Boarding a Dog Safely and Comfortably

Boarding a dog safely and comfortably requires some planning and preparation. Choose a boarding facility that is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA).

Research the facility's policies and procedures, including vaccination requirements and health checks. This will help ensure your dog's safety and comfort.

Consider your dog's individual needs and personality when selecting a boarding facility. Some dogs may require extra attention or special care, so it's essential to find a facility that can accommodate their needs.

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Before you start the boarding process, it's essential to ensure your dog is healthy enough for a stay. A veterinary check-up is recommended to determine your dog's fitness for boarding.

You'll also need to provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations, which typically include rabies, distemper, and parvovirus shots.

Planning a tour of a kennel in advance is crucial to ensure your dog's comfort and well-being. A reputable kennel should be eager to show you everything, including the dog runs, meal preparation areas, and play spaces.

You should be allowed to ask questions and meet the employees without any hesitation. If a kennel seems disinterested in your pet, it's a major red flag.

Consider the facilities' water-based activities, such as inflatable swimming pools, hoses, and sprinklers. These can be a great draw for owners of water-loving dogs.

A good kennel should have a veterinarian on staff or work with local veterinary services in case of an emergency. This ensures your dog receives prompt medical attention if needed.

Upon visiting a kennel, pay attention to the cleanliness of the facilities. Your dog's paws should be free from dried urine or feces.

Here are some key things to look for during your tour:

Dog sitting is a great option for pet owners who want their dogs to stay in the comfort of their own home while they're away. This arrangement can be especially beneficial for dogs that don't handle kennels well.

You can find dog sitters through apps like Rover or Wag!, where you can read reviews from other clients to get an idea of a sitter's experience and comfort level. Many of the same questions you'd ask a boarding service are relevant when finding a dog sitter.

Dog sitters can visit your home multiple times a day, providing your dog with the interaction and care they deserve. This can be a huge relief for pet owners who worry about their dogs' well-being while they're away.

When you're preparing to drop off your dog, it's essential to pack the right items to ensure their comfort and well-being. Bring your dog's favorite toy to provide a sense of familiarity.

You should also pack your dog's regular food and treats, including extra in case your travel is delayed. This will help maintain their routine and reduce stress.

Consider packing a piece of clothing with your scent, like a worn T-shirt, to provide a sense of comfort. This can be especially helpful if your dog is prone to separation anxiety.

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If your dog snoozes in a bed, it's a good idea to bring that along too. This will help them feel more at home in their new environment.

Here are some specific items to pack:

Facility Requirements are a crucial aspect of ensuring your furry friend's safety and well-being. A reputable boarding facility should have a disaster plan in place to handle emergencies like fires or natural disasters.

Requiring up-to-date vaccinations and continuous parasite prevention is a must. This is to protect your dog from potential health risks.

A boarding kennel should have emergency veterinary care readily available or a plan in place to get emergency care for any pets that need it. This could be a veterinarian on staff or a partnership with a local animal hospital.

To minimize the risk of illness outbreaks, a facility should follow standard operating procedures. This includes proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

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A boarding facility should have qualified staff trained in proper animal care and handling. This includes knowing how to handle dogs safely and providing them with the care they need.

Here are some key facility requirements to look for in a boarding facility:

To ensure a smooth and safe stay at a boarding facility, it's essential to keep your dog's vaccinations up-to-date. Vaccinations are the most cost-effective and safest way to prevent diseases from spreading.

To start, you'll need to check your dog's vaccination records or contact your veterinarian to confirm they're current on all required vaccines. This is especially crucial for places like boarding facilities where dogs are in close proximity to each other.

Here are the essential vaccines your dog will need:

Some boarding facilities may require additional vaccines, such as the Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza Virus (Dog Flu), or DAPP (DHPP) Vaccine, so be sure to check with the facility beforehand.

To make a reservation, simply call or text the facility at (979) 500-3040 or complete their Boarding Request Form online.

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Now Boarding offers a range of boarding options to suit your dog's needs. You can choose from junior, queen, or king suites, each with its own unique features.

Junior suites are perfect for smaller dogs, with a space of 4' x 6' and a weight limit of 30 lbs. or two dogs totaling 30 lbs.

Queen suites offer more space at 6' x 6', accommodating up to two dogs or three mini dogs, totaling no more than 160 lbs. King suites are the largest option, with a space of 6' x 12' and a weight limit of three dogs totaling no more than 245 lbs.

Here are the boarding rates for each suite type:

When choosing a boarding kennel for your furry friend, it's essential to ask about their daily activities to ensure your dog's comfort and happiness. A thriving boarding kennel is like a summer camp for dogs, offering frequent playtimes and face-to-face contact with staff.

Dogs should be fed on a regular schedule with portions appropriate for their size and weight. Some kennels offer detailed daily itineraries, which can give you peace of mind.

Training exercises are a common feature in many kennels, where staff teach basic obedience skills like "sit" or "leave it." These exercises can be especially helpful for puppies or dogs that need to brush up on their skills.

Playtime with hand-picked groups of dogs is another way kennels ensure dogs get adequate exercise and enjoy their stay. These play sessions are organized based on compatibility, age, and energy levels to ensure a fun and safe experience for all dogs.

To get a sense of whether a particular kennel is a good fit for your dog, ask yourself: "Would I want to stay here?" This simple question can help you determine if a kennel's activities align with your dog's needs and preferences.

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Luxury boarding options are available at BrownDog Lodge, a boutique hotel with locations in East Memphis and Germantown, TN.

BrownDog Lodge is a trusted caregiver for dogs, run by dog parents who understand the importance of having a reliable service.

The hotel offers a Meet & Greet day for first-time visitors, where you can bring in a copy of your pup's updated shot records, including Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella.

This ensures that your dog receives the best care possible, and you can have peace of mind while you're away.

At BrownDog Lodge, every dog is a VIP, and they'll be treated like royalty while you're on vacation.

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Our East Memphis and Germantown locations offer a convenient option for pet owners in the area.

Both of our lodges are located in Tennessee, providing a familiar and comfortable environment for your pet.

Every staff member at these locations has undergone pet safety training to ensure your pet's well-being.

Our compassionate professionals are dedicated to keeping your pet safe and feeling loved.

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At Now Boarding, we understand that every dog is unique, and that's why we offer a range of accommodations to suit your pet's needs.

Our dog suites are light-filled and temperature-controlled, providing a comfortable space for your dog to relax. Suites are cleaned and sanitized regularly, and feature relaxing music, comfortable bedding, and auto-fill water dishes.

Dogs have access to individual covered outdoor runs, where they can get some exercise and fresh air. You can even request to have an adjoining suite for multiple dogs.

The Junior suite is perfect for smaller dogs, with a space of 4' x 6' and a weight limit of 30 lbs. or two dogs totaling 30 lbs.

Here are our suite options and rates:

If you're planning a day trip or have a family emergency, our day boarding option is a convenient solution. Dogs are cared for up to 15 hours, with opportunities to go outside to potty at least four times a day.

Booking a dog's boarding stay is easier than ever, with options to suit every pet's needs. You can book a stay online or by calling the facility directly.

The staff at the facility are friendly, helpful, and genuinely interested in your pet's well-being, making the process a breeze. They'll even keep you updated on your pet's activities through a webcam.

The facility offers two distinct boarding spaces: Pet Suites and General Boarding. Pet Suites come with comfy beds, private spaces, and personalized attention from the team, while General Boarding offers roomy areas that are less private but still cozy and fun.

Here are the different types of boarding spaces available:

All dogs in boarding care go outside at least six times a day to run and play, and the facility will even send you a picture of your pet having fun. This gives you peace of mind while you're away, knowing your pet is happy and healthy.

At Brazos Valley Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, they truly care about your pet's comfort and happiness. They offer two distinct boarding spaces to suit your dog's individual preferences.

Their Pet Suites come with comfy beds, private and peaceful spaces, and personalized attention from their team members. This is a great option for dogs that need a little extra TLC.

You'll also find large dog runs and small dog runs, as well as ample outdoor space for recreation and relaxation. This means your dog will have plenty of room to run around and get some exercise.

All dogs in boarding care go outside at least six times a day to run and play. This is a great way to ensure your dog gets the physical and mental stimulation they need.

Here are the details of their boarding spaces:

They also offer the option to send you a picture of your pet having fun in their resort. This is a great way to get peace of mind while you're away.

You can board a dog with health conditions or behavioral concerns, but it's essential to discuss these matters with the staff upfront.

Many boarding services are well-equipped to accommodate a dog's behavioral or health considerations.

You should be transparent about issues regarding separation anxiety, resource-guarding, or illnesses requiring close monitoring.

Discussing these matters with the staff will help ensure your dog receives the care they need.

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When you're considering boarding your dog, health and safety should be top of mind. Many states require kennels to have proof of vaccination records to prevent outbreaks of life-threatening diseases like parvovirus, rabies, and distemper.

To ensure your dog's health and safety, ask the kennel about their immunization requirements. They may ask for proof of basic annual vaccinations upon registration.

A good kennel will take measures to ensure the overall health of its dogs, such as regularly cleaning dogs' crates, spraying down communal play areas, and quarantining dogs with concerning symptoms. This helps prevent the spread of illness and keeps your dog safe and healthy.

If your dog has a health condition, don't be afraid to ask how the kennel accommodates dogs with similar needs. For example, a dog with arthritis may require frequent playtime breaks and daily joint supplements at mealtimes.

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Keeping your pet's vaccinations up-to-date is crucial for their health and safety, especially when they're around other dogs. Regular vaccinations can prevent life-threatening diseases like parvovirus, rabies, and distemper.

A reputable boarding facility will require all dogs to be current on certain vaccines, including the DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus type 1, Adenovirus type 2, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus) vaccine, which protects against multiple diseases. These vaccines typically need to be given periodically, with the frequency determined by your veterinarian based on your dog's age, lifestyle, and other risk factors.

Some states require kennels to have proof of dogs' vaccination records to prevent outbreaks. This means you'll need to provide proof of basic annual vaccinations when registering your dog at a boarding facility.

To ensure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations, check their records or contact your veterinarian. They'll be able to advise you on the necessary vaccinations and provide any required boosters.

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Here's a list of the required vaccines for boarding dogs:

It's essential to note that some vaccines, like the Leptospirosis vaccine, may be given in conjunction with the DAPP vaccine, while others, like the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) vaccine, require annual boosters to ensure the best level of protection.

Make sure to have your dog on parasite prevention medicine at all times. This is especially important for external parasites like fleas and ticks, as well as internal parasites like heartworm and intestinal worms.

A good boarding kennel will require all of the animals in their care to be on continuous parasite prevention. This is a good practice to follow, even if you're not boarding your dog.

Year-round parasite prevention is crucial, as parasites can transmit diseases to your dog. It's essential to choose a prevention program that covers your dog's needs.