As much as you love your dog, it is hard to travel with them everywhere. You may need to move by faith and leave them in a boarding facility. It is a leap of faith because you can never be 100 percent sure. It may not be the best of experiences for your dog. However, there are several things you can look for when you are shopping for a boarding facility.

Licenses and Certification

Start here. It should be the first thing you look for in a boarding kennel. Walk away if the facility officials try to put you off and do not produce their official documents. Each state has different rules and regulations. These standards help keep your dog safe and ensure the facilities care for them well.

Insurance Policy

An insurance policy is a vital documentation. It shows that your dog is safe in case of any eventuality. Insurances cover boarding facilities for several incidences. These include:

• One dog attacking another or a person

• When your dog has an injury or medical problem while in their care

• Losing your dog

Vaccination Policy

Before you book your pet into a facility, they should ask you for proof of its vaccinations. Ask them about their vaccination policy. Make sure they insist on the core vaccinations and get boosters for some diseases.

These include canine distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Also, check for some of the noncore vaccinations. Your dog may be susceptible to some of these diseases. Another thing is to ensure they check dogs for fleas and ticks.

Check the Kennels

Ensure you leave your pet in secure, clean, and sanitary conditions. The kennels should have enough space and nonslip surfaces to keep your dog comfortable. Note if the dogs share kennels and have access to the toilet area. Also, check for heating and air conditioning.

Ask About Activities

Boarding facilities that engage their dogs in games, exercises, and walks ensure they don’t have stress. Boredom can create anxiety, which may affect your dog physically. Find out whether they provide the animals with toys, and ensure you pack one from home. Something familiar will help your pet feel comfortable. If they take the dogs for walks, ensure they do it at least once daily.

Talk to the Staff

As they show you around the boarding facility, talk to the staff. Find out if they enjoy the work. When staff loves their work, it means they are passionate about it. Thus, they will take care of your pet and treat it well. Leave that boarding facility if you sense that the staff is uncomfortable or unfriendly. Staff who are friendly and welcoming will extend the same to your dog.

Access to a Vet

Ensure that the facility has access to a vet 24 hours, every day of the week, and all year round. An emergency may happen, and though you may leave your vet details, it is vital that they also have one.

For more information on what to look for in a boarding facility, visit The Pets Place Animal Hospital at our Riverside, California office. Call (951) 684-2181 to schedule an appointment today.