Is Dog Boarding Safe and How to Choose a Kennel

If you're considering dog boarding, it's natural to wonder if it's safe for your furry friend. According to the American Pet Products Association, over 78 million dogs are boarded annually in the United States.

Choosing a reputable kennel is crucial for your dog's safety and well-being. Look for kennels that are licensed and accredited by organizations like the International Boarding and Pet Services Association.

Some kennels may prioritize profits over pet care, so it's essential to do your research. A study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that nearly 20% of dog boarding facilities have been cited for health and safety violations.

When evaluating a kennel, ask about their staff-to-dog ratio and what kind of training their employees receive. A kennel with a low staff-to-dog ratio and well-trained staff is more likely to provide safe and attentive care for your dog.

For more insights, see: Cost of Dog Boarding Kennels

Before choosing a kennel, it's crucial to do your research and ask the right questions. A reputable kennel should have no problem letting you visit the dog runs, ask questions, and meet the employees. If you're not permitted to view the entire facility, it's a red flag.

A well-run dog boarding service would be eager to show you everything, as it would have nothing to conceal. Be wary of kennels that don't require immunization records, seem overbooked, or appear disinterested in your pet.

Some signs of a good dog kennel include a homey feel, with tile floors, painted walls, and raised dog beds. Look for a neat and tidy environment, with clean floors and pleasant smells.

Here are some key things to check when evaluating a kennel:

A knowledgeable staff is also essential, so be sure to ask them questions about dog care and observe how they interact with current doggy clients.

Choosing a kennel requires some research and due diligence, but it's worth it to ensure your dog's comfort and safety. A reputable kennel should be eager to show you around and answer all your questions.

Look for a kennel with a homey feel, such as tile floors, painted walls, and raised dog beds. The building should be neat and tidy, with clean floors and pleasant smells.

A good kennel should have flooring that's designed for dogs, with floor drains and slightly sloped floors to prevent accidents. Fresh water should be easily accessible, and the water supply should be clean and fresh, without any floating food pieces.

Dogs need space to stretch out, run, and play, so look for a kennel with a lot of space for them to exercise. The staff-to-dog ratio should be reasonable, with at least one person per 15 dogs.

A well-run kennel should have backup power in case of an outage, as well as plenty of equipment for dogs to play with. You should also ask about their immunization requirements and what's included in the boarding cost.

Here are some key questions to ask a kennel:

By asking these questions and paying attention to the kennel's facilities and staff, you can find a safe and comfortable place for your dog to stay while you're away.

A kennel's safety and care should be your top priority when considering dog boarding. A reputable kennel should have no problem letting you visit the dog runs, ask questions, and meet the employees. You should be allowed to see where meals are prepared, along with the space where the dogs play.

A good kennel should have a plan in place for emergencies, such as a fire. They should also be well-staffed, with at least one person per 15 dogs, and have a backup generator in case of a power outage. They should also provide plenty of ways for your pup to play, including play equipment outside, toys, and safe bones.

Some signs of a good kennel include a homey feel, neat and tidy facilities, and a fresh water supply. They should also have a knowledgeable staff and a safe and secure outdoor space. Make sure to ask about their cleaning products and procedures, and inspect the facility yourself to ensure it's clean and safe for your pet.

A thriving boarding kennel is essentially a summer camp for dogs. Campers should have frequent playtimes, face-to-face contact with the staff, and interact regularly with other dogs (unless your dog prefers being alone).

Dogs should be fed on a regular schedule with portions appropriate for their size and weight. Some dog boarding facilities offer detailed daily itineraries.

Here are some examples of daily activities you might find at a kennel:

Is there a veterinarian on staff? If not, does the kennel work with local veterinary services in case of an emergency? This is an important question to ask when choosing a kennel.

When asking about a kennel's immunization requirements, you'll want to know if they have a vaccination policy in place to protect the health of the dogs in their care. This is crucial to prevent outbreaks of life-threatening communicable diseases like parvovirus, rabies, and distemper.

Many states require kennels to have proof of dogs' vaccination records to operate legally. You can ask the kennel about their vaccination requirements and how they ensure the overall health of their dogs. Some kennels may require basic annual vaccinations, while others may have more stringent requirements.

Consider reading: Shots Required for Dog Boarding

To get a better understanding of a kennel's health and safety protocols, ask about their sanitation practices. For example, do they regularly clean dogs' crates, spray down communal play areas, and quarantine dogs with concerning symptoms? This will give you peace of mind knowing that your dog will be in a clean and safe environment.

Here are some questions to ask about a kennel's immunization requirements:

By asking these questions, you'll get a better understanding of a kennel's commitment to the health and safety of their dogs.

Staying at a pet sitter's home can be a great option for dogs who don't love the company of other dogs.

Some dogs can do well in this setup, especially if they are the only dog in attendance. However, if there are other doggie guests or the pet sitter's own pets, it's crucial that your dog is comfortable in their presence.

It's especially true if there are different species present that your dog is not familiar or socialized with, such as cats, birds, or guinea pigs.

If you're considering this option, make sure your dog is familiar with the pet sitter and their home environment.

In some cases, a pet sitter's home can be a great alternative to traditional boarding facilities.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Starting a Dog Boarding Business at Home

A reputable kennel will have no problem letting you visit the dog runs, ask questions, and meet the employees. You should be allowed to see where meals are prepared, along with the space where the dogs play.

If a kennel refuses to give you a tour, it's a red flag. You should also be wary of kennels that don't require immunization records, seem overbooked, or appear disinterested in your pet.

You should ask hard questions when researching a kennel, such as whether they allow you to inspect the dog housing areas, if the dogs' living spaces are large enough with bedding and adequate food and water, and if they are licensed and insured.

Here are some signs of a good dog kennel:

A good boarding facility will have a plan in place for emergencies, such as a fire. You should ask a staff member about these plans, as they are crucial for the safety of the animals in their care.

Staffing issues are one of the top reasons why dogs in boarding facilities are not provided with proper care. There should be full staffing at dog boarding facilities, covering all 24 hours of the day.

Ellevet CBD can help your dog during a boarding stay by reducing stress and anxiety.

Start giving your dog ElleVet chews or soft gels a few days before the kennel stay to set them up for success.

The recommended dose is twice daily, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

On the day of drop-off, give your dog ElleVet's high potency Calm & Comfort product about an hour and a half ahead of leaving for the kennel.

This will help calm your dog during the most stressful part of their visit.

Instruct the kennel staff to give your dog ElleVet's CBD + CBDA soft gels or chews twice daily with meals to keep them calm.

You can also provide some Calm & Comfort situational use chews as an emergency stash in case your dog becomes highly agitated or stressed.

These chews are extremely effective in addressing your dog's acute level of stress without sedating them.

If you're considering dog boarding, it's essential to think about alternative options that can provide a safe and comfortable experience for your furry friend. If your dog gets along well with other dogs and people, and is well-socialized and unafraid of meeting new dogs and people, you may want to consider a home stay or a doggy daycare.

A dog that's spayed or neutered, not prone to separation anxiety, and comfortable with new environments can thrive in a home stay setting. This type of arrangement allows your dog to interact with a family in a home environment, rather than a kennel or boarding facility.

Discover more: Dog Home Boarding

Here are some key characteristics of a dog that may do well in a home stay or doggy daycare:

In-Your-Home Pet Sitting is a great option for dogs who struggle with anxiety or have a history of rehoming. This type of pet sitting maintains their usual routine in a familiar environment, which lowers stress for all dogs.

For dogs with aggressive behavior or reactivity toward other dogs or people they don't know, in-home pet sitting is especially important. It prevents them from being exposed to new and overwhelming environments.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety and does not do well in other boarding environments, you may need to find a pet sitter who stays at your home 24/7 while you're away. These pet sitters are harder to find and often charge more, but they are so helpful in helping your dog feel safe and secure while you're away.

Some dogs don't do well with unknown dogs, making staying at a pet sitter's home or at a boarding facility with other doggie guests overwhelming. In-home pet sitting can be a better option for these dogs.

Here are some key things to look for in an in-home pet sitter:

If you're considering alternative options to traditional boarding for your furry friend, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Dogs that are well-socialized and unafraid of meeting new dogs and people tend to do better in a boarding environment.

If your dog is prone to separation anxiety, it may be best to explore alternative options that prioritize their emotional well-being.

Dogs that are up-to-date on vaccines and have a healthy immune system are generally more comfortable in new environments.

If you're unsure about your dog's suitability for boarding, consider their age, health, and personality before making a decision.

Here are some key characteristics that can help determine whether your dog will thrive in a boarding environment: