TRAINING IN ANIMATION :Summer is fast approaching, holidays are eagerly being booked and for many that means seeing suitable arrangements for pets. Having peace of mind that your animal is being well cared for whilst you are away will ensure that you are actually able to relax.
How To pick Boarding Kennels For Your Dog
Home boarding is the preferable way to have your dog cared for whilst you are away as it entails a one to one type of care in a home from home environment. Your dog will stay in a carer's home getting individual care and being treated like one of the family. The advantages of Home Boarding for your dog as opposed to using Boarding Kennels are obvious- not least that your dog won't have to be confined, nor will he suffer from kennel stress. A home environment is cleaner and healthier than a kennel and there is far less chance of your dog contracting kennel cough or other dog to dog transmissible diseases.
However, Home Boarders fill up quickly and for many the summer is already fully booked. This may mean selecting a boarding kennel instead; through this article, we hope to guide you through this process. Supplementary data on pet boarding of all kinds can be found on http://www.animalresources.co.uk.
A boarding kennel environment is very separate to your home and factors such as: lots of dogs barking, unfamiliar smells, lack of human touch and a change of routine/lack of practice and stimulation could potentially mean a stressful touch for your dog. From an animal welfare perspective, it is prominent to be aware that it is impossible for most boarding kennels to supply a suitable environment for all dogs. Very young or elderly dogs, nervous or timid dogs, dogs on medication or with disabilities (deafness, blindness, or corporeal disabilities), or very active dogs will not cope well with most kennel environments and it is recommended by dog welfare organisations that other types of boarding are sought for these dogs.
Construction of dog boarding establishments vary from the basic concrete and steel cages with outdoor runs, to the more contemporary Upvc kennel rooms with under floor heating etc. Whilst it is re-assuring to see a contemporary construction facility, the care behind the scenes is more critical. It is very prominent that you feel sure that the staff managing the kennels enjoy being with the dogs. It is crucial that they are well trained, caring and capable and most importantly that they have adequate time to dedicate to the dogs in their care.
Visit the kennels before manufacture a booking for your peace of mind and for the sake of your dog's welfare. Most well run kennels won't be too spoton on what times you can visit and this can often be a sign of a kennel enterprise that has nothing to hide - as opposed to a kennels that insists you only visit by appointment. The capability of kennel room and degree of care varies considerably and there is no way of truly assessing the type of room without paying a visit. Visiting will give you the chance of meeting the kennel owners or hands on staff and seeing out more about how the kennels are managed.
Confining a dog in a kennel is a frightening and unpleasant touch for most dogs and for others a boring one. It is therefore prominent that your dog is given as much stimulation and practice as inherent whilst boarding at the kennels.
The most reliable way of selecting a kennel is by word of mouth. Some pointers that we advise you look for or ask about when visiting a kennel are as follows:
o Ask about staff ratios; if there are few staff and a lot of dogs, this may mean that your dog will not receive one-to-one attention. Keeping kennels cleaned, dogs fed, watered and exercised is very time consuming. Ideally there should be a maximum ratio of one full time staff member to seven dogs to ensure that your dog gets some attentiveness during the day. You should feel sure that the staff are caring and that your dog will be treated as if one of their own.
o A well managed kennel establishment should not be very noisy. This occurs when a place has too many dogs or too few staff. When you first enter the kennel area, there will probably be a lot of barking but if the dogs are receiving adequate practice and stimulation the noise should quieten down within a few minutes. If the barking is persistent, this can often be a sign that the dogs are frustrated and are not getting what they need - this type of environment is very stressful for dogs, so if inherent avoid leaving your dog in a very noisy kennel.
o The kennels should be well aired and dry. The area should not smell of disinfectant, nor should it smell foul. There should be adequate staff to ensure that the kennels are well cleaned on a daily basis. If the dogs are getting out enough, they will not have to normally use their kennel area as a toilet - piles of faeces or urine can be a sign that the dogs are not getting out or that there are not adequate staff. This is not only unpleasant but it is a inherent health risk for dogs as disease is actually transmitted through urine and faeces. Whilst the kennels should not smell foul, a strong smell of disinfectant is not a good sign either. As dog's noses are very sensitive, disinfectant that is very strong or undiluted can be unpleasant and sometimes cause distress to dogs particularly as they will be lying on or near to the floor.
o It is a good idea to leave touch details for man who you trust to make decisions about your animal on your profit should you not be contactable in an emergency. Alternatively, let your vet know that you are boarding your dog and acquaint them of how far your wish treatments to go should your animal become ill.
o Enquire about feeding and play routines and as to whether there are any extra services on offer, e.g. Grooming, massage, and swimming - if these are available, it is worth booking in a few treatments for your dog as these can go a long way towards curing boredom.
o There should be at least one and preferably two staff members on site overnight to supply safety and to care for the dogs should there be an emergency
o Enquire about the exercising of dogs. Where are they exercised, how often are they taken out, at what time, for how long. Work it out yourself - are the answers you are given inherent with the whole of staff employed?
o Look at the kennel size and collate as to whether the area constantly maintained at a comfortable temperature (i.e. Similar to what your dog would be used to at home), are there high standards of cleanliness; how often is the kennel cleaned or bedding changed.
o Ask which veterinary institution the kennel uses and make sure your dog is fully insured. If your dog is kennelled, you will need to ensure that he is fully vaccinated and you may need to supply proof in the form of a vaccination certificate.
o Request that you take your dog to his kennel rather than handing him over in the reception area. This will give you the chance to ensure that he is comfortable and well settled before you go.
o It is prominent that your pet is actually identifiable - you could think purchasing a collar with your pet's details constantly personalised on it. Ensure your dog is kept comfortable by taking along the right type of bedding as this will help him feel more fetch and settled from the start of his stay.
o Ask if staff will have time to play with your dog or ensure he is given toys during the day. Ideally your dog will be fed the same food that he is used to at home and this should help him to settle. It may be beneficial to you and your dog to have a trial run for a night or two in the kennels. This is a worthwhile charge as it will supply peace of mind if you are boarding for the first time to know if your dog will settle. Dispose for this in progress of your holiday as if your dog is actually unhappy or do not decree you will have time to try others before going away
o If your dog requires regular grooming, enquire if this will be maintained whilst he is in kennels or ask if this could be done daily as an extra - for which you will probably need to pay - however, this is money well spent as your dog will be sure of some extra attention.
o If you are boarding two or more dogs who are used to each other's company, ask that they be paired up in the same kennel if inherent as this will supply them with enterprise and re-assurance during their stay.
o Ask for references and check them out.
Be sure to book the boarding kennels as far in progress as inherent to avoid having to decree for whatever less than the best room and care for your companion animal whilst you are away. Happy holidays!
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