5 Questions To Ask When Picking A Kennel-2

Hope you enjoyed reading my blog, “5 Questions To Ask When Picking A Kennel-1” that enlisted 5 questions that you have to ask yourself before you pick a kennel for your pet dog. Your care for your 4 legged companions entails asking yourself a 5more questions to make sure the kennel is for your pet.

5 more questions you need to ask yourself before selecting the right kennel:

1. What should I look for in exercise/play programs?

Make sure you get what your money is buying at the kennel. Some kennels include one play time while some include none in the base fees. Make sure the dogs are divided to play according to style, size, and age; this would keep them safe and happy. If you have a breed like German shepherd or greyhound that require a more exercise and walking make sure the kennel assistant does it; the kennel should be sufficiently staffed to meet this need.

Some kennels may not provide the pet with toys; ensure you have your dog’s favorite toys in its crate. In case you have reservations about other dogs playing with your dog’s toys, ensure the kennel staff knows it.

2. What immunizations should my pet have?

Before bringing your pet to the kennel the core vaccines the dog should have are rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus, while many also require vaccination against Bordetella and canine influenza as well. It is also strongly recommended that they be given prophylactics, such as flea and tick prevention and heart worm preventatives.

Cats require vaccination against rabies, feline panleukopenia, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis; with cats that are allowed to socialize with other cats required to have a negative feline leukemia and feline AIDS status. You could check with the kennel to see if they require any other types of shots.

3. What are the safety issues I need to be aware of?

Be cautious and aware whether the kennel has bent wires, torn fencing or jagged edges; ensure your dog is not let to play unattended with a chew toy. Also dogs in kennels and day care should never wear collars as they could prove to be a serious strangulation hazard. In case you have a frail or elderly pet, ensure the kennel is housed at a veterinary clinic.

4. What is the best solution if my pet has separation anxiety?

Pets that suffer from severe separation anxiety should never be boarded in a kennel. It would be better to engage a pet sitter. In case of absence of sitters you could use Pheromone products such as DAP (for dogs) and Feliway (for cats) to ease anxiety. Medications as well as a sweater or other piece of clothing that has your scent on it may also help calm the pet.

5. Should I consider a pet sitter instead?

A pet sitter would be a good bet for those pets that suffer from separation anxiety or those that do not get along with other pets in the kennel. A long absence of a pet owner makes a pet sitter a better alternative than a long-term boarding situation as most pets suffer less stress in a home situation than a kennel situation.

To conclude trust your gut and choose a kennel that you feel comfortable about and get along well with the staff members. Remember no kennel will feel exactly like home to your pet, but if it can come close, you will be able to have a vacation knowing well your pet is safe and sound.

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