There is more to caring for an animal companion than simply providing enough food and water. When it is time for a vacation or a weekend getaway, four-legged family members still need daily love, exercise, and attention, and choosing the kind of dog boarding DC pet owners most often recommend can be an important decision. Superior facilities and top-notch care are important, but so is an abiding respect for the needs of all creatures.
Like humans, dogs have distinct reactions to abruptly leaving the comforts of home. Some truly enjoy the break in routine, while others find it terrifying and traumatic. The process of choosing a boarding facility should include the understanding that not every dog will react identically to separation, and that each will have differing requirements for care once they arrive.
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.
As a practical consideration, try to find a facility that does not require an unacceptably long vehicle ride. A dog unaccustomed to being inside cars may become anxious, upset, or even physically sick, making it even harder to leave him in the care of strangers. If the prospective kennel is close enough for convenient and hassle-free access, the next step is to arrange a tour.
Most facilities maintain their own standards, and not every state requires an official certification. A tour can disclose any issues with sanitation or crowding. While dogs can be messy, they must be provided with clean bedding and fresh water at all times. Content animals do not bark or howl constantly, and an endless amount of confusion and noise is an negative indicator.
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 is time to play, the animals should be with others roughly their own size, and should be observed. Surprisingly, not all facilities include this in their basic packages, and may charge additional fees. Some dogs are extremely energetic, requiring extra walks, and this activity must also be prearranged. For safety reasons, no dog should be seen wearing a collar when rough-housing.
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.
Like humans, dogs have distinct reactions to abruptly leaving the comforts of home. Some truly enjoy the break in routine, while others find it terrifying and traumatic. The process of choosing a boarding facility should include the understanding that not every dog will react identically to separation, and that each will have differing requirements for care once they arrive.
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.
As a practical consideration, try to find a facility that does not require an unacceptably long vehicle ride. A dog unaccustomed to being inside cars may become anxious, upset, or even physically sick, making it even harder to leave him in the care of strangers. If the prospective kennel is close enough for convenient and hassle-free access, the next step is to arrange a tour.
Most facilities maintain their own standards, and not every state requires an official certification. A tour can disclose any issues with sanitation or crowding. While dogs can be messy, they must be provided with clean bedding and fresh water at all times. Content animals do not bark or howl constantly, and an endless amount of confusion and noise is an negative indicator.
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 is time to play, the animals should be with others roughly their own size, and should be observed. Surprisingly, not all facilities include this in their basic packages, and may charge additional fees. Some dogs are extremely energetic, requiring extra walks, and this activity must also be prearranged. For safety reasons, no dog should be seen wearing a collar when rough-housing.
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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