Choosing a Boarding Facility:
The Questions to Ask
Welcoming a furry friend into your life brings immense joy, but it also comes with responsibilities, including ensuring their well-being when you’re away. Whether you’re planning a vacation or dealing with a work trip, finding the right boarding facility for your pet is crucial.
Often times, Pet Parents can choose between large facilities or home-based boarding and kenneling options for pets.
Here, we’ll discuss essential factors to consider and questions to ask when selecting a boarding place for your beloved companion.
1. Location and Accessibility
- Is the boarding facility conveniently located?
- Is it near your home or on the way to the airport?
- What are the transportation options available for dropping off and picking up your pet?
- Is the facility in a safe and secure area to keep pets safe?
- How far in advance should I book a reservation?
- What are your drop-off and pick-up hours?
2. Facility Amenities and Environment:
- Can I tour the facility before making a reservation?
- Can my pet spend the day/night there for a trial run?
- How often are the living areas cleaned and sanitized?
- What type of accommodations does the facility offer? (e.g., kennels, private suites, group play)
- Is it someone’s Home? How are pets separated?
- Is there outdoor space for pets to exercise and play?
- What is the feeding, training, outdoor time and/or playtime schedule? How often/long will my dog be out of their kennel?
- Is there any additional security measure to keep pets from escaping?
- How is the facility equipped to handle emergencies or medical situations?
- Do they offer additional services such as grooming or training?
3. Qualifications and Care
As of my last update in January 2022, licensing requirements for boarding kennels in Florida may vary depending on the specific county or municipality where the kennel is located. Generally, however, kennel licensing falls under the purview of local authorities such as county or city governments.
Ensure that the boarding kennel complies with all local regulations regarding zoning, building codes, health and safety standards,HOA and animal care requirements. These regulations may cover aspects such as kennel size, sanitation, ventilation, and animal housing conditions.
- Is the facility/property licensed, bonded, and insured?
- If its a Home,
- Do they own or rent the home?
- Does HOA allow the number of pets they are boarding or a business to be operated in the Community?
- Does the city/county they are in have a max number of pets on the property requirement?
- What qualifications and training do the staff members have?
- Will my Pet have the same staff member?
- What is the staff-to-pet ratio during busy times?
- How do they ensure the safety and comfort of the pets under their care?
- Do all pets undergo temperament testing (aka ‘behavior evaluation’)?
4. Pet Health and Safety Measures
- What vaccinations are required for boarding pets?
- How do they prevent the spread of diseases and parasites?
- Are pets monitored regularly for signs of illness or distress?
- Is there video or audio surveillance?
- What happens if my pet is injured?
- Is your staff able to administrate medicine and vitamins?
- How is this managed/reported?
- Is there a veterinarian on-call or readily available in case of emergencies?
5. Reviews and Recommendations
- Review the Contracts, Policy and Insurance.
- Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
- What do online reviews say about the facility’s services and reputation?
- Are there any complaints or concerns raised by past customers?
Conclusion
Choosing the right boarding facility for your pet is essential for their happiness and well-being while you’re away. By considering factors such as location, amenities, staff qualifications, health measures, and reviews, you can make an informed decision and ensure a positive experience for both you and your furry friend.
Remember, your pet deserves the best care even when you’re not around, so take the time to research and choose a boarding facility that meets their needs and gives you peace of mind.
About the Author:
Savanna Westwood
Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.
