When it's time to drop off your Pug check when they open and close before you drop her off. Some kennels have a specific drop off time and you should know that before you arrive.
In addition, don't go overboard on instructions about your doggy. Keep it simple and mention the important things, such as food allergies.
Once you’ve chosen a kennel, here are 10 ways to make the boarding experience easier for you, your dog and the kennel staff:
1. Tour the dog boarding kennel ahead of time. Find the one that is right for your dog by taking the time to schedule a tour.
2. Make sure the kennel staff is aware of your dog’s special needs. I will inform the staff that Ace has a sensitive stomach and not to worry if he throws up. Writing out a short list might be helpful if your dog is on medication or has allergies.
3. Feel free to bring your dog’s food. A good boarding kennel will encourage this because dogs have sensitive stomachs and might get sick if they suddenly eat a different brand of food.
4. Bring a special toy or blanket for your dog. It is reasonable to bring something like a bed, toy or blanket from home that might make your dog feel more comfortable.
5. Leave a phone number where you can be reached. I will give the staff my cell phone number and also a friend’s number in case I am out of cell phone range and they need to contact someone locally.
6. Respect the kennel’s pick-up and drop-off hours. Instead I will call and let the staff know so Ace will be ready when I get there. I won’t arrive late, either. There are other clients coming in and the kennel might not have extra room for my dog.
7. Make the departure quick. There is no sense in making the goodbye more stressful than it needs to be. If I am calm, my dog will be calm. It’s best to just quietly hand the leash over and be done with it.
8. Don’t worry if your dog is tired when he comes home. If my dog comes home tired, I know it’s because he has been busy watching and playing with dogs all day. I would be worried, however, if he came home sick, really dirty or lethargic for more than two days.
9. Call and check on your dog, but don’t be a nuisance. But calling once or twice during your trip to check on your dog is fine and probably a good idea. Just don’t be that obsessive mom or dad who calls every day or more than once a day!
10. Thank the boarding kennel staff for a job well done. Send a thank you or even just say thank you and mean it. Showing any kind of gratitude can go a long way.
After you've successfully done your homework by reading reviews about the dog boarding facility online, talked to the staff members and went on a tour of the place, you should feel confident that your pup is in good hands.
Thanks to your diligent nature and That Mutt that provides you with fantastic tips, you can have a fun vacation knowing that when you get back Fido was safe and well taken care of.
