How to Find the Right Kennel for Your Dog

As a dog parent, you probably hate the thought of leaving your pooch for even one night. Leaving him in the care of strangers might cause some serious anxiety for both of you. But sometimes it can't be avoided. If you are going on a family vacation or traveling for work, you may have to board rather than leave them with a trusted friend or relative. With a little research and a short list of "must haves", finding the right kennel can be relatively painless.

Choosing a kennel usually comes down to the following criteria, which we will look at in more depth:

Price

Most facilities charge a per-night fee, although rates can be calculated in different ways. Depending on the type of kennel you choose (basic, a high-end "doggie hotel or spa", or something in between), there may be additional fees for certain services.

Facility's reputation

Do some checking on each facility you're considering before you reserve a space for your pet. Stop by and look around before you sign any paperwork or make any type of payment. Look for:

--Cleanliness of the facility.
--Size of the crates or sleeping areas.
--A run with enough room for the dog to run, play, and do its business.
--A climate-controlled room.
--If dogs and cats are housed separately.

Quality of care.

If the facility has boarders, watch them interact with the staff for a few moments. Does the staff seem attentive and caring? Are there veterinary services available on-site (or within a close distance) if necessary? Can the staff accommodate your dog's special medical or dietary needs? Ask if you will need to bring your dog's food if the staff doesn't mention this up front (most kennels require owners to bring the dog's food, whether they are on a special diet or not).

The best way to find a reputable kennel is to ask for referrals from fellow dog owners or your veterinarian. (Even if you get a glowing referral from someone you trust, you should still research each place for the reasons mentioned above). If you're using a kennel for the first time, they will need copies of your dog's medical records, which you can get from your veterinarian.

Have you ever boarded your dog? What other tips would you add? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

If you're traveling for a few days or a few weeks, contact us to learn more about travel insurance. ETA Benefits Group works with several carriers that offer this type of coverage. Travel insurance can cover trip cancellation or interruption expenses, medical treatment coverage, reimbursement costs for travel delays, and more.