Have You Ever Boarded Your Dogs?

[Ginger's Mom]

Are you taking their beds (if they don't sleep in bed with you that is)? If you aren't or can't take their bed, take a blankie or toy or something from home with them. Are they going to be in the same kennel together?

[lizbud]

They both have beds , but usually sleep with me in the big bed. They
don't really have a favorite toy. They like balls to fetch, but not for chewing.

The kennels are big enough for two dogs their size, so they will be in
separate kennels, Hopefully, side by side.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Oreo stays at a kennel when we go on vacation. The part she likes best is the outside walks/playtime, and it sounds like you have that covered. I bring her bed from home and a toy.

The first time was hard for me, too, so I understand what you are feeling. I leave lots of emergency phone numbers (my cell phone, my sister's phone, etc.) so they would be able to contact me if needed. I sometimes call to ask how she's doing. That's comforting.

I've read about kennels that have Web cameras so that you can log on and check up on your pet via the Internet. I wish ours had that!

[Taz_Zoee]

I am lucky enough to have my brother that takes care of Zoee for us. But in the event that my brothers family and us go somewhere together there is a kennel called The Duckpond that my brother takes his dogs to. So Zoee would go there too when/if the need arises.

I did do daycare for Zoee for two days a couple years ago. It was not a good experience. She wouldn't drink or potty the whole time. And when she gets nervous she drools bad, so that wasn't a fun time.

I think with them being together that will be better for them.

[Casper]

All three of our dogs have been boarded at some point or another, and everything went smoothly. We are lucky to live near a doggie boarding facility that goes the "extra mile" to make sure everyone is happy. The dogs always come back washed, groomed, and nails clipped at no extra charge... and only charge $12 a night.

I remember the first time we took Frisk he won over the woman's heart so much that she allowed him to sleep in her bed with her. Apparently he followed her around like he had lived there his whole life... even trying to take a bubble bath with her.

I will admit I cried the first time I spent the night away from home while my Frisk-man was being boarded, so I can empathize. I was going to suggest taking a blanket from home, but someone beat me to it, and there isn't anything else I can think of right off the top of my head.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Dont forget to bring your own dog bowls.

It always scares me to use others water bowls, because I like to know they are sanitary.

I have worked at vets, and they always sanatize, but I have heard horror stories about cleanliness in kennels.

Good luck, they will be ok. They will probably have FUN!

I would also see if they would let them bring their own leash/collars, so as not to have to use choke collars, as most vets/kennels do.

[lizbud]

.

The first time was hard for me, too, so I understand what you are feeling. I leave lots of emergency phone numbers (my cell phone, my sister's phone, etc.) so they would be able to contact me if needed. I sometimes call to ask how she's doing. That's comforting.

I forgot all about leaving a emergency phone number for them. I'll be sure
to leave a local number for them to call for people who can get hold of me.
I'm sure Maggie will just be bored being there, but Smokey is such a baby
about being away from me. I'm sure he will be nervous, or afraid.

[NicoleLJ]

Personally I will never board my dogs in a place run by vets agian. THis summer both Ajax and Luca were boarded at 2 seperate places for about 2 weeks each.

Do your research is all I can say. We board Luca at a wonderful place that had awsome rates and the guy who ran the facility really knew what he was doing. Luca usually would starve himself when he was left with anyone but this guy had a ton of tricks up his sleave to make sure that didn't happen and when we can back 2 weeks later Luca was happy to see us but it was clear that he had had a blast and loved being there. It was just a boarding place for Dogs, cats and horses. So that was all they focused on.

On the other hand we were in a bit of a hurry when looking for a place to board Ajax for a couple of weeks and thought because it was a vet place that also did boarding that it would be perfect. Not so. Ajax came back to us where you could count several of his ribs. He aso had rub sores from where he had laid down too long on hard surfaces. We were very angry at how he looked though he was still the very happy and fun loving pup he acted half starved though and his condition showed it.

So all I can say is do your research. The vet place was expensive but the place we sent Luca was very cheap and reasonable. So price is not a consideration to always go by or the fact that it is run by a vet. Keep your options open.

[Queen of Poop]

The kittens and Sasha have all boarded at a kennel just east of Calgary. It is a pet resort. They are a very popular place to go and it is difficult to get the pets in. You don't bring anything but food and meds (if needed). Sasha stays in the smaller geratric building, not many doggies stay here so it's nice and quiet. They have a sofa in front of a fake fireplace where the doggies get brushings every day. The kittens stay in one of the many cat rooms. They're so cool. They even taught Diego to play fetch when they stayed there last time. I've been thru their kitchens many times over the years, they're cleaner than mine at home. This place is run by a bunch of women and they're totally awesome. I won't take my pets anywhere else, it doesn't get any better.

[AllAmericanPUP]

i boarded my dogs at one place called country pines and it sucked..they kept them in crates and only took them out on small leashes 3 times a day
so i found a great place called lucky dog lodge

www.luckydoglodge.com

and it was great! the dogs are kept in spacious "rooms" and let out in a fenced area for potty and play time and they are brushed daily.

honestly if you find a reputable place i wouldn't be too worried about it, as long as you know they are in good hands

[bckrazy]

I boarded Gonzo at a Vet's (not mine) boarding facility, once... it was an emergency thing, so I didn't have time to really look around. The people were friendly and it looked clean, but I was less than impressed. He came back incredibly nervous, high-strung, filthy, and without the bed and toys that I brought for him. Plus, he was exhausted. I think some of the dogs there just barked 24/7. He slept for days when he got home.

I work at a dog daycare/boarding facility now, so I know what to look for! The one I work at is cage-free, but I don't see a problem with cages, as long as the dogs are given actual walks and play time. Some places call "walks" a trip around the building on a 3 foot long slip lead. I would want to check out the kennels, watch them walk the dogs and play with the dogs, and I would definitely ask before bringing bedding or toys; you might never get them back. I would also specify that you'd like them to be able to be walked and have play time together.