Have You Ever Boarded Your Dogs?

[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.

[mr.chiwawa]

I am not much help here I am way tooooo scared to bored Mister. But I agree with the ER numbers and if you have a cell number deffinatly give them that. Thats about all I can offer up. However on a side note I MIGHT have to board my baby next october should I look for anything in paticular espically where he is soo tiny and such a mommas boy??? Thanks for anything anyone can offer and Best of luck with your boarding

[Aspen and Misty]

Bring your own food, a lot of dogs get upset tummies because the owners forget their food OR because they get nervous. If you bring your own food the kennel staff will know that if one of your pups gets dia it's not because of the change in food. Also make sure you go in the back and actually look at the kennels, look at the food prep area and take a deep breath and decide if it's a place you would want to stay. As you walk by look into each cage, do the dogs look calm or stressed? Are they barking because they are happy or bored? Are the cages clean, with clean water dishes and do the cages have solid floors no wire? Also make sure there aren't people running around or making a fuss. A lot of activity stresses dogs out when they are away from home and your kids could come back sleep deprived if where you are boarding them is to active. If your boarding them at a vet remember a vet offices is for sick pets. My vet office just treated a case of Kennel cough and a case of Parvo (in one day), your dogs will be exposed to these dieses 24/7 while you are gone. I know you said it's 24 hours so I'm assuming that means someone is there all the time, that is a huge one in my book! I couldn't imagine leaving my dogs overnight without anyone watching them. Bring your own bedding (call to make sure it's ok), ask for them to be walked together, don't forget your own food and Mistakes happen so ask for them to read important information back to you like their feedings, walk schedule etc. you wouldn't want to come home and find out that they were accidently only feeding your kids 1 cup a day because the receptionist heard you wrong at the counter (it happens).

Good luck!

Ashley

[lizbud]

Thanks to all for your suggestions, I've read them all & they've helped
a lot. I will also bring their own food & blankies for them. I'm sure they
both will do fine. (fingers crossed) Here's where they will be staying.

http://www.noahshospitals.com/

I'll be dropping them off Fri morning & picking them up next Tues morning.

[Freedom]

I have not used boarding facilities in the past, and now I can't imagine what it would cost me with 4 dogs, 11 cats!

I did wonder about sleeping with two Tshirts and leaving them with the dogs at the kennel, one each. As mentioned about toys and such, you may not see the shirts again so don't make them YOUR favorite ones.

[ramanth]

I have boarded both Kia and Chipper at a local non-vet facility. They also had a doggy day care that my two just loved.

I took their beds, some treats, and their own food (a must with Chipper).

I only board them as a last resort, but have been very happy with this place.

http://carawaykennels.com/first.html

[lute]

I haven't ever boarded my dogs. Haven't needed to. We do boarding at the clinic I work at. I like all the different dogs that come in. Sometimes the owners worry a little too much and tend to over pack.LOL We had one woman who dropped off about 15 toys and packed her little dog's whole wardrobe! We all got a little kick out of it. She also packed a bunch of pictures of the dog. I guess in case we forgot what she looked like.HAHA

Take their own food. If the facility has their own food you can feed that, but it's not good for the dogs to change foods like that abruptly. Chances are their food isn't going to be real healthy for them either.

Try and take something for them to play with or chew on. Something from home so it has your smell on it.

kt_luvs_kitties said to bring their bowls. If the facility is a good one they will clean the bowls at least once a day. We disinfect and replace ours twice a day. When owners bring their own bowls we don't use them. Don't want to risk getting them ruined.

I'm sure they will have fun on their visit! Try not to worry too much!

[lute]

Oh yeah! The Bordetella vacc. was a good idea! I had to get all my pups vaccinated because I accedently brought it home to them. I felt horrible!

[lizbud]

Well, just dropped off my babies. Smokey was shaking in the exam room
but walked off with the girl to the kennel ok. Maggie was her usual happy self.

Takeing a quick shower & then I'm off to the airport. Talk to ya'll when I get
back.