Boarding Your Dog

Many owners are concerned when they have to board their dog, particularly for the first time. Today there are several alternatives:

1.  Pet sitting agencies are available that will arrange for someone to live in during your absence. This person will look after your pet(s) and sometimes your garden. Many such agencies advertise on the internet and their terms and conditions seem to vary widely. There are, however, many reputable agencies that have been in business for some time.

2.  Over the last few years there has been a growth in agencies offering to find a local person who will take your pet into their own home. Again terms and conditions vary considerably and in the first instance time spent researching availability pays dividends. It is worthwhile always asking regarding insurance cover, etc. Some local authorities have recently started to take note of people offering pet sitting services from their own home and you will find that some of them are registered businesses with insurance.

3.  Traditional boarding kennels. This is probably the safest option since well planned kennels are safe and secure. All commercial kennels have to meet certain standards.

4.  Another alternative is the “unofficial” looking after of your dog, either a friend or relative comes to stay in your home while you are away or alternatively your pet(s) is taken to their home. Once the animals get to know this person the risks are usually minimal but it is unlikely that they will be covered by insurance should anything untoward happen.

Is my dog likely to be happy in kennels?

Many dogs spend very happy holidays in kennels and look forward to going. Plan the visit well ahead just as you do with your own holiday and make sure that you visit the kennels beforehand to satisfy yourself that the accommodation is up to your expectations.

"Many dogs spend very happy holidays in kennels and look forward to going."

How will I know if my dog will settle in kennels?

Despite the fears of owners, most dogs settle into kennel life very quickly. However it is always worthwhile boarding your pet for a weekend or a few days to see how the dog settles. When you collect, check general condition, the standard of grooming etc. which gives an indication of the overall standard of care received. Also ask the kennel staff about his behaviour and appetite. If a nervous dog, ask whether there been any problems handling him etc. etc. The replies (or lack of them!) will quickly help you to form a view.

How will I find suitable boarding kennels or pet sitting services?

Kennels advertise on the internet and your local directories. Your veterinarian should be able to help with a list of licensed kennels in your area. Standards do vary despite the mandatory licencing and it is worthwhile obtaining recommendations from friends or neighbours. We may be able to provide you with the names of addresses of local contacts.

How will I locate kennels in an area unfamiliar to me?

The local directories (Yellow Pages) etc. are helpful. Telephone local veterinarians and explain your problem and request their help.  We can help with details of local kennels. Do not be afraid to contact kennels and request details of fees etc and also discuss any special medical problems or dietary requirements.

Request an appointment to see the kennels prior to making a firm booking.

Are there any requirements necessary before kennelling?

Veterinary recommendations regarding vaccinations and boosters are continually evolving so it is important to check the boarding kennel requirements and discuss any discrepancies in the requirements with your veterinarian. It is a characteristic of a good kennel to insist on sighting up-to-date vaccination certificates and so it is important that your vaccination certificate is up-to-date and readily available. Many kennels require kennel or canine cough vaccine (Bordetella) to be up-to-date and may insist on intranasal vaccinations especially if it needs to be administered a few days before entry. However, there is a new oral bordetella vaccine in Australia which is supposed to provide better immunity with a quick onset compared to the intranasal vaccines. Such requests are again an indication that the kennels are endeavouring to maintain their premises as disease free as possible but ultimately your veterinarian is in the best position to advise you regarding vaccination given their years of training.