Caring for an animal companion requires more than good food and exercise. It also means finding the best place for that four-legged friend to stay when his human family is on vacation or away for the weekend. The type of dog boarding DC animal lovers demand includes excellent physical facilities and individualized attention, as well as an attitude of deep respect for all living creatures.
Leaving all the familiar comforts of home behind is difficult for dogs as well as people. Some canine personalities relish the opportunity, but others find it traumatic and even terrifying. Choosing the right home away from home means taking into account just how the dog reacts to being separated, and understanding how each personality has different needs regarding comfort and reassurance.
Ask your own veterinarian which type of care will be most appropriate. If there has been an overnight hospital stay, the staff can make helpful suggestions regarding previous behavior away from home. Vets are also routinely exposed to the opinions of their customers, and while an animal doctor will probably not recommend a kennel by name, they can help prevent people from making poor choices.
Finding a good facility that is a reasonably short drive away can save both humans and dogs from the stress and discomfort of a long ride. When an animal arrives in a state of emotional or physical distress, handing him over to the care of strangers is difficult for everyone. When a promising facility is also close and convenient, make an appointment to take a tour in advance.
There is no officially required certification for most facilities, and states vary in their rules for operation. A tour can reveal any hard-to-conceal problems regarding sanitation. While keeping a kennel in pristine condition is not possible, all dogs must nonetheless have fresh bedding and clean water at all times. If there is constant noise and confusion from barking and howling, the animals are probably unhappy.
Qualified staff members are key to running a successful operation. Good caretakers ask questions regarding the need for specific exercises, special foods, personality quirks, and current medication schedules. They should regard each creature as a unique guest, rather than simply another dog. Individual needs must be geared to the age of an animal, as well as any physical disabilities.
When it time for supervised play, the groups should be roughly equal in age and size. Because not all facilities include service in a basic package, inquire about possible additional fees. If a high-energy breed needs extra walks, they must also be prearranged. Check the play areas for any noticeable hazards, and make sure that the animals are not allowed to be rambunctious while wearing collars.
Be sure your animal has all required immunizations, because the close proximity of kennel life can also spread contagious disease. While it may be impossible to know everything about a particular care facility in advance, most animal owners instinctively sense when an environment is not suitable for their pet. Never hesitate to ask a pertinent question, and do not choose a facility that cannot provide the right answers.
Leaving all the familiar comforts of home behind is difficult for dogs as well as people. Some canine personalities relish the opportunity, but others find it traumatic and even terrifying. Choosing the right home away from home means taking into account just how the dog reacts to being separated, and understanding how each personality has different needs regarding comfort and reassurance.
Ask your own veterinarian which type of care will be most appropriate. If there has been an overnight hospital stay, the staff can make helpful suggestions regarding previous behavior away from home. Vets are also routinely exposed to the opinions of their customers, and while an animal doctor will probably not recommend a kennel by name, they can help prevent people from making poor choices.
Finding a good facility that is a reasonably short drive away can save both humans and dogs from the stress and discomfort of a long ride. When an animal arrives in a state of emotional or physical distress, handing him over to the care of strangers is difficult for everyone. When a promising facility is also close and convenient, make an appointment to take a tour in advance.
There is no officially required certification for most facilities, and states vary in their rules for operation. A tour can reveal any hard-to-conceal problems regarding sanitation. While keeping a kennel in pristine condition is not possible, all dogs must nonetheless have fresh bedding and clean water at all times. If there is constant noise and confusion from barking and howling, the animals are probably unhappy.
Qualified staff members are key to running a successful operation. Good caretakers ask questions regarding the need for specific exercises, special foods, personality quirks, and current medication schedules. They should regard each creature as a unique guest, rather than simply another dog. Individual needs must be geared to the age of an animal, as well as any physical disabilities.
When it time for supervised play, the groups should be roughly equal in age and size. Because not all facilities include service in a basic package, inquire about possible additional fees. If a high-energy breed needs extra walks, they must also be prearranged. Check the play areas for any noticeable hazards, and make sure that the animals are not allowed to be rambunctious while wearing collars.
Be sure your animal has all required immunizations, because the close proximity of kennel life can also spread contagious disease. While it may be impossible to know everything about a particular care facility in advance, most animal owners instinctively sense when an environment is not suitable for their pet. Never hesitate to ask a pertinent question, and do not choose a facility that cannot provide the right answers.
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