Selecting a Lodging Facility

Stop by a kennel and visit with the staff. Get acquainted with the people who will be caring for your pet. Ask questions; take nothing for granted. "Are toys or bedding welcome? How will your pet be exercised? What will your pet be fed?" Talk about safety features. (Discuss frankly any qualms you may have about boarding.) They will appreciate your frankness and interest.

Using the Pet Care Service Association high standards, experienced personnel are trained to recognize the warning signs of potential health questions and will contact the appropriate personnel.

But it is not part of the kennel's job to diagnose or to prescribe. If your animal does require veterinary aid while in the kennel, you should be aware that you, as the animal's owner, are financially responsible for such aid. Discuss before boarding, any medication or special care Rover might need. Most kennels offer a certain amount of individual care but you must be reasonable. (Asking the kennel owner to check your pet at 2 a.m. to see if he's uncovered is not reasonable).

One standard for measuring the kennel owner's interest in his/her profession is the membership in the Pet Care Services Association. You can be certain PCSA members keep current on the latest developments within the industry, and that they truly care. Their membership certificate will be proudly displayed.

Make certain you understand the rate structure for all services and hours of operation. The fee for boarding not only includes the care of your pet but for the peace of mind that goes with knowing that Rover is safe and with someone you can trust.

A Working Partnership

Let us suppose that you do choose to board your pet. Boarding is a shared responsibility. As a responsible pet owner there are a few things you must attend to before bringing your pet into board.

• Make certain all immunizations are current, including the Parainfluenza vaccine for protection against Tracheobronchitis.
• Your pet should be free of internal and external parasites and not have been exposed to any contagious diseases.
• Do not feed your pet for at least 4 hours prior to kenneling to minimize the possibility of stomach upset.

Boarding at a kennel is the best alternative, but separation from master and/or being in strange surroundings can produce stress in an animal. Stress can result in lowered resistances and even temporary changes in behavior. Be sure to inform the kennel personnel of any special habits or medical problems your pet may have, such as a history of epilepsy, fear of thunder, etc.  This will aid in keeping your pet healthy and happy.

You should understand the possible affects of stress on an animal.  As a result of unfamiliar surroundings, temporary behavior changes may occur, eating habits may change causing either weight gain or weight loss.

NOW THAT ROVER IS HOME AGAIN...

When Rover is picked up he will be very excited to see you.(Dogs do not have a sense of time, so he would be just as happy to see you if you left him 5 minutes or 5 days.) Do not feed him (though he will act hungry once he gets back on his familiar turf) for at least 3 hours, and then be very careful not to overfeed him. Excitement will also cause Rover to pant a lot, lose body water and be thirsty. Give him a few ice cubes to tide him over until feeding time. Again, in his excited state, excessive food and water consumption can create problems.

Remember your boarding kennel owner is in the business because he/she loves animals