Seven things to consider before boarding your dog
A dog is another member of your family. When circumstances make it impossible to take your dog on vacation or you need regular help during the week, you want him or her to receive the same care you provide at home. There are many boarding and day-care options in Charlotte, and choosing the best one for your dog takes some research.
What can be a better initiative than this! #daycarefordogs #doglove #respect pic.twitter.com/Vl8QzWCadQ
— Petzy (@petzydotcom) September 23, 2015
Since I am not a dog owner, I went to the experts — Nicole Odom, owner of Dogtopia, and Kim Lovingood-Owens, owner of NoDa Bark and Board. They recommended seven things to consider before boarding your dog:
(1) Personality assessment
Does your dog love being around other dogs at the dog park? Is your dog still energetic after a 3-mile run?
Odom said, “If you have a very active, social dog, then some place that offers open play with other dogs would be ideal. They get to play throughout the day during their vacation so you take home a tired, happy dog at the end of your trip.”
On the other hand, if your dog prefers to be alone, a place that has individual kennel runs and offers individual playtime may be a better fit.
Come back! My mom says I’m a real catch #shesjustplayinghardtoget #bostonterrier #dogparkfun
A photo posted by OttotheRedBT (@ottotheredbt) on Oct 24, 2015 at 7:14am PDT
(2) Wellness check
Most boarding facilities require current rabies, distemper and Bordetella vaccines. An open-play environment will require your dog to be spayed if she’s older than about 7 months. “Be sure to share your dog’s medical issues so they can tell you if her needs may be accommodated,” Odom said. “If your dog has medical issues like diabetes or requires injections, boarding at your veterinarian may be the best option. “
(3) Take the tour
Taking a tour of the facility will give you a feel for it. Is it clean? What is the setup? Is it climate controlled? Do dogs sleep inside or out? Although you are unable to go into rooms where dogs are actively playing, you should be able to watch through a window or webcam.
#play #playtime #dog #puppy #pup #cute #doggydaycare #doggiedaycare #pet #pets #animal #animals #petstagram #petsagram #photooftheday #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #dogoftheday #lovedogs #lovepuppies #adorable #eyes #instapuppy #instadog #instagood #nicediggz #toronto #etobicoke A photo posted by Nice Diggz (@nicediggz) on Dec 2, 2015 at 9:50am PST
(4) Points for protocol
The boarding facility should have a relationship with a local animal hospital and a protocol in place if your dog gets sick or injured. Will you be required to find someone to transport the dog or will the staff do it for you?
Lovingood-Owens said, “When you are out of the country on your honeymoon, you may not want to come back early to take your dog to the vet.”
A photo posted by Erin (@avengetheworld) on May 30, 2014 at 5:22pm PDT
(5) Vet the staff
Be sure the staff like dogs (I know, this seems counter-intuitive to me). Lovingood-Owens said, “You can tell when you walk in if the staff like dogs by how they greet and interact with dogs.” Plus, at least one staff member should be first-aid and CPR trained.
Here to save your dogs and stuff! #animalhouse #animalhospitallife #frankenkitty A photo posted by @chhhloem on Sep 7, 2015 at 7:52pm PDT
(6) Understand the hidden fees
Day care for dogs averages $25-35 per day. Depending on the facility, extra fees may be tacked on for administering medication, special attention or one-on-one services. Look for special discounts offered to neighborhood residents, first responders and military personnel.
(7) Talk to references
Lovingood-Owens said, “Ask your friends and neighbors where they take their dogs to board. Talk to people who actually use that boarding facility.”
Photo: Gretchen Brinkmann
This story was originally published December 9, 2015 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Seven things to consider before boarding your dog."