If you’re boarding your pet this summer, here’s some good news: “I have never met a boarding kennel operator who did not love pets,” says Jim Krack, Executive Director of ABKA, a nonprofit trade association that provides education and accreditation for pet care service businesses.
And it’s becoming increasingly easy to pamper your pet. At cage-free (also known as free-range) boarding services, such as Seattle’s Casa Canine, dogs are free to play and interact with each other and the caregivers throughout the day. If you want to check up on your pet while you travel consider a service such as one like The Dog House of Denver, which has a Doggy Cam on its website. And if you’re concerned about diet, consider a service like AJ’s K-9 Kamp in Portland, Oregon, which uses organic garden products and nematodes, or microscopic worms, for flea control.
“I also put organic carrots and oatmeal in their breakfast every morning for cancer prevention and congestive heart failure,” says AJ, Proprietor and Chief Landmine Scooper. “And I do injections on dogs that are diabetics, and pills for dogs that are on thyroid or epileptic, things like that.”
Selecting Your Service
The right service depends on your animal. “Some kennels have the indoor and outdoor run. Pets can be happy in either environment,” says Krack. “We recommend that pet owners visit the facility, talk to the owner, and find out if the kinds of services they want for their pet are offered at that facility.” Here’s what else to keep an eye on.
When you visit, look for cleanliness. Where are the animals kept? Are there hazards? Are chemicals near where the animals are? “Sanitation is very important. You can usually tell just by smelling the air,” says Krack.
Consider security. Make sure the likelihood of escape is minimized. “There are escape artist animals,” says Krack. “If you know you have an escape artist animal, warn the kennel.” Many boarding services have extra secure areas for animals who might otherwise be tempted to escape.
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