Everyone loves a great trip. Vacations, getaways, and family holidays are a fun way to break up the monotony of everyday schedules, but they aren’t always as much fun for your pet. Not all pets travel well and they may not even be welcome where you are going.

Not only is travel itself sometimes difficult, but many pets aren’t happy in an unusual location, with strangers, or being left alone for long periods in a place away from home. When you take a dog on a trip with you they may have negative reactions, such as:

• Motion sickness during travel.
• Digestive issues.
• Refusal to eat. 
• Temperament problems.

Some dogs make great traveling partners. However, if your pet can’t or doesn’t want to go on a trip, you should consider placing them in your local boarding kennel while you are away.

Boarding kennels are a great option because they:

• Help to socialize your dog.
• Give your dog plenty of fun and exercise.
• Provide safety for your dog. 
• Ensure your dog is correctly fed and cared for. 
• Prevent loneliness and anxiety.
• Save money over Doggy Daycare.

How to Find the Best Boarding Kennel for Your Dog

You might feel a little of your own anxiety about leaving your fur baby at a boarding kennel for the first time. That is a perfectly normal feeling and easy to mitigate by making sure that you choose a great boarding kennel where your dog will be happy.

Here are a few tips for finding the best boarding kennel for your dog.

1.Ask for Recommendations 

Word of mouth and recommendations from family and friends is often the best and easiest way to find a new service provider of any kind. This is especially true in this case. You will feel better leaving your pet somewhere you know has done a good job with the pets of others in the past. 

2. Don’t Make Price the Main Factor

You will spend much more time worried about your pet if you choose a boarding kennel based solely on its having a cheap price. While it is okay to use price as a factor to measure one place against another, do your due diligence in checking a place out first. There may be a reason why it is so cheap (such as playtime being considered an extra amenity, billed separately). 

3. Visit the Boarding Kennel Before You Decide.

Things might look great on paper (or online), but the reality might be different. Check out any facility before you decide to leave your dog there. If you will be away for an extended trip, it can be a good idea for the dog to spend a night at the kennel as a trial before you leave them there for the duration of your trip.

4. Look For a Boarding Kennel with Live Feed.

Not all boarding kennels have live feeds, but it is a fantastic feature. Being able to look in on your dog at any time will give you a better sense of security. It also ensures that your pet is being cared for to the exact standards that you agreed to when you left them in the kennel’s care. 

Boarding kennels can be a great option for busy pet parents or during a trip. If you decide a kennel is a good option for your dog, make sure to visit your local veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy and properly vaccinated for their stay. Your vet may also have good recommendations for finding a boarding kennel near you.