Dog Boarding: What To Know & To Look Out For
Are you leaving town and can't take your furry best friend with you? Dog boarding might be the solution you need. However, entrusting your beloved dog with strangers can be a heart-wrenching experience. Therefore, it is crucial that you do your research and have a clear understanding of what to look out for when choosing a dog boarding facility. In this post, we will discuss what you should know and what to look for in a dog boarding facility to ensure your pet's safety and well-being.
1. Reputation and Accreditation
One of the essential things to consider when choosing a dog boarding facility is its reputation and accreditation. Ensure that the facility you choose is reputable, has a proven track record of providing excellent service, and has a license to operate. A licensed and accredited facility means it has undergone safety inspections by local authorities and meets the minimum requirements for pet care. You can ask for recommendations from friends and family or check out online reviews from reliable sources to validate the facility's reputation.
2. Amenities and Services
Different dog boarding facilities offer different services and amenities. Some facilities offer standard services such as feeding, exercise, and medication administration, while others offer luxury services such as grooming, training, and playtime. Before choosing a facility, ensure that it offers the services your dog needs. Also, ensure that the facility has enough space for your dog to move around, rest and play, and that your dog will interact with other dogs in a supervised manner.
3. Policy and Procedures
Before leaving your pet at a dog boarding facility, take time to read and understand the facility's policies and procedures. Ensure that you agree with their policies, such as vaccination requirements, feeding schedules, and any other rules they may have. Also, ensure that you understand their procedures, such as how they handle emergencies, how they administer medication, and their check-in and check-out times.
4. Visiting the Facility
It is essential to visit the dog boarding facility in person before deciding to entrust your pet to them. During the visit, take note of the facility's cleanliness, odor, and overall layout. Ensure that the facility has separation or isolation areas for dogs that may pose a risk to the others or may need extra attention. Also, ask to see the outdoor exercise areas, kennels, and water or food bowls. If possible, observe how the staff interacts with dogs and ask any questions that may clear any doubts you may have.
5. Cost
Finally, you should consider the cost of the dog boarding facility. Different facilities charge differently based on the services and amenities provided. Ensure that you understand what you are paying for and avoid choosing a facility solely based on the price. Your dog's well-being and safety should be the priority, and it's worth paying a little more to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
Conclusion
Choosing a dog boarding facility is no easy task. It's essential to ensure that the facility has a good reputation, offers the necessary services, has policies and procedures that work for you and your pet, is clean, and most importantly, safe for your dog. Proper research, visits to potential facilities and asking the right questions will ensure that you make an informed decision. Contact Canine Linguistics for highly recommended dog boarding in Orlando, FL.