Planning Ahead: Preparing Your Dog for Boarding

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service
By: Hilarie Erb

In the middle of a hot summer, it’s hard to think about fall and winter. But the holiday travel season is the busiest for boarding kennels, and it isn’t too early to make plans (and reservations) for your best friend while you are away. The best kennels are booked up well ahead of the holiday season.

If you do not already have a boarding kennel, start looking now. Ask neighbors, friends, and your veterinarian for references and visit facilities. Find out what their policies are. Most kennels offer extras such as walks, cuddle time, playtime, and grooming services. Some even have special kennels equipped with furniture and television. But keep in mind that the most important things to look for are cleanliness, secure containment (layers of well-kept fencing that ensure no dog will get loose), and a caring, qualified staff. Find out what the rates are and what is included in the basic rate.

Find out what the staff will do if your dog needs veterinary care. Provide the name of your veterinarian, your emergency contact information, and any medications that your dog is taking.

Right now, make sure all vaccinations are up to date. A good kennel will not board dogs that are not current. Veterinarians are very busy these days and may not be able to squeeze your dog in if you wait until the last minute. You don’t want to show up the day before your flight to visit family and not be allowed to leave your dog.

When you find a kennel you like, try it out by boarding your dog there for one night, before the busy season. You might even do this a couple of times before your big trip. This will give your dog and the kennel staff a chance to meet, and your dog can become familiar with the surroundings. At home, begin making departures and returns from your dog calm and boring. Kennels are busy places, with other dogs around, new sights and smells, and staff around all day. Contrary to what you might think, loneliness is not usually a problem for dogs at the kennel! This is why they are usually so tired when they get home.

Most kennels will let you bring your dog’s favorite bed, toy, and food, though you should understand that they may not be responsible for the safe return of these items. The food should be packaged as individual meals. Some kennels charge an extra fee for using food other than what they provide; most use a high-quality food. Find out what it is ahead of time, and you can get some to feed your dog at home before boarding.

Planning ahead so that your best friend is in good hands while you are gone will bring peace of mind, and you will both have a good vacation!

For more tips and advice on training your dog, join the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers: www.akcgooddoghelpline.org.