Taking good care of pets is important in ensuring their well-being. At times it might be difficult to do so especially when you have a busy work schedule.
Lucky enough there are boarding centers specifically meant for dogs. You can take them there as you go to work in the morning then pick them up when you return from the meeting or trip after a couple of days.
This makes sure that they are taken care of properly as opposed to if you left them to just wander around on their own. With that said, here are some of the things that you should take into account to help you choose the best dog boarding agency.
Reputation
This might tell you everything that you need to know about the facility. You don’t want to leave your pet there only to come back in the evening and find them stressed out and starving.
You have to make sure that you are leaving them in good hands otherwise it’s just not worth it. Go for facilities with good reputation and experience in dealing with dogs. You can ask around for referrals to see which one is best preferred by people.
Also, go through their website if they have one to see the kind of reviews left behind by previous customers.
Services offered
This is different from one center to another. Some simply provide meals and watch out for the pets so that they don’t go astray or hurt themselves.
Others provide additional services such as discipline training, baths, and games for fun and exercise. The latter is preferable as it is more beneficial to the pet.
It not only takes care of them while you are away but also saves you the time that you would have spent to carry out the extra activities. Ask about the expected daily activities so that you can decide whether they are safe or not.
Requirements
Since various agencies operate differently, they all have specific rules that need to be satisfied before they can allow the pet in. For example, some require that the animal be neutered and others demand that they be micro-chipped.
You should decide whether these requirements are fine by you or not. It is also important to note that they are for ensuring the safety of all the animals at the facility.
Requirements such as proof of vaccination usually serve to guarantee that vaccination has been done and there is no risk of transmission of contagious diseases. As a matter of fact, you should avoid facilities that have no set requirements because they are not safe.
Professionalism of the staff
The staff are going to spend the better part of the days with your pet hence they should be knowledgeable on how to deal with them. They should be well trained in such matters and be competent.
For instance, they ought to know what kind of activities dogs like and the right types of exercises. A vet’s clinic or office should also be nearby for handling emergencies quickly so that nothing gets out of hand.
See more tips about choosing the right agency here https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/living-with-your-dog/choosing-a-boarding-kennel/
Legal certification
When it comes to boarding, states have their own particular rules and regulations that the facilities within the state should obey. Only the ones that follow these laws are accredited and allowed to operate. They are deemed to be safe and in accordance with the animal rights. Thus you should make sure that the firm is certified to operate before committing your dog to them. Ask to see the certification document to make sure that it is authentic.
Visit the facility
All the factors mentioned above can be easily determined by simply making the relevant inquiries online or through the phone.
When all of this is done though, you will need to go down there in person to ascertain the truth of it all. This also allows you to acquire first-hand information that you can rely on. Inspect where the dog will be sleeping, equipment used and the overall state of the facility.
It should be a calm, fun place but most of all safe and hygienic. You will also be able to observe the state of the pets already there. Do they look happy, or sickly and anxious?
Cost
After considering all the information above, it now comes down to the cost. The services provided should be worth the fee charged.
Those that provide additional services such as training and spa baths will charge higher than the ones that only provide meals and shelter. If you are going to be away for a while then it is only fair that your dog gets the best care available.
Go for what you can afford but make sure that it is at least good enough for them. Click here to know more about dog boarding.
Conclusio
Pets need constant supervision to avoid getting themselves into trouble. When you are away, daycare centers can provide the required supervision but only for the day. Boarding facilities on the other hand will provide proper care for the dog both day and night until you come back. Therefore, you have to make sure that you leave them in good hands where their needs will be catered to. Avoid those facilities that are cheap in price yet poor in quality as they will only waste your money and put the dog’s health at risk. Remember to only deal with those that are lawfully operating.