It can be one of the most stressful events you will encounter as a dog owner…leaving your dog behind! We are all not immune to the feelings we encounter when we are faced with the inevitable task of seeking out the perfect place for Sparky to spend his summer vacation. While many people opt to have their dog accompany them on their excursions, there are still a great majority who will have to face the facts, and begin the hunt for the perfect Boarding Facility.
As a trainer, and someone who works closely with family pets, I am often asked for referrals to boarding facilities that are clean, reputable and kind. There is a distinct difference between the trainers, who tend to work with both the owner and the dog, and the boarding facilities that are concentrating on spending the majority of their time with the dogs, so I thought I would look into it. After speaking to Glen Kowarsky, the director of Dogs at Camp, I had a much better overview of just what goes into establishing a top notch boarding facility, and what goes on behind the scenes.
There is some initial legwork to be done, and it would be best to get this all behind you before the vacation time hits. Many boarding facilities are booked well in advance, especially during prime seasons. Take note of the way you are treated right from your initial contact. While many boarding facilities have websites, eventually you will want to touch base with someone in person. You should be looking to be served in an efficient manner. You will want your phone call returned within 1 to 2 business days. This often shows that the staff is dedicated to their work and feel that your phone call is important.
How rushed did you feel? You should feel comfortable in addressing your concerns and requests. Remember that this facility is used to dealing with owners who may feel stressed by the situation, and may have special things they would like attended to, such as bringing along their favorite toy or blanket. Feeling like these requests are taken seriously, and will be followed through, will help you to establish a rapport with the staff. You may be checking out boarding arrangements for an upcoming vacation, but the facility staff should be looking at you as a long term client, one who will be booking many more visits in the future, and they should want to get to know you and your dog on a personal level.
Next is convenience. How are the rules as far as drop off and pick up? Are there specific times that this is done, and if so, is there any flexibility? If you are returning on a Saturday night, you may not want to wait until Monday morning to go and retrieve Sparky. Another detail is payment. Find out in advance what payment methods are accepted, and when payment is to be made. You won’t want to be embarrassed arriving without your credit card, to find out that the payment is in advance. Some places will ask for a credit card as a security deposit, even if you are paying cash.
Now that all the detail are finalized…it is on to the dogs! Again, knowing the policies will help you to decide what is suitable for your family. Dogs that are not spayed or neutered may be an issue for some establishments. If you choose a boarding facility that allows dogs to interact with one another, and roam in a camp like setting, or in home boarding where people take in the dogs to be one of the family, you will often be required to have adult dogs spayed or neutered for all the obvious reasons. If you have an adult dog that is intact, your only option might be to board in a facility that keeps dogs separated.
Find out how many dogs they will be taking in at any time, and how many staff they have on hand per dog. You will want to feel comfortable with the ratio. If you are not going to a facility that allows dogs a large amount of play area, establish how often they will be taken out, and for how long. If they do not normally take the dogs for a walk, ask if that can be done for an additional charge. Sleeping arrangements should also be discussed. Again, if the dogs are all out together at a dog camp, will they be sleeping in separate quarters or together and do you have an option? If the scenario is that the dogs are put into sleeping areas at night, what time will they go to bed? And what time will they be woken for breakfast? So, to sum it up…what does his typical day consist of?
The rest of your research should be along the lines of health and safety. Make sure you know in advance if you are to supply your own dog food. Personally, I would much prefer that I bring my dogs meals, so he does not get an upset tummy while I am away. If they are to supply the food, check into the brand, and if there will be additional charge. It is a good idea to make sure that the majority of the staff or at least a couple of the key people, have a certificate in First Aid for pets. The Pet First Aid courses are fairly easy to find, and there is no real reason for people in the boarding industry not to have this handy piece of paper, that will let you know they are prepared for an emergency. Do they have procedures in effect for true emergencies? Will the Veterinarian they are linked do after hours care? No matter how careful staff is, it is inevitable that accidents will happen. The fact is, you need to make sure they know what to do. Will they be prepared to transfer your dog over to your own Veterinarian for after care?
How about medication? Are they able to administer medication and is there an extra charge? Older pets and those with special needs or circumstance should be treated as such and you want to make sure your dog does not fall in-between the cracks. You might be interested in special services that are provided by the facility, such as pick up and delivery.
Some lovely boarding facilities are located out of town and initially you might not feel they are convenient, but look at it again. If they have pick up and delivery, that might be well worth the additional charge to send your dog to the countryside, to green pastures and to romp in a field with his friends. It is far more important to have daily dog daycare situated locally so you can drop off and pick up your pet in an efficient manner, but for a dog holiday, consider all your options.
Grooming might be another service that might be a benefit. You might like the option of your dog getting a bath the day he is scheduled to come home. Although, in saying that, on my visit to Dogs at Camp I noticed that the dogs seemed really content, tired and happy playing with their friends, along with the fact that they had muddy feet and straw in-between their toes. When I commented on this, Glen happily replied “but it is a camp for dogs” and he is right.
Hopefully we all come back from our holidays looking like these dogs! Happy, content, healthy and with a bit of the holiday still attached.
