Dog Boarding Kennels Pet Comfort
By What to look for when boarding your dog in a kennel?
First determine of the below features come with the service for your dog, cat and pets. Are there processes and
- Temperature control: The kennel should be able to maintain temperatures within healthful, comfortable limits for your pets. If you have an older pet, or a pet that requires warmer or cooler accommodations than are normally provided, determine if special arrangements can be made.
- Protection from the elements: Exercise areas should provide shelter from wind, rain, snow, and direct sunlight.
- Ventilation: Good ventilation (no drafts) helps minimize the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses.
- Light: Lighting should be at comfortable levels during the day.
- Bedding: Find out what arrangements are made for pet bedding. Some kennels provide resting platforms, bedding, or newspaper. Others require that you bring bedding from home. Check if there are any restrictions on owner-provided bedding (wicker beds and feather pillows, for example, may not be accepted).
- Sleeping Quarters: As you know from observing your pet, most of his or her time is spent resting or sleeping. Your kennel should provide a place for this purpose (a primary enclosure). It should be clean and dry, and roomy enough for your pet to stand up comfortably, turn around easily, and stretch out.
- Exercise Area: All animals require exercise, but the requirements for dogs and cats are different. Let’s discuss their requirements for exercise individually:
| Dogs | Cats |
| Dogs should have enough space to enable them to break into a run. Exercise time will depend upon the kennel’s layout. In some kennels, dogs are allowed free-access to their own individual exercise runs during the day. In such kennels, you may want to make arrangements to limit your dog’s exercise time, if there is any reason he or she should not be allowed to exercise at will (an older dog with a heart condition or a “hyper” dog who tends to run too much weight off, for example). Other kennels use a “time-sharing” method for scheduling exercise. In such kennels, make sure that the time allowed and the frequency of exercise periods are adequate for your dog. | Because cats exercise isometrically (by stretching), and because they are not “pack animals” that need or enjoy the company of other animals (as dogs do), they do not necessarily require separate exercise areas, but are content when housed in roomy primary enclosures. However, some kennels also provide “play areas” for those cats that appear to enjoy the additional space. Whether or not your kennel provides such play areas, your cat’s primary enclosure should be large enough to permit stretching and moving around, and should contain a regularly cleaned litter box. |
- Additional services: Many pet owners find it convenient to schedule grooming, bathing, or training for their pets while they are in the kennel for boarding. Ask if such services are available. If you are in the process of moving, the kennel may even be able to take care of shipping your pet. Such a service can save you time and trouble, and helps ensure the safety of your pet.