3 Ways to Choose the Perfect Kennel for Your Pets
Updated: Oct. 04, 2018
There are many things you need to consider when choosing a kennel for your pet. Here are three you should start with.
Choosing a Home Away from Home for Your Furry Friend
For many dog and cat owners, going on vacation means taking your pet to a boarding facility. While it may be a relief to spare your four-legged pal the stress of car and air travel, it can still be difficult to leave them in someone else’s care. Here are some steps you can take to find them a happy abode in the right kennel.
1. Ask Around
Fellow dog and cat owners, vets and walkers may have recommendations and can help find spots that suit your animal’s temperament. After narrowing down your options, pay a visit in person. “You want to take your pet somewhere you feel good about being in yourself,” says Tracy McElman, a regional manager at the Ontario SPCA.
2. Visit Some Kennels
Make sure the space is well ventilated and temperature controlled, and assess the size, comfort and quality of kennels and sleeping areas (they should be clean and in good repair). Ask how often the staff walk and feed dogs; inquire about whether there are systems in place to keep territorial animals apart. If your pet has special needs – an anti-social dog; a cat with health concerns – make sure the facility can accommodate them, and inquire whether veterinary care is available on-site.
3. Prepare Your Pet
Even if everything checks out, your pet may experience separation anxiety while you’re away. To help mitigate this, McElman suggests sending along something that smells like you – a blanket, article of clothing or soft toy from home. It also helps if kennel staff know your animal’s routine: when they most like to be fed, for instance, and whether they’re comfortable being held or patted. This should help tide Fluffy or Fide over until you’re reunited.
