In this video, Heidi Meinzer from the board of APDT shares essential guidance on choosing a suitable boarding facility for your dog through her Train Your Dog Month video. She emphasizes the importance of matching boarding options to your dog’s temperament, health, and comfort. For dogs with specific needs, like high anxiety around strangers or other dogs, alternatives to boarding facilities such as in-home pet sitting may be better.
Key Areas to Consider:
Types of Facilities: Evaluate options like traditional kennels, facilities with playtime, and daycare options based on your dog’s activity level, social behavior, and comfort with other dogs and staff.
Staff Experience and Ratio: Learn about the facility’s staff qualifications, experience, training (especially in dog behavior and pet CPR), and the ratio of dogs to caregivers. It’s crucial to have sufficient staff to maintain a safe environment.
Health and Safety Measures: Inquire about vaccination requirements, procedures for emergencies, medication protocols, and the facility’s cleaning standards. Check for safety features, such as secure fencing, climate control, and hygiene practices.
Comfort and Daily Routine: Ask if the facility allows you to bring your dog’s preferred bedding or toys, and inquire about their feeding routines and dietary accommodations. Clarify the daily schedule, including outdoor time and any additional services like grooming or bathing.
Documentation: Ensure there are clear contracts, an intake form for specific care instructions, and emergency contacts, along with a breakdown of costs. Having a signed contract is a sign of professionalism.
Preparing Your Dog for Boarding: To ease the transition, update vaccinations, practice crate training if needed, and bring comfort items like their favorite bed or toy. You can also reinforce behaviors such as calm walking on a leash and familiarity with new people.
Ultimately, by carefully considering your dog’s needs, visiting and researching the facility, and preparing well in advance, you can make the boarding experience as comfortable as possible for both you and your pet.
National Train Your Dog Month
Finding a Kennel
In this video, Heidi Meinzer from the board of APDT shares essential guidance on choosing a suitable boarding facility for your dog through her Train Your Dog Month video. She emphasizes the importance of matching boarding options to your dog’s temperament, health, and comfort. For dogs with specific needs, like high anxiety around strangers or other dogs, alternatives to boarding facilities such as in-home pet sitting may be better.
Key Areas to Consider:
Types of Facilities: Evaluate options like traditional kennels, facilities with playtime, and daycare options based on your dog’s activity level, social behavior, and comfort with other dogs and staff.
Staff Experience and Ratio: Learn about the facility’s staff qualifications, experience, training (especially in dog behavior and pet CPR), and the ratio of dogs to caregivers. It’s crucial to have sufficient staff to maintain a safe environment.
Health and Safety Measures: Inquire about vaccination requirements, procedures for emergencies, medication protocols, and the facility’s cleaning standards. Check for safety features, such as secure fencing, climate control, and hygiene practices.
Comfort and Daily Routine: Ask if the facility allows you to bring your dog’s preferred bedding or toys, and inquire about their feeding routines and dietary accommodations. Clarify the daily schedule, including outdoor time and any additional services like grooming or bathing.
Documentation: Ensure there are clear contracts, an intake form for specific care instructions, and emergency contacts, along with a breakdown of costs. Having a signed contract is a sign of professionalism.
Preparing Your Dog for Boarding: To ease the transition, update vaccinations, practice crate training if needed, and bring comfort items like their favorite bed or toy. You can also reinforce behaviors such as calm walking on a leash and familiarity with new people.
Ultimately, by carefully considering your dog’s needs, visiting and researching the facility, and preparing well in advance, you can make the boarding experience as comfortable as possible for both you and your pet.
