Never Boarded Your Dog Before
It may be a case that in the past you have left your canine companion with your friends or family, or that your dog has holidayed with you, but situations have resulted in you looking for an alternative. Whatever leads you to look into boarding your dog we understand that the thought of leaving your dog with someone you don’t know is a daunting one.
Some dogs are so laid back that if their needs are met, they will settle anywhere where others can revert to fight or flight if they feel vulnerable in a new environment. Each dog is individual, and their needs are specific to them.
Kennel licencing in the UK has recently changed, to ensure those operating with a licence are doing so to a set standard and star rated (D.E.F.R.A The Animal Welfare Regulations 2018).
Each kennel business is different, offering different facilities, enrichment programmes, accommodation, level of care and additional extras. Some mix dogs’ others don’t, and some offer specific social needs of each individual dog. To ensure you find the right accommodation for your dog then take the time to look around and chat to licence holders.
What suits one human/canine companionship does not necessarily suit you and your dog. What’s important to you/your dog, T.V and a comfy sofa or regular walks?
Ensure your dog is up to date with vaccination. Once yearly vaccine against leptospirosis with a booster against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus every 3 years. Other vaccinations such as Kennel Cough and Rabies are available if pets require them. Check to see what vaccines are required, time scales for immunisation to be achieved as some are live vaccines so need to be in their system for a period before safe to share the environment with other dogs. If you are unsure then contact your vet to check (don’t want to be turned away from kennels as vaccine card not showing necessary, up to date vaccines).
If you also make sure your dog is up to date with endo and ectoparasite treatments.
Feeding- some dogs have allergies or sensitive digestion and some dogs can eat anything.
Ensure you notify kennels and if you are providing your own food then ensure the kennels have facilities to store and prepare food. Often to change your dog’s environment and routine can be unsettling and to additionally change their diet may not be advisable.
Some kennels provide bedding /toys, others ask you to bring your own. Using the kennels bedding ensures they have clean, dry bedding throughout their stay. Taking your own is nice for the dog as it has familiar smells on which can be comforting. Be mindful that if your dog is unsettled, they may destroy and potentially ingest their bedding, big luxurious cushions can not be put in the washing machine. When housing a few dogs, often belongings can get mislaid so make a note what you have brought along and bring it knowing it may not return in the same condition.
Ensure your dog has the legally require name tag on their collar and that their collar is secure, clean and free from any sharp edges. Whatever you use to walk your dog at home may be used by kennels so ensure it is safe and secure. Make kennel staff aware of any issues they may have out on a walk.
The day before you leave your dog, you may feel wracked with guilt. Don’t be tempted to feed them anything they don’t have on a regular basis as 3-24 hrs after they may have a very unsettled tummy (no Christmas dinner leftovers when you are boarding them on boxing day!).
Take time to find the right kennel and introduce your dog to the environment before leaving them for a more than a couple of days. Alert your chosen kennels to any quirks or needs your dog may have, the more information they have the easier they can provide appropriate care.
