Boarding Questions

[Kiahpyr]

The time has come where I have to leave my pups behind. :( I'm looking into boarding kennels. I was wondering what I should look for and the questions I should ask. I want to keep the girls together. How big of a space would they need? Do kennels usually charge by dog or per night?

I got a recommendation from a friend of mine that I'm going to check out this week. The kennel is 8x10 on the outside and the inside part is 4x8 or 5x8. I can choose which one I want. The price goes up the bigger the kennel. Money is no object as long as I know my babies are going to be well taken care of. Here's the website http://www.karsimkennel.com.

I'm also checking into other places. There's a pethotel that's opening up this weekend. It's in a Petsmart. Has anyone heard of them or have used them?

[chaos270]

the kennel you posted seem nice.  We've never boarded but I'd check to make sure the runs are secure and that the walls and gates go floor to ceiling so there's no chance of other dogs getting out of their area to attack yours.  Also ask what back up plans they have in case of an emegency (in case it has to close for whatever reason) and if they have fire and security alarms that go directly to a company for monitoring or send alerts to them.  That's all I can really think of for now. 

Oh also ask if they disinfect the runs between clients...they should but it never hurts to ask.

[Kiahpyr]

Thanks guys! I'm not leaving until June, so I have plenty of time to check places out. We're going to the Minneapolis car show and getting a hotel room. I'm looking forward to a vacation!

The pethotel is having an open house this weekend and is giving out a free night stay. Too bad there's no bpo'ers closer!

[bhender254]

April,
  I'm in Bellevue, just haven't had time to be around the board much. Maybe I can help you out.

[Kiahpyr]

That would be great! We still have to get together.

[Kermit]

I'd definitely visit whatever kennel you are thinking about and really interview the folks. Ask them who will be taking care of your dogs, and meet those people if you can. And from there I'd say trust your instincts. If the place smells clean, that is always a really good sign. I'd also find out if the folks who run the place live on sight. That is a huge advantage. And find out if there is anyone working there with veterinary experience like any vet techs or people who have been vet assistants before. People with that kind of experience are way more likely to notice if anything is going wrong with the dogs while they are boarding. I used to work in a kennel and I was the only person there with veterinary experience, and lets just say that a few dogs were really lucky I was working there!!!

[shangrila]

I'd definitely visit whatever kennel you are thinking about and really interview the folks. Ask them who will be taking care of your dogs, and meet those people if you can. And from there I'd say trust your instincts.

I agree with Rebekah. It is so important that you visit the place and feel comfortable with the setting and the staff.

[NoDogNow]

I know it's not in your area, but Wade and Julie have boarded their dogs at a Petsmart facility before, and were very impressed with the professionalis m shown by the staff, and how clean and organized everything was. 

[bhender254]

We do, now that the weather is warmer and days are longer it should get easier. I think I still have your email. I'll get in touch.