Bye bye Doggie! (Boarding Kennels in general)

Member Name: xxsaxonyxx

Product:	Boarding Kennels in general
Date:	31/07/06 (1397 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lets you get away.

Disadvantages: Dog will miss you.

Some people wouldn’t ever dream of putting their dog in kennels, others have no choice. I personally feel that it all depends on which kennel you use. When I first put my dogs in Kennels I was really worried that they would forget who I was or worse be so distraught that they became depressed. I shouldn’t have worried to much as the whole thing went smoothly.

What to do first.

Yes there is some planning involved, you cant just nip up and drop your dogs off just like that. First you need to find suitable kennels. Most kennels are as you imagine, indoor kennel with outside run, however you do get more casual kennels where you can drop your dog off and it will live indoors with the family that is looking after it. Much better I thing but hard to find some one who does this. Do your homework on the kennel who’ve picked, not all will be up to scratch. You want one that will offer the dog or dogs some time out in a enclosure or a walk. There is nothing more terrible that knowing your dog will be stuck in a kennel the whole time your away so make sure they offer play time.
Although it would be good to be able to see where your dogs are kept some kennels wont allow visitors in as it will cause all the dogs to get excited and disrupt any relaxed atmosphere’s. My kennels was like this and although he could show my from a distance the kennels I wasn’t allowed in the area.

Next you need to make sure you have your vet notes to hand, the kennel owner will want to see that your dog has up to date jag’s. Most kennels will not allow your dog to stay if the vaccinations aren’t up to date.

After that you should ensure that you have the opening times. Although most kennels are situated in the owners house they do have lives and will more than likely have certain times that dogs can be dropped off and picked up.

The big day!
Most kennels will encourage you to bring toys and beds along with you to help the dog feel more at home but I strongly recommend that these are old toys and beds. My dog’s bed’s came back in rags and the toys in bits. The dog of course will be bored and lonely and will take to chewing. Most kennels will provide food but be careful as its not good for dogs to go from one food to the other without gradual introduction. Find out in advance what they are feeding and then introduce it a few days before you go, alternatively give the kennel owner a supply of your food.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with putting your dog in a kennel, and although it might be a little scary and lonely for the dog he will adapt well and at the end of the day will be able to see you and go home after your holiday. Some dogs aren’t as lucky as that and spend months or years in kennel waiting for a home.

Prices

You can expect to pay anything from £5.00 a day upward depending on the kennel. Many will offer discounts for longer stays and multiple dogs. this may or may not include food.
you might also have to sign a form that means the kennel owner can call the vet out for the dog should he be sick. You will be charged for this, if you dont have pet insurance then you should seriously consider it.

Summary: They love it or hate it.