Boarding your dog is a big decision. After all, you want to leave your best friend in good hands and in a place where they can feel comfortable and safe. And with so many different things to consider, it’s easy to feel a little bit overwhelmed.
When it comes to planning a stress-free vacation, finding the right dog boarding facility for your furry friend is crucial. It’s important to choose a facility that can provide the care, attention, and activities your dog needs while you’re away. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for your dog?
In this blog, we’ll unbiasedly explore the factors to consider when choosing a boarding facility that’s the best fit for your doggo and your stress levels.
Do your research
When holiday plans can’t include your canine friend and it’s time to look for a dog boarding service, it’s a good idea to invest a little bit of time into looking at your options in detail.
Making a list is a great start. This way you can start comparing the different daycare and boarding providers in your area and the services they offer.
It’s okay to start big, you can always narrow it down to two or three options. Don’t forget to take into consideration your dog’s particular needs and personality. While a luxury provider will make many pooches wag their tails in delight, other dogs are happier with a comfy bed, regular pats and lots of friends. Think about what your dog would prefer.
Be Prepared to Ask The Important Questions
The initial contact you have with a boarding provider can tell you a lot about the level of care your doggo will receive and whether they are a good fit. Here are some important questions to keep in mind when making initial contact.
- How friendly do they seem on the phone? Do they show an interest in your dog? Any reputable boarding facility should start the process by asking questions about your dog’s breed, age and temperament.
- Do they offer a tour of the facility? Is there a mandatory trial day? They should always offer a viewing and trial of some description before booking your pet for a stay. This keeps both parties safe
- Do they have any testimonials they can point you to? Make sure you also check for yourself on Google and Facebook – feedback and how the owners respond will tell you a lot about the quality of a facility.
Arrange A Short Holiday First.
If you are planning on staying away from home for longer periods of time, arranging a short stay first is great for peace of mind for both you and your pup.
Boarding your dog for a couple of days before you leave for your holiday might seem strange at first, but it can actually help make the experience less stressful for your dog when the time comes for a long stay.
Instead of going to the new facility overnight for the first time, they’ll be returning to a place they visited before and to familiar faces who probably gave them a good spoiling before leaving the last time.
Location, location, location
The location of the dog boarding facility is an important factor to consider. You’ll want to choose a facility that is convenient for timely pick-ups and drop-offs, and that’s located in a safe and accessible area.
It’s also important to consider the surrounding environment and whether it’s a suitable place for your dog. For example, if your dog is easily scared by loud noises, you may want to choose a facility that’s located in a quieter area (or on a farm?!)
Special Needs and Medications
If your dog has special needs or requires medication, it’s important to choose a dog boarding facility that can provide the care and attention they need.
For example, our boarding facilities include special needs care and medication administration. We also offer personalised attention and care to ensure your furry friend is comfortable and happy throughout their stay.
Communication
Communication is important when it comes to choosing a dog boarding facility. You’ll want to choose a facility that provides regular updates and communication about your furry friend’s well-being and has the ability to provide regular updates via either an app like petexec or private group (ideally both!).
Vaccinations
Almost all dog boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations before accepting your dog so it’s important to ensure that your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations before their stay. This helps to prevent the spread of diseases and keep all dogs at the facility healthy.
Make sure to book in advance
Many dog boarding facilities can fill up quickly, especially during peak holiday periods. It’s important to book your dog’s stay in advance to ensure you can get a slot. You may also want to consider the facility’s booking process and policies, such as cancellation policies and deposit requirements.
For many providers, like us at K9, a mandatory trial day is a necessary requirement before any dog can book in for boarding and/or daycare. As this can be a process that takes some time, make sure you make your initial contact as well in advance as possible.
