Dog Boarding and Doggie Day Care
There are times when pet dogs must be boarded either because the animals need intensive medical care or because their owners are away from home, have an unusually heavy work schedule, or are themselves ill or temporarily disabled. In such situations it is important to find a safe, comfortable environment for the dog. It is always necessary to do careful research before boarding a dog in a particular facility, but no amount of research can replace an actual inspection of the premises.
Boarding at Veterinary Clinics
Many veterinarians offer overnight boarding for pets, healthy one as well as sick ones. During boarding, animal hospitals provide pets with food, water, outings and a certain amount of human companionship. They are also available to take care of any medical problems that arise while the dog is in their care.
Veterinary facilities should be able to demonstrate that ill dogs are kept away from healthy boarders. In some veterinary establishments and in some day care centers, grooming services and training sessions are also available.
Boarding at Doggie Day Care
In addition to veterinary boarding, in recent years doggie day care centers have become available for daytime boarding. These centers are designed not only to keep dogs safe and relatively comfortable during time away from their owners, but to keep them occupied and active, giving them time to play with other dogs.
Doggie day care, when well-managed, is a fine solution for owners' guilt over leaving their dogs alone for long periods. Because dogs that become bored and frustrated may also become destructive, doggie day care can also provide pet owners with peace of mind about returning to a home that remains intact.
Doggie day care facilities should provide the animals with not only with socialization, but with the supervision necessary to keep them safe. Dogs should never be left unattended. Some facilities may not accept particular breeds, or particular animals, because of their aggressive tendencies.
Important Considerations
There is a great variety among dog boarding and doggie day care facilities relative to expense, services provided, and environmental conditions. It is best to be careful making a choice because there are no national standards for such facilities.
The facility chosen should only be boarding healthy pets, unless ill pets are kept in complete isolation. All animals should be vaccinated and certified free of fleas and other infestations.
Dog-boarding and day care centers should be evaluated by inspection, reputation and personal references for the following:
- Sanitation of the kennel
- Temperate environment
- Health requirements for animals in the facility
- Safety equipment such as smoke and CO2 detectors
- Hygiene of the animals
- Size of enclosures (75 to 100 sq. ft. per dog)
- Proper supervision (at least 1 handler per 10 dogs)
- Exercise routines
- Meeting of nutritional and hydration needs
- Following of special directives for medication or digestive needs
- Knowledge and gentleness of handlers
Any good doggie day care facility should have employees trained in animal first aid and CPR and a protocol to follow in case of emergency.