Factors to Consider When Choosing an Askov, MN Dog Boarding Kennel

Do you travel extensively? Or do you only leave town occasionally? It’s a good idea to develop a strong relationship with a reputable kennel, regardless. Not only will Fido find it easier to board if he is familiar with his temporary home, but you will as well! Of course, you do not want to entrust just anyone with your pet’s care and well-being. You want a reputable kennel that you can rely on to provide great dog boarding services consistently. You also want to have peace of mind knowing that your beloved canine buddy is secure, sound, and well-cared for at his pet hotel. A local Askov, MN veterinarian provides tips on selecting your pet’s home away from home in this article.

Site Cleanliness

Cleanliness is one of the first things you should look at when touring a kennel. A messy kennel indicates that the personnel is not committed to maintaining facilities clean and sanitary, which speaks volumes about their overall quality standards. That is not to imply you should expect it to be completely immaculate. Pets aren’t always the neatest roommates! However, it should appear clean and well-kept, with little odor.

We recommend asking how often kennels are cleaned and sanitized.

Ask About Packing For Fido

Kennels have varied policies about whether or not you can bring Fido’s bed. However, most should permit certain toys or comfort items.

They should also be clear about food requirements. For example, we prefer that kibble be separated and labeled.

Exercise Opportunities

Many kennels provide extra walks, cuddle sessions, or playtime as an add-on. However, your pooch should be walked at least twice a day as part of the basic package. (If Fido has his own run, once per day may suffice.)

Privacy

While some pets are very social and like spending time with their friends, others are apprehensive and would feel uncomfortable with too many roommates and neighbors. Pets should, at a minimum, have their own sleeping quarters. Dogs and cats should also be kept separately.

Kennel Setup

Look at how much room your pooch is going to have. A boarding kennel should be substantially larger than one seen at a veterinary office or groomer. Your pet should be able to sit, stand, stretch, stroll, and turn around without being constrained by the kennel walls or roof.

Air Quality

A good kennel will have a decent ventilation system. This not only reduces foul odors and keeps the air fresh, but it also lowers the chance of germ transmission.

Climate Control

Climate control is another important feature to look for. Even if you live in a relatively constant climate, you must ensure that your pet is protected from heat and cold.

Standards/Policies

Good kennels also have certain restrictions for the pets they accept. For example, many would not accept puppies or kittens that have not finished their first round of vaccinations. They’ll also be picky about their customers, and they may evaluate each pet before booking them. That is critical for the safety of both the Askov, MN pet kennel staff and the other pets.

Veterinary Care

Veterinary attention If your furry friend experiences an emergency at a kennel, rest assured that they will receive urgent attention. Inquire if the kennel has a veterinarian on staff or if they work closely with a certain clinic.

Perks and Upgrades

Kennels all work a little differently. Many are becoming more like luxury hotels or spas for their canine companions. Inquire about the extras you can get for your four-legged companion! These may include extra cuddles, food, catnip, playing, or walks.

Basic Safety Protocols

consider the kennel’s safety and security. You’ll want to choose a location that includes safety elements like high walls, double gates, and security cameras. These things help to ensure that pets cannot escape.

Number of Pets/Staff

Pets require a lot of love and attention. Making sure the kennel has a reasonable guest-to-staff ratio is appropriate. A kennel with 20 dogs in the yard and just one staff member is unsafe, since that one person cannot deal with a scuffle alone.

Kennel Reputation

Just as part of your due diligence, look for reviews regarding the kennel. One or two negative reviews among numerous favorable ones may not be a dealbreaker, as they could indicate a demanding customer. However, you do want to find a place where the vast majority of feedback is good.

You can also ask friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family members to recommend a reputable pet boarding kennel.

Location

You may start your search by Googling something like ‘dog boarding near me’ or ‘puppy boarding near me.’ However, do not limit yourself to what is within five minutes of your home. It may be worthwhile to go an extra 10, 20, or even 30 minutes for an excellent site.

Staff Qualifications

One question you should ask is regarding the kennel staff’s qualifications and experience. While it may be appropriate to have someone new and inexperienced do some fundamental jobs, such as cleaning, more experienced staff members should always be on hand.

Documentation/Vaccination Requirements

Avoid any kennel that does not require confirmation of your pet’s recent vaccinations. Fido should be up to date on not only his core immunizations, but also a few non-essential vaccines like Bordetella and Parvo. They should also require information or documents regarding your pet’s medical history. (Note: if you board with your Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic vet, they would already have this information.

Kennel Setup

Many boarding kennels allow both dogs and cats. However, Fido and Fluffy should never be kept too close together. Being in a room with a lot of dogs can be quite distressing for cats! Cats should have their own space. This should be kept isolated from the dogs so that the cats don’t see (or, ideally, hear) their canine neighbors.

Sneak Peak

You should also be able to tour the facilities. A complete inspection does not have to take long, but knowing what you’re looking for and what to avoid will help you limit down your options and guarantee that you’re choosing the greatest setting for your furry bestie.

Booking Procedures

Booking policies will vary because each kennel operates differently. However, you should ensure that the kennel has appropriate cancellation and extended stay policies. Go over any documents thoroughly.

General Atmosphere

You can also obtain a good impression of a kennel by observing how the personnel and pets interact. If every employee appears to be anxious and dissatisfied, that’s not a good indicator. And, while some of the pets may be less than delighted to be away from home, they should be comfortable, safe, and well-cared for at their home away from home.

Conclusion: When looking for a kennel for your pet, you should consider numerous aspects of the kennel’s design, protocols, and procedures. Some of the things to delve into here include immunization needs, as well as safety features, cleaning schedules, veterinarian access, ventilation, temperature control, and booking procedures.

Book a Stay at Our Askov, MN Kennel

Are you seeking a fantastic place away from home for your pet friend? Please feel free to contact us at Twin Pines Veterinary Clinic, your Askov, MN animal hospital, your for your pet’s veterinary and boarding needs. We are here to help!