The first time that you have to find a kennel for your dog or dogs you should have a pre-set list of questions to help you learn specific information about the kennel and the staff. It is important to ask the same questions to each prospective kennel to be able to compare them equally. If you don' t have a set of questions you are likely to be distracted by whatever sales pitch they provide, which of course is going to highlight many aspects of the kennel but likely not the details you will need.
The top 10 basic questions you will need to ask include the following:
1. What type of staffing and services does the kennel offer?
This is important to know since some kennels may only have staff on-site during regular business hours and just a person that checks every few hours in the night or after hours. Other kennels will have staff on the premises 24 hours to handle any emergencies that may occur. Typically the continually staffed kennels will be slightly more expensive but you do have 24-hour peace of mind that your dog is being supervised.
2. What size or type of kennels and runs are provided for dogs?
This is particularly important if you have a large breed or a toy or very small breed. Kennels that are too small or kennels that combine small and large dogs in the same area can pose a problem. If kennels are designed for large dogs and house toy dogs, there may be issues with safety if a dog gets out or is stressed by being beside a much larger or a very aggressive small dog.
Most kennels will also have the option for an indoor kennel and outdoor run option, with the kennel and run connected. This allows the dog to freely access a safe exercise area outside while still remaining within their own individual run.
3. How long has the kennel been in business and what licenses or approval does it have?
Kennels can be approved by breed clubs, the Department of Agriculture, different organizations that are designed to protect animals as well as by the larger Kennel Clubs. In addition kennels should have a current business license as well as the appropriate insurance. Asking how long the kennel has been in business as well as for a few references is always an important consideration if it is your first time using the kennel. Most kennels provide this information on their brochures and are more than happy to provide references.
4. What experience/training or certification does the staff have?
Look for staff that has worked for the kennel for long periods of time and has basic pet first aid or other related training. Kennels with a huge staff turn over may indicate poor management and poor working conditions. In turn this may mean untrained staff that may not be good with dogs or even understand proper care and management of animals.
5. What is the policy on individual bedding, toys and food?
Some kennels allow you to bring in favorite toys, special bedding and even your own dog food. Other kennels restrict "personal" items other than toys. If you are required to use the kennel bedding be sure to ask how it is cleaned and sanitized between dogs and how often it is changed or cleaned if you are leaving your dog for a longer period of time.
6. Which vet or vet clinic is associated with the kennel?
Even if your dog is wonderfully healthy it is important to let your current vet know what kennel you are keeping your dog at and which emergency vet clinic they work with. This helps the vet be prepared if there is an emergency call as well as ensures that the emergency vet will be called, not just a staff member trying to manage the situation.
7. What are the pick-up and drop-off times and policies?
Some kennels are very flexible with drop-off and pick-up, particularly if they have 24 hour staffing. For kennels with standard business hours there is often a rather large fee associated for off hour pick-up or drop-off options, or it may not be allowed at all.
8. How are puppies, senior dogs or dogs on medication accommodated?
If you have a dog that has special needs due to age, health issues or current medication you want to be assured that the staff of the kennel has experience in handling these situations. Typically your vet will need to complete a form instructing the staff how to administer any medication required.
9. Is there a grooming service offered through the boarding kennel?
Many people routinely groom their dogs every day or every other day. If you are going to be away for several days you may want to continue this practice while the dog is kenneled. Some kennels may have staff that completes grooming while others will either take the dog to a groomer of your choice or have a set grooming come to the facility. This is typically an additional charge over and above the standard kenneling rate or fee.
10. How often are dogs exercised and how is this handled?
Kennels may offer individual dog walks where a staff member will walk your dog two or three times a day for 10 or more minutes. Usually dogs are walked individually unless there are companion dogs. Other kennels may offer runs that the dogs can be placed in individually to provide them a safe, secure area to exercise on their own. For dogs that are social and interact well with other dogs group play areas may be set up. Staff should be constantly monitoring and present in these group play areas to prevent any problems with aggression or fighting that may occur.
Any special questions about the care of your dog including what should or should not be done with the dog need to be addressed with the staff. They should have you complete an in depth application and information form as well as require an up to date vaccination record that includes rabies, DHPP vaccines and Bordetella immunization.
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