When dog owners decide to travel for any length of time, they will have to decide how their pups will be cared for until they are back home. While some choose to have friends or family help out, this isn't always an option for some individuals.
This is when dog boarding comes in handy and allows individuals and families to travel without leaving their dogs home alone. While this is an excellent solution for dog care, owners who have never boarded before can wonder how it works. The information below can offer some insight into the process and what it will be like for pups from start to finish.
Pet accommodations. Accommodations will vary within each boarding facility, which is why it's recommended to view rooms in person before scheduling a stay. However, in general, most dogs will be given their own room to stay in where they will have a bed, water, and food to eat. For facilities that have luxury options, the rooms will be more private with high-end accessories and even televisions available for dogs to watch. At a minimum, dog owners should be on the lookout for a place where their pup will have a quiet yet clean space to sleep, rest, and eat. This can help lower dog stress levels so they don't get too overwhelmed with being in a new place.
Costs of dog boarding. Much like rooms in traditional hotels, the daily cost of a room in a pet boarding facility will vary. However, the average rate tends to be somewhere around $30 for the day, $40 for the night, or $150 for the week. For extended stays, it's common for facilities to charge upwards of $500 or more for a dog to stay with them. Luxury rooms will cost more, with some spots charging $200+ for just one night. In addition to the cost of simply staying in the facility, dog owners should be prepared to bring in their own food and cover any medical expenses that may be necessary. Grooming can also be an additional cost for staying at a boarding facility that should be calculated into the overall price ahead of time.
Boarding Kennels. Many boarding facilities utilize kennels rather than private rooms for their four-legged guests. Fortunately, these can be comfortable spaces for dogs to stay in and are normally sanitized quite well before new dogs come to stay. Aside from a place to sleep, these facilities also provide services to keep dogs happy. This includes feeding time, walks, running, playing, and socializing with other dogs. Since boarding kennels have staff members on-hand at all times, dog owners are able to work with them to ensure their pup is given the best care possible. This can include the administration of medications or extra exercise for active dogs.
Preparing a Dog. It's important to prepare a dog before taking them to a boarding facility, especially if it will be their first time. This should start with checking to make sure they have all vaccinations, as most kennels take fully vaccinated animals only. It's also recommended to introduce dogs to a household kennel a couple of weeks ahead of time so they are familiar with sleeping in them. In addition to this, owners should give their dogs a lot of exercise before they take them to the facility and make sure they are equipped with the medications and food that they need. Some owners find that a one-night trial helps ease their mind for future visits when they will be away longer.
Finding a animal boarding center. Cities and towns of all sizes can have many different boarding kennels to choose from. To find the right fit for their best friend, dog owners should always begin by doing some research online. Reviews can offer insight to customer and pet experiences so it's easier to weed out the bad choices. In addition to this, it's a good idea to meet with a few kennels ahead of time to discuss rules and see the facility. Owners should ask as many questions as they can, including those about pricing and extra fees or insurance. This can help them avoid surprises so the overall cost and experience can be anticipated ahead of time.