x