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5 Things To Look For When Choosing Dog Boarding For Your Pet

When looking for a dog boarding facility, it’s crucial to find a place where your pet can get the best possible care. You want to ensure that they’ll be in good hands, which sometimes means taking extra steps for your pet’s comfort and safety. 

That said, here are some things you should look for when choosing a dog boarding facility:

5 Things To Look For When Choosing Dog Boarding For Your Pet

1. Cleanliness

Cleanliness is an important consideration when choosing dog boarding for your pet.

Hence, consider checking a helpful page to know more about dog boarding.

Many boarding facilities aren’t as clean or sanitary as they should be, which can pose a serious health risk to you and your pet.

A dirty boarding facility can have several adverse effects on your dog, including making them sick. 

Thus, ensure their cages and runs are kept clean, so your pet won’t get sick while staying at the facility.

They also need new bedding every day, so there’s no chance of fleas or other pests being present in the environment where they live while away from home. 

Woman using a water hose in a dog boarding facility

2. Socialization

Socialization is the process of exposing your dog to new sights, sounds, and experiences safely.

It’s the best way to help them become comfortable with their surroundings and build confidence.

Dogs having a hard time socializing can be fearful or aggressive in certain situations.

When you choose dog boarding for your pet, finding a facility that understands the importance of socialization is essential.

You want a facility with plenty of room for your pup to run around and play with other dogs and people.

In addition to providing space for your dog to play with others, you also want a place where it can receive plenty of attention from its caretakers.

If you don’t find a place like this, your dog may become bored and depressed while staying at the kennel.

Black and white dog with an orange ball in a play area

3. Amenities

When you’re looking for dog boarding, you want to ensure that your pup is comfortable and safe.

That’s why it’s important to know what amenities are available and what they mean.

Here are some of the most common amenities found in a boarding facility:

  • Indoor Area: The indoor area of a dog boarding facility should be clean and free from hazards for dogs. It should have nonslip and easy-to-clean flooring, such as tile or concrete, suitable for muddy paws or spilled water bowls. The walls and ceiling should also be free from hazards, such as sharp edges or exposed wires.
  • Outdoor Area: A large outdoor area with plenty of space for running and playing allows your dog to burn off excess energy and engage in natural behaviors like digging or exploring their surroundings. Playing with other dogs also helps keep them occupied and happy while they’re away from home.
  • Sleeping Quarters: Sleeping quarters in a dog boarding facility are usually a small, private room for each dog. The area should be comfortable and quiet, with plenty of space for the dog to lie down and rest.
  • Grooming: When choosing a dog boarding facility, you must know what grooming services are available. Besides basic grooming like baths and blow-dries, many facilities offer more advanced services like nail trimming and ear cleaning.

4. Staff Experience

A good dog boarding facility will have experienced and knowledgeable staff about different breeds of dogs.

They should also be able to inform you how they interact with each dog, what they do when they’re not working, and what kind of training they have had.

You should also ask if the employees have any special certifications or licenses in dog care or training.

You can also request to speak with someone who has worked there for a while so that you can see how they interact with other clients’ dogs.

5. Medical Services

One of the most important considerations when choosing a dog boarding facility is that they provide the medical services your pet needs.

Therefore, you should know whether or not your potential dog boarding provider has an on-site veterinarian. 

It’s critical because a veterinary clinic should be nearby and available to respond to emergencies.

However, if there isn’t an emergency vet on site, it’s still possible that they have arrangements with other local clinics so you can get help fast if needed.

Woman playing with a large dog and a rope toy at boarding facility

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for dog boarding and are unsure where to go, this guide can help you narrow down your options.

Now that you know what to look for when choosing a place that will care for your pet while you’re away, there’s no reason you wouldn’t be able to find the perfect place for your furry friend.

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