Maybe you are going away for the weekend and don’t have any friends and family nearby to take care of your dog for you.
In this case, you’ll want to know how to find a good dog boarding kennel for your German Shepherd (or other family dogs).
We’ve put together a list of things to look out for, red flags, and other tips so that your dog has a safe and happy stay while you’re gone.
Let’s look at the list now …
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
Finding A Good Dog Boarding Kennel For Your German Shepherd: 15 Top Tips
You may choose to take into consideration one or several of the general tips listed below:
1) How much space is available?
We are talking space for exercise and play.
Is there a large area of soft surface like grass for your dog to run around on?
2) What size are the runs (where your dog sleeps), and are they for single or or multiple pets?
The runs are where your dog will sleep.
These runs can vary in size and some are smaller for individual dogs, whilst others are larger for multiple dogs (if you have multiple dogs they are usually allowed to sleep together).
Also ask about the sort of beds the dogs have in their sleeping space – are they clean and flea free + comfortable?
3) What is the minimum daily socialisation and exercise for your dog?
How much socialisation and exercise does your dog usually get? You’ll want to make sure the boarding kennel gives your dog at least this much time for those activities.
A good kennel might give your dog somewhere in the range of 3 to 5 hours.
4) Do they board special needs and aged dogs?
Ask if the boarding kennel caters for special needs and aged dogs if your dog is one of these.
What special provisions do they make for these types of dogs?
5) Is the establishment a large or small establishment – how many pets do they hold at any one time?
Large establishments tend to focus on volume of pets and might have a small carer to pet ratio.
Smaller establishments tend to have more time for care and attention for your dogs.
But this is not always the case. Do a bit of research on the website and social pages of the boarding kennel and find out their size and the type of boarding experience they provide.
Are they just in it for the money? Or, do they take pride in caring for the pets that stay?
6) How many carers are there, and how often are they present on the premises?
Ask how many carers there are and how many pets the kennel houses. Figure out the ratio of carers to pets.
Also ask how often there are carers there – there should be at least one carer there at all times.
7) How experienced are the carers?
Does the kennel make sure the carers have experience, or they are rostered to be with someone there who does?
This is important but sometimes overlooked.
8) How long has the kennel been in operation – do you have testimonials or reviews from past customers?
Testimonials and reviews are a great way of feeling out the vibe of the boarding kennels.
Go to the website of social media pages to see what other customers have said about the service provided.
9) Are puppies and older dogs separated?
Puppies and older dogs might be separated for safety reasons.
Check if the kennel does this.
10) What screening procedures do they have for identifying unsuitable, aggressive or dangerous dogs? How are playmates and exercise mates selected for your dog?
Check with the boarding kennel as to:
How they screen for aggressive, dangerous or unsuitable dogs coming into the kennel
How they determine what dogs are allowed to socialise and exercise with each other
You certainly don’t want your dog in the kennel with an aggressive or dangerous dog.
Check for safety processes and procedures.
11) Ask what is included in the boarding fee, and what additional services are offered for an extra fee
Boarding fees are usually charged per night/day, and may differ for different types or sizes of dogs.
For example, grooming is an extra cost.
12) What is the boarding fee per night?
You might pay $20 to $30 for a small dog, and up to $40 a night for a large dog at a regular boarding kennel.
There can be peak and off peak rates too.
13) Ask what the health check requirements are dogs that are accepted into the kennel
Usually a kennel will require a dog to be vaccinated and have current flea prevention treatment.
Ask what the health check requirements are of all dogs.
14) Can the boarding kennel do pick up and delivery, or do you have to drop off and pick up pets yourself?
More of a convenience factor. If you can’t drop off or pick up your dog, can the boarding kennel do this for you?
15) Will food be supplied, or can you bring your own dog food for your dog?
Usually most people want to take their own food for their dog – but check this for yourself.
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TheDailyShep.com are not veterinarians, or animal professionals/experts. Information provided is for informational purposes only – it is not a substitute for professional or qualified advice.
The information is based on either our own thorough research, and/or own experiences, as a means of free speech.
By consuming this information, you accept that TheDailyShep.com do not have client or patient relationship with you, and TheDailyShep.com are not advising you to act on anything you read.
You should always consult your own veterinarian, animal expert, or health care professional and follow their advice before making decisions on all matters.
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