3 Parts to Picking A Great Dog Boarding Kennel

How to Pick A Kennel For Your Dog's Vacation

HARD: Not feeling guilty leaving your furry family member behind while you're on vacation.
HARD: Finding a neighbor you trust enough to love Max unconditionally AND not raid the cookie jar.
NOT SO HARD: Finding the right place to care for your dog until you return.


1: Ask and you shall receive
Tap into friends, vets, animal shelters, pet shops, and even other dog-walking strangers for information. Ask:
A) what local kennel they've used, and if they were satisfied - why/why not?
B) if they've heard any good things about other places
C) if there are any places they think you should avoid


2: Check your facts
Call prospective kennels. Ask if:
A) they have a license or certificate showing that they meet state boarding standards (differs by state)
B) a vet is on-site, or distance to the nearest vet
C) proof of current vaccinations, including Bordetella, is required ("No" is a red-flag!)
D) dogs are monitored continuously, or if the building is locked at night and left unattended
E) each dog gets their own kennel area, and if you can bring your dog's own food (less stress for pup)
F) the dogs have scheduled times for walks or running to get exercise

3: Visit before you book
Visit (unannounced if possible) to check conditions of the animals there. Be sure to check:
A) cleanliness (including poop removal), ventilation, and odors - because your dog will come home smelling just like the facility
B) the dogs' attitudes. Are they relaxed? Excited? Stressed? Restless?
C) for the smell of cigarette smoke. Is anyone smoking near the dogs' crates?
D) for warning signs. Do you see anything that makes you nervous? Think it through carefully.

If you're nervous, do an overnight trial before the big trip. Dogs who are overly anxious or aggressive may be not do well when boarding. Leave enough time to test a new one if the kennel is the issue.

You and your dog will both be SO happy you used these 3 parts to find the perfect match!

10 Questions to Ask Before You Pick a New Dog Groomer

Searching for a new groomer can be scary! Sure, hair grows back, but you want to make sure your precious pup is safe and happy.

Ask prospective groomers these questions before your first appointment. It's always best to call a groomer toward the middle of the day, as early morning and afternoon are typically high-traffic times. It's even better to ask the groomer for a good time to drop by (and bring Spike with you) to ask your questions.

1. What kind of training have you had? Professional training at a school or certificate program (not just an internship or work-study) is always preferred. If they learned from another groomer, it might be best to ask to contact that groomer and go through this list with the teacher, too. It's important that their training included safety and handling procedures that most I-taught-myself groomers may not know.
   
   
2. How many years have you been grooming? This answer would ideally include at least 2 years of full-time experience. If they say something vague like "I've been grooming my own (or my friend/family) dogs at home for years...", make sure they have quality training to make up for their unspoken lack of experience.
   
   
3. Are dog ever put into a crate? If the answer is yes, asking to see the crate area is a reasonable request, especially if there are no other pets in the area at that time. Quickly, smell for lingering odors like urine, feces, mildew, or other signs that it it isn't thoroughly cleaned. Are the crates visibly in good shape (not rusted or broken)?
   
   
4. Do the cage dryers use heated air or recirculated air? Heating on cage dryers is a big no! The air from a cage dryer blows directly at your pets, designed to be used without groomer interaction. Recirculated air usually isn't harmful, but heated air can cause breathing distress or even death for certain breeds, like Yorkshire Terriers or Bulldogs.
   
   
5. What brand of dog shampoo do you use? The quality of the shampoo can change the coat condition of your pet. Cheap ingredients can cause allergic reactions or hair damage. For this, it's best to look online to check the brand specifics. Look for its price relative to the others (try PetEdge.Com or RyansPet.com) to make sure they're not charging you top price for bottom quality.
   
   
6. What's included in the grooming package? Ask to see how many services the package includes and prices for added-on services: shampoo, conditioner, ear-cleaning, ear-plucking, nail trim, pet perfume/cologne, flea bath/dip, de-skunking treatment, dematting/detangling
   
   
7. Do you offer toothbrushing? Does it really work? Here's another trick question. Toothbrushing at the groomer only works if the owner ALSO brushes the pet's teeth at home. Think about it - would brushing your teeth once a month make a big impact? Be wary of the motives of a dog groomer who still insists on selling you a toothbrushing service after you mention that you wouldn't brush your dog's teeth at home.
   
   
8. Do you require shot records? While not mandatory, groomers who ask for vaccination records protect your pet by limiting Fido's exposure to risks for infection.
   
   
9. What is clipper burn? Throw this question in casually, almost as if you don't know, to see how they react. Clipper burn [little red bumps of irritation caused by a hot blade or by improper clipper handling] is mostly preventable and should happen rarely if ever. Be wary of responses like "Oh, it happens all the time,it's no big deal".
   
   
10. Do you offer any discounts or incentives for homes with multiple dogs? For frequent clients? If I refer a friend who becomes a client? Sometimes groomers (especially those who manage their own shops) will offer discounts if you bring your pack of dogs to them regularly. Just one dog? Bring Lassy in for a haircut every six weeks (depending on breed) and schedule a bath with the groomer in-between trims. If you have a friend or two with dogs, see if the groomer with give you a one-time discount for each new client you give her. Everyone wins!
    

Remember - you have a right to ask questions before you trust your pet with a new groomer! A groomer who doesn't want to give you the time to answer a few questions might not be patient with your dog.


Happy haircuts, everyone!