Whether it’s a beach break, business trip, or hospital visit, saying goodbye to your doggo is never easy.
If you want to ensure that your pal has the best time while you’re away, dog boarding is a great choice. Having to rely on friends and family can lead to last-minute drop-outs and working around other people’s schedules. Available seven days a week, dog boarding is reliable and convenient. With experienced staff and excellent facilities, you can enjoy your trip knowing that your dog is in safe hands.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the right dog boarding kennel for you and your pal. From undertaking research to visiting the facility, we’ll take you through the process step-by-step with a few additional tips along the way.
Research, research, research…
And then do it some more! Before choosing any dog boarding kennel, you’ll need to get a better understanding of what’s out there. If you want something local, search for dog boarding facilities in your area.
A quick Google search will provide a list of kennels near you. Go through each one and have a look at their website, services, facilities, and testimonials. This is a great starting point and an effective way to find out what you are looking for.
Find out what you want
Once you have done a bit of research, you’ll have a better understanding of the different options available. This is when you can start to get picky. Look at all the options and consider what it is you want. For example, some dog boarding kennels offer luxury accommodation options, onsite grooming, toys, training, and more. Before making any decisions, you’ll also want to consider your budget and location preferences.
Our West Auckland dog boarding kennel offers standard and boujee boarding options. During the day, all of our doggos have access to our farmland along with four indoor play spaces, daily enrichment activities, and park runs. If space and quality are what you’re after, you’ll want to find a centre that provides a large outdoor area where your pup can roam free. Once you’ve identified some key features, you can narrow down your search.
Ask for recommendations
It’s one thing to find a dog boarding kennel online but it’s even better when you receive a recommendation. Recommendations can ease your nerves and provide additional reassurance when you go away. If you want to find a facility you can trust, ask around for recommendations. Where do your friend’s dogs go? What about your vet, trainer or groomer? Asking for expert advice and recommendations can help you find what you’re looking for and offer a newfound sense of confidence.
Visit the facility
When you think you’ve found the right place, it’ll be time to visit them. A facility may look great online but seeing the day-to-day operations and meeting the staff is a way more reliable.
A good facility will offer a trial or evaluation day where your pup gets to check it out. At K9 Heaven, we want to keep our team and dogs safe. That’s why we offer a trial day to ensure that your dog fits in with the pack so that everyone has a pawsitive time.
Remember, you know your pup. During your visit, have a look at the facilities to see if it’s the right fit for them. Will they feel comfortable? Is there anything that might make them feel uneasy?
Consider the boarding kennel from your pet’s perspective. Have a look at all the places they will spend their time, including the sleeping quarters, play areas, and grooming locations. Take your time and ask heaps of questions to ensure you have all the information you need.
What is a dog boarding kennel?
Essentially, a dog boarding kennel is where your dog will sleep when you go away. Some centres may offer a more traditional form of kennel, while others will offer hotel-style rooms. At K9 Heaven, for example, we offer a combination of rooms and crated kennels depending on your dog’s preferences.
When looking for a dog boarding kennel, it’s always best to find one that is attached to a doggy daycare. That way, you’ll know that your doggo is getting the exercise and social interaction he/she needs.
At K9 Heaven, we create a home-from-home experience to ensure that your dog gets a good night’s sleep. Along with plenty of love and cuddles, they’ll also enjoy nutritious meals, toys, enrichment activities and hours of fun on our 10-acre farm.
Why should I choose a dog boarding kennel?
While saying goodbye is never easy, dog boarding kennels offer tons of benefits to both you and your doggo. Not only will they get all the exercise they need but they will also be cared for by experienced professionals who are trained in dog first aid. Your dog will be kept entertained with games and toys aplenty and they’ll also have the opportunity to meet other doggos.
At K9 Heaven, we know the importance of socialisation which is why we’ll offer your dog plenty of furball interactions. During the day, they’ll be grouped with dogs of a similar size and temperament. They’ll have ample opportunity to stretch their paws and discover our fields, forests and ponds.
Perhaps the most beneficial reason for choosing a dog boarding kennel is peace of mind. You’ll no longer have to rely on your friends or work around their schedule. Instead, you’ll be rest assured that your pooch is in excellent hands. Most centres are more than happy to provide regular updates during your dog’s stay, for additional reassurance.
What questions should I ask at a dog boarding kennel?
When it comes to finding the right dog boarding kennel, no question is too silly. Like most dog boarding facilities, we want the best for you and your doggo. If that means asking us 101 questions, then so be it!
If you’re not sure what to ask, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Where will they sleep?
- How many other dogs are there?
- Is there a lot of noise in the sleeping areas?
- How will they be fed and watered?
- Where will they play?
- Can you bring their own food/water dishes?
- Can you bring their favourite toy?
- Will they give them their favourite treats?
- What makes you better than other kennels or in-home boarders in the area?
- How do you go above and beyond to make my pet’s stay the best it can be?
- How much experience do the staff have?
- Are dogs vaccinated before their stay?
- Is there someone available 24/7, should something happen?
- Are all staff members trained in dog First Aid?
Dog boarding at K9 Heaven
If you want to find a dog boarding kennel in Auckland, we’ve got you sorted! We provide your dog with a warm and cosy place to rest their head. Our facilities include a 10-acre farm, four indoor play spaces, overnight lodging and boujee boarding options. You’re dog will be well fed and have all the space they need to stretch their paws and make some furry friends.
If you’re interested in our service or want some more guidance, get in touch with our team today.
