With around 38% of people owning a dog in the US, there’s a high demand for boarding.
After all, these owners have to leave on work trips, vacations, or simply have some time off! Owning a dog is a lot of work and can take its toll.
However, that doesn’t lessen the anxiety of boarding your dog for the first time. Leaving your dog is a stressful process, and you want to make sure you’ve picked the right dog boarding facility.
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How do you do that? By considering these things.
1. Boarding Style
When creating your dog boarding checklist, you should consider what your dog is used to at home. Do they sleep wherever they want at night, or in a crate?
Some boarding facilities will have kennels, and others allow the dogs to sleep with each other. Pick what suits your dog.
If it’s the latter, you should ensure dogs are separated by size and always have someone to monitor them. Dog boarding is nerve-wracking enough without worrying about a potential fight breaking out.
2. Online Reviews
Reading online reviews is essential when it comes to entrusting someone else with dog care. The place should have favorable reviews overall, though you can always delve in further and check out both the one-star and the five-star.
Usually, you’ll be able to see if each is well deserved.
3. Communication
Ask how the communication from the dog boarding staff will be. Will you hear nothing while gone, or can they send pictures? Can you call and check on your pup?
You should make sure you have a level of communication that’s comfortable for you.
4. The Staff
The staff of any reputable dog boarding facility will want to make sure you’re comfortable with leaving your dog there and be willing to answer any questions you have.
Make sure you talk to the staff. Find out about what your dog’s routine will be, and see if you can take a tour of the place.
If you don’t feel like the staff is particularly friendly or welcoming, you should try somewhere else.
5. How Your Dog Feels
You can find out how your dog feels about the place by doing a trial night before you actually go away.
When you pick your dog up, check out their demeanor. They might be a little tired or stressed from the new place, but there should be no drastic difference or severe anxiety.
A trial night can really help you gauge your dog’s emotions and if they’re comfortable there.
This Is How to Pick a Dog Boarding Facility
Picking a dog boarding facility can be a little daunting. You’re entrusting the care of your dog to strangers, and that might come with some concern that they won’t treat your dog right.
As long as you talk to the staff, read online reviews, and perhaps do a trial night, you should have no problems boarding your dog.
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