Making the Best Boarding Decision for Your Dog

As responsible dog lovers this is a problem we have all faced one time or another.  Whether you’ve just gotten yourself a new puppy or have an older dog and your situation has changed, finding boarding for our loved furry family members can be stressful for everyone involved. 

Hopefully reading this will help you figure out the right solution for you and your dog and to avoid some of the pitfalls that we’ve come across ourselves.  In many cases there is no right or wrong answer and if your dog is accommodating you might be able to try a few different options or have a few up your sleeve which will give you the best flexibility and peace of mind.

One of the most important things to think about is your dog’s personality and habits.  Will your dog enjoy being with loads of other dogs or would they prefer the stability and comfort of their own home?  This would be a good indicator whether it is best to get a dog-sitter in who you can trust to also housesit for you or whether you can consider kennels instead.  Also another factor that needs to come into play for many people is the associated financial cost of the care as this can vary widely too!

The table below helps outlines some of the personality traits which may sway you to try one type of boarding options over others – highlighting some things to consider as you navigate the boarding options:

Ways to find a good local option includes asking friends with dogs for recommendations, talking with your veterinarian or speaking with local dog walkers.  It’s not an easy task and you’ll come to find that especially during busy periods, such as the holidays or even during school breaks, places will get booked up quickly so if you know you are going away try to secure your spots as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and having to resort to a Plan B. 

Once you’ve been able to find a suitable solution, make sure you prepare the information you need,  such as your dog’s vaccination record, pet insurance, vet contact information, medication and clear instructions on how to administer it, their food especially if they have special dietary needs or are picky, a few of your dog’s toys – maybe not their favorite but a few they are familiar with, their bedding – again you might not want to send in their expensive ones but a spare one that is washable. 

I always make extra sure my dog has recent flea and tick treatment just in case.  If I travel for an extended time I also send my dog in with an old t-shirt that I had slept in so they had something with my scent on to help ease any separation anxiety.

•  Leaving it too late that you don’t get a choice – don’t be caught by surprise – finding and securing a good option for your dog can take time and a lot of good ones will get booked up way in advance
• Being dishonest about your dog’s needs and personality – even though some things might seem embarrassing to admit (your dog may need to still go for a pee at 5AM), it is best to be upfront so the boarder can be best prepared to plan accordingly – in some cases it may mean they won’t take your dog on but it is better to find out upfront than get aggressive calls demanding you find your dog to find another place when you are half way through your holiday (it has happened before!).
• Expecting your dog to be okay with it – as try as we might, our dogs may very well find having you leave a very stressful experience regardless of how amazing a place is. Let’s be honest – you are the center of their world (okay in some cases, food might be, but you are probably a close second).   They love you and the uncertainty of the situation is likely to cause anxiety for them which means they may act out or behave differently for the boarder so think about what this will mean – again getting a phone call from a disgruntled boarder can ruin the fun vibes of a holiday whereas, larger kennels are probably more accommodating to disruptive behaviour as it might not be their couch cushions your dog has chewed up. Past experiences might point you in the right direction of what might work best for your dog on this front.  My dog growing up used to get mad at us every time she saw us get our suitcases out as she knew that was a sign we were going on holiday.  She would also ignore us for a day when we got back home to punish us from leaving her, despite her love for her kennel. 
• Doubting your gut – When you go to view a kennel or meet a new dog-walker/boarder – don’t doubt your gut. If you get a funny feeling there is probably something to it.  You might not even be able to place it but if something puts you at unease listen to yourself, especially if you are asking them to come into your home as trust is paramount.  Or maybe the place you are looking into is filthy when you arrive and raises red flags – your feelings are there for a reason.
• Skipping the research step – sometimes we might be desperate for help or we left it too late and just go with whatever slot is available. Well, we have found people end up being lucky this way but, in more cases, than not it doesn’t end up in a happy ending.  You might end up showing at a place and have a horrible sinking feeling as you pass your beloved dog over to be cared for knowing they won’t enjoy it and you’ll feel even more guilt for leaving them than before.
• Make sure to consider the weather – is the place you are considering an outside kennel – do they have sufficient heating if the temperature dips? Or find out what the plan is if the temperatures skyrocket whilst away.

The fact that you’ve read this shows how much you care and love your dog, so we wish you all the best of luck as you find a suitable boarding solution.  Hope this has been helpful and enjoy your travels!