Dog Service Network, LLC » Choosing a Dog Facility / Service

How to Avoid Problems when Boarding your Dog

Dog Service Network — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:21:56 +0000

By: Katie Simpson

Most dogs, especially older ones, develop a sense of pattern in their daily lives. Transporting them to new places or doing something that could disrupt those habitual patterns can be upsetting to them.

Experts say that old pets are more likely to have health problems. Common to senior pets are deafness, blindness, and arthritis. As dogs get older, they are more prone to kidney, heart, and liver diseases. Sometimes your pet won’t get around very easily. They might be experiencing arthritis and other degenerative conditions. Keep in mind that if your pets are not used to being boarded, or are not boarded properly, their health problems might worsen.

Planning to board your dog

When you are planning to board your pet, do not hesitate to drop by your chosen kennel beforehand. Speak with your kennel personnel regarding the care of your geriatric pet. Perhaps the kennel has a special area where older pets stay, or maybe they offer special services for senior dog care. Whatever health problems your pet has, be sure to discuss them thoroughly with your kennel personnel before boarding. The kennel staff will be better able to recognize problems with a particular condition if they know what to look for. Be sure to observe the following:

Make your reservations early at the chosen kennel. You will just get disappointed if you book your reservations at the last minute. The best kennels fill up quickly and are booked months in advance. You should also find out what types of payment they accept, what types of equipment you should bring with your dog, and what kind of food they will feed him.

Prepare your pet for boarding. Dogs, just like people, appreciate a break. They enjoy being in new surroundings. Once they get familiar with the place, they will probably have an exciting and marvelous time. For dogs that have never been boarded before, consider some short overnight stays to help him or her get used to boarding.

Check in during office hours. Make sure to bring all the paperwork needed by the kennel. The kennel needs to know your name, address, phone number, your veterinarian’s name and phone number, and where you can be reached when you go away. So in case of emergency it will be easy for them to reach you. If your pet has any special problems that are not covered in your check in forms, point them out to your kennel operator.

This will help your kennel take better care of your pet. Most kennels have special services they provide. They sometimes provide a special diet for your dog or a special boarding place away from the general pet population. Kennel personnel provide nice resting and exercise places for your pets; they may even give your dog soft music to release their stress. Discuss your pet’s individual needs and health conditions in advance, along with what to do if something changes. Remember, your kennel owner is in the business of boarding because he/she loves animals.

Relax and enjoy your trip. Remember that your pet is in good hands. Your pets will probably get more care and attention than they would in your home.

Many older pets have underlying conditions or undiagnosed illnesses that are not readily noticeable. Stress plays an important role regarding your pet’s health. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors: being away from home and loved ones, a new environment, other dogs and cats, new noises, smells and people associated with a kennel, a change in food or water… the list goes on.

Whatever triggers a stress reaction also triggers physical changes in your pet. We may see physical signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, or increased respiration. Stress helps animals (and people) cope with a situation. However, when stress is not relieved or reduced sufficiently, the body does not have a chance to rest. This is why your pet can become ill away from home, even when he appeared normal when you dropped him off. Be sure to check for these conditions when you pick up your dog and find out what triggered them.

Author Bio

Katie Simpson is a longtime dog lover. For more tips and strategies for caring for and enjoying your canine companion, be sure to visit her Brilliant Dogs.

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Choosing a Pet Sitter

Dog Service Network — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:54:37 +0000

Pet sitters do much more than provide your pet with food and water while you’re away from home. A good pet sitter also spends quality time with your pet, gives him exercise, and knows how to tell if your pet needs veterinary attention. What’s more, pet sitters typically offer additional services, such as bringing in mail and newspapers, watering plants, turning lights on and off, and providing homes with a lived-in look to deter crime.

But just because someone calls herself a pet sitter doesn’t mean she’s qualified to do the job. This information will help you find the best pet sitter for you and your pet.

Why hire a pet sitter?

When you must be away from home—say for travel or an emergency—and don’t want to leave your pet in a boarding kennel, who takes care of your pet? If you’re like many pet owners, you ask a friend or neighbor to stop in and pour some kibble and water in your pet’s bowls. But is this what’s best for your pet? There’s a good chance that your friends and neighbors lack proper pet-care experience and have even forgotten to show up. They may also resent frequent requests to look after your pet while you’re gone. So what is the solution? Consider hiring a “pet sitter”—a professional, qualified individual paid to care for your pet.

A pet sitter offers both you and your pet many benefits.

Your pet gets:

the environment he knows best.
his same diet and routine.
relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as a boarding kennel).
attention while you’re away.

You get:

happier friends and neighbors, who aren’t burdened with caring for your pet.
the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.
someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars don’t know you’re away.
someone who will come to your home so you don’t have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel.
other services provided by most pet sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.

Where do I find a pet sitter?

Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, or dog trainer. Check the Yellow Pages under “Pet Sitting Services.” You can also contact the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS) or Pet Sitters International (336-983-9222) for a referral. Both organizations offer pet-sitter accreditation to those who demonstrate professional experience, complete pet-care-related home study courses, attend professional conferences, and abide by a code of ethics set by the organizations.

What should I look for?

It’s important to learn all you can about prospective pet sitters’ qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home. Find out the following:

Can the pet sitter provide written proof that she has commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft by a pet sitter or her employees)?
What training has the pet sitter received?
Will the pet sitter record notes about your pet, such as his likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines?
Is the pet sitter associated with a veterinarian who can provide emergency services?
What will happen if the pet sitter experiences car trouble or becomes ill? Does she have a backup?
Will the pet sitter provide related services such as in-home grooming, dog walking, dog training, and play time?
Will the pet sitter provide a written service contract spelling out services and fees?
If the pet sitter provides live-in services, what are the specific times she agrees to be with your pet? Is this detailed in the contract?
How does your pet sitter make sure that you have returned home?
Will the pet sitter provide you with the phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references?

Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter and from her references, it’s important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your home to meet your pet before actually hiring her for a pet-sitting job. Watch how she interacts with your pet—does your pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter’s care for longer periods.

How can I help the pet sitter and my pet?

Of course, even the most trustworthy, experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you haven’t also kept your end of the bargain. Here are your responsibilities:

Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during holidays.
Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him.
Affix current identification tags to your pet’s collar.
Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.
Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
Leave pet food and supplies in one place.
Buy extra pet supplies in case you’re away longer than planned.
Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each other’s phone numbers. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.
Show the pet sitter your home’s important safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.

Finally, have a safe and fun trip. And remember to bring your pet sitter’s phone number in case your plans change—or you just want to find out how Fluffy and Fido are doing.

Reprinted with permission by the The Humane Society of the United States
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_pet_sitter/

Choosing a Boarding Kennel

Dog Service Network — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:34:40 +0000

Need to go out of town? A boarding kennel can give your pet quality care—and can give you peace of mind. Before loading Fido or Fluffy into the car and driving over to the nearest kennel, though, it’s important to find the right kennel and prepare your pet for boarding.

What are the pros and cons of using a boarding kennel?

Your pet depends on you to take good care of her—even when you have to be out of town. Friends and neighbors may not have the experience or time to properly look after your pet, particularly for longer trips. So next time you have to leave your pet behind for a while, leave pet care to the professionals, such as a pet sitter or boarding kennel.

A facility specializing in care and overnight boarding allows your pet to:

avoid the stress of a long car of airplane ride to your destination.
stay where he’s welcome (unlike many hotels).
receive more attention and supervision than he would if home alone most of the day.
be monitored by staff trained to spot health problems.
be secure in a kennel designed to foil canine and feline escape artists.

Potential drawbacks to using a boarding kennel include:

the stress related to staying in an unfamiliar environment.
the proximity to other pets, who may expose your pet to health problems.
the difficulty of finding a kennel that accepts pets other than dogs and cats.
the inconvenience of the drive over, which can be especially hard on a pet easily stressed by car travel.

How do I find a good kennel?

Ask a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, animal shelter, or dog trainer for a recommendation. You can also check the Yellow Pages under “Kennels & Pet Boarding.” Once you have names—even ones you got from reliable sources—it’s important to do a little background check.

First, find out whether your state requires boarding kennel inspections. If it does, make sure the kennel you are considering displays a license or certificate showing that the kennel meets mandated standards.

Also ask whether the prospective kennel belongs to the American Boarding Kennels Association (719-667-1600), a trade association founded by kennel operators to promote professional standards of pet care. Besides requiring members to subscribe to a code of ethics, ABKA offers voluntary facility accreditation that indicates the facility has been inspected and meets ABKA standards of professionalism, safety, and quality of care.

Check, too, with your Better Business Bureau to see whether any complaints have been lodged against a kennel you are considering.

After selecting a few kennels, confirm that they can accommodate your pet for specific dates and can address your pet’s special needs (if any). If you’re satisfied, schedule a visit.

What should I look for?

On your visit, ask to see all the places your pet may be taken. Pay particular attention to the following:

Does the facility look and smell clean?
Is there sufficient ventilation and light?
Is a comfortable temperature maintained?
Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring?
Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? (Such a requirement helps protect your animal and others.)
Does each dog have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise?
Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from wind, rain, and snow?
Are resting boards and bedding provided to allow dogs to rest off the concrete floor?
Are cats housed away from dogs?
Is there enough space for cats to move around comfortably?
Is there enough space between the litter box and food bowls?
How often are pets fed?
Can the owner bring a pet’s special food?
What veterinary services are available?
Are other services available such as grooming, training, bathing?
How are rates calculated?

How do I prepare my pet?

Be sure your pet knows basic commands and is well socialized around other people and pets; if your pet has an aggression problem or is otherwise unruly, she may not be a good candidate for boarding. Before taking your animal to the kennel, make sure she is current on vaccinations.

It’s also a good idea to accustom your pet to longer kennel stays by first boarding her during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. This allows you to work out any problems before boarding your pet for an extended period.

Before you head for the kennel, double-check that you have your pet’s medications and special food (if any), your veterinarian’s phone number, and contact information for you and a local backup.

When you arrive with your pet at the boarding facility, remind the staff about any medical or behavior problems your pet has, such as a history of epilepsy or fear of thunder. After the check-in process, hand your pet to a staff member, say good-bye, and leave. Avoid long, emotional partings, which may upset your pet. Finally, have a good trip, knowing that your pet is in good hands and will be happy to see you when you return.

Reprinted with permission by the The Humane Society of the United States
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_boarding_kennel.html

Choosing a Kennel vs. Pet Sitter Can Be a Tough Decision

Dog Service Network — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:15:26 +0000

It’s a tough decision for pet owners to decide on what type of pet service to use when they want to travel away from home. The decision of choosing a pet sitter vs. a kennel can be made a lot easier, by considering your pet’s health and personality. According to Tonia Evans, owner of The Kitty’s Corner, a Whitman, Mass.-based pet-sitting and cat-boarding business, “kennels are better suited for animals that tend to get lonely”.

According to Fetch! Pet Care, here are a few things you may want to take into consideration when:

Choosing a kennel:
1. Have you toured the facility? If so, does it meet your expectations?
2. Does the place smell okay?
3. Are the dog beds raised off the floor?
4. Is there good air circulation?
5. Is the turf of the play area made of asphalt? If so, it can hurt your dog’s paws.
6. Have you checked out the kennel’s references?
Choosing a pet sitter:
1. Are they fully bonded & insured?
2. Have you checked out the pet sitter’s references?
3. Do you feel comfortable with the person who would take care of your pet?
4. Would they be able to accommodate any special needs your pet may have such as diet and exercise?
5. Have they undergone a criminal background check?
6. Did they receive relevant training?

Assessing Dog Facilities

Dog Service Network — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:59:04 +0000

There are a lot of things a dog owner needs to understand before dropping their dog off to a doggie daycare, kennel, or any other type of facility. There have been incidents where the professional at the facility have been bitten or a dog went missing, because the professionals at the facility weren’t aware that a dog knew how to climb / jump fences.

To prevent these type of mishaps from happening when you one day need to bring your dog to a facility, there are a few things that need to be taken into account:

Tell the facility anything you feel is important for them to know such as: if they need to have their ears cleaned, know how to climb fences, etc.
Examine the facility - It should be clean!
Ask to meet with the entire staff and not just the person who handles the front desk, because these will be all of the professionals who will be helping to care for your dog
Ask for references
Depending on the state you reside, some facilities are guided by the Animal Control licensing. If this is applicable to your state, contact them to see if any claims were filed against the facility for misconduct or abuse.

Dog Service Network, LLC » Choosing a Dog Facility / Service

How to Avoid Problems when Boarding your Dog

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