Finding the Right Place to Care for Your Dog Means Truly Relaxing on Your Vacation

Leave your beloved four-legged friend with in the wrong hands and the only trip you’re headed on is a guilt trip. Our dogs are our family. We choose the best foods, buy only the right toys, and we don’t just trust anyone to care for them. So why would you settle for a boarding facility that is anything less than the best?

With the pet industry booming, there are a lot of options when it comes to pet care, so choosing the right one can seem like a second job. That’s where we come in. Northwest Naturals is more than just your go to for premium nutrition, we’re also your friendly pet enthusiast who has been in your shoes.

Here Are Some Tips to Help You Find the Right Humans to Care for Your Dog During Your Next Trip:

Quality:

Step number one is to do a geographic search for dog kennels and boarding facilities near you. This creates a quick list of options to review. Next you’ll want to look at the various facilities. You obviously want to find ones that look clean and professional. If that doesn’t help to weed any out, take a moment to read their website, and their Google Reviews. This will help to narrow down the list by a good couple options.

Once you have your short list in place, it’s time to make a few phone calls or chat with the staff. There are some questions that you definitely want to ask before moving any further. The first question to ask if for a full tour of the facilities. If the business won’t let you see a certain part of their building, there is a good chance there’s a reason they don’t want people to see it.

Safety:

Ask if there is a staff member on site at night. Some facilities actually close down and leave dogs in their cages, unattended overnight. This usually isn’t a problem, but just in case, you want someone to be there to handle a situation if it arises.

In the same vein, you’ll want to ask if they have a veterinarian on staff or on call in case a potential issue arises, or will they contact your vet? If your dog is on any medication, you’ll want to ask if they are equipped to handle that, if it costs more to administer the medication, etc. Also, it’s a good idea to ask if their staff is trained in dog CPR. Not all will go this extra step.

All dog kennels and boarding facilities of repute will have a list of mandatory vaccinations and/or tests. Some will ask to have a vet verify that your pet is free from worms or other communicable issues. Ask what these requirements are before you think about booking your pet’s stay.

Staff and Training

Additionally, you’ll want to ask a few questions about your dog’s potential stay: will your pet be able to interact with other dogs during their stay and how is this handled? If your pet misbehaves how is staff trained to handle this? Does their staff receive additional training, and if so, how frequently?

Comfort:

Lastly, you’ll want to ask about making your dog feel comfortable during his or her stay. Ask questions like, can I bring my dog’s own food? Can I bring a bed, my clothing, or toys for his or her stay?

Is your dog active? You might want to inquire about whether they will or could walk your dog? If so, will they do so multiple times per day and is there an additional charge for this?

Let Your Dog Be the Judge

Take your dog to the location before you book their stay. Let them sniff around and explore the facility. If they offer day care, maybe try it out for a day and see what your dog’s reaction is. You’ll know right away whether they liked it or felt uncomfortable there.

This step goes a long way in making your dog feel comfortable when you do book their stay. The boarding facility won’t be a strange new place but one they recognize. They may even get to know the staff and feel more at ease with being there without you.

We hope these steps have helped you narrow down the list and find a reputable kennel or boarding facility for your next trip. Leaving your pet is hard enough, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether your dog is enjoying their stay or missing you terribly.