How to choose the right boarding kennel for your dog

Draw up a shortlist of boarding kennels

• Check your local papers and community websites for listings of boarding kennels in your area.
• Check with friends and neighbours who have dogs to see if they can recommend any local boarding kennels.

Schedule visits to local boarding kennels

• Take a look at each boarding kennels and talk to the people in charge before making your choice.
• Good boarding kennels will always welcome visits from prospective customers, so put on your dog-walking shoes and start asking questions!

Things to look out for at boarding kennels

• How do the boarding kennels look and smell? Well-run boarding kennels are bound to smell doggy, but they shouldn't be dirty.
• What is the lighting and ventilation like in the areas where the dogs are kept? Dingy, smelly environments indicate that boarding kennels are not well-run. If you think your dog will find the environment depressing, move on.
• Are the boarding kennels warm enough? Older dogs are especially vulnerable to the cold if they are not used to it.
• How big are the exercise areas? Good boarding kennels will have large, securely enclosed outdoor areas where dogs can run around, play and expend energy. If these areas are too small, choose another boarding kennels.

Things to ask at the boarding kennels

• Is it necessary to bring vaccination certificates when you board your dog? Good boarding kennels will insist on seeing proof of vaccination before accepting dogs.
• Some boarding kennels will also ask for your dog to be vaccinated against kennel cough.
• Find out how much time dogs get outside in the exercise area every day.
• Some boarding kennels will also take your dog for a longer walk at an additional cost, so it's worth enquiring about this if your dog is used to a lot of exercise.
• Can you supply your own food? Many boarding kennels discourage this, but it may be important to you if your dog is a fussy eater.
• What kind of veterinary care is available? Find out if a vet visits the boarding kennels every day to check for health problems and what procedures are in place if a dog appears to be unwell.
• If you like to spoil your dog, ask if the boarding kennels have any luxury or premium areas.
• Some boarding kennels have special rooms with couches, extra space, a radio or even a television to provide some form of human contact.