Looking for summertime dog boarding options? Here are five tips to consider

With the summer rapidly approaching, many people are making travel plans that often include boarding their dog(s). Does this sound like you? If so, do you want to make sure you choose the right home-away-from-home for your dog but don’t know how? Cost aside, check out these five tips to make sure you select the best facility for your beloved pet.

Ask for a tour. Notice how clean the facility is, what it smells like, and how loud the barking is. Look to see if they have outdoor space and if so, whether they use artificial turf. Many dogs don’t like the feel of it, plus it gets very hot during the summer. Look at the boarding rooms. Disregard any business that won’t show you their entire facility especially where your dog will be staying.

Ask how many times your dog will be outside each day and for how long. Oftentimes larger facilities have to limit the amount of time your dog will have outside of his kennel because of space and the large number of dogs they have in their care. Ideally, your dog should spend most of his time outside of his room during the day, only going in to rest and sleep at night.

Ask what your dog will be doing when out of his room. Will he be playing with other dogs? If so, ask about their evaluation process for selecting the right play group for your dog. Ask how many dogs are in any given play group (more is not better) and about the staff to dog ratio. If your dog isn’t friendly with other dogs, ask exactly what he will be doing when out of his room. Exercise is very important, and many large boarding facilities only give dogs minimal time outside to sniff and go potty before putting them back in their room, especially those who aren’t good with other dogs.

Ask about their vaccine requirements. Stay away from any facility that doesn’t require vaccines or titer tests for certain vaccines (like DHPP). Facilities should also require a fecal exam every six months. Without this protection in place, your dog could easily come home sick.

Ask about add-ons. Most facilities charge for myriad extras, such as extra or one-on-one play time, a bed time treat, belly rubs, a bath, and much more. You could wind up spending more than you planned, without knowing if your dog ever received the extras you purchased.

Do your dog a favor — do your research and find a facility where your dog will thrive while you’re away. Your dog will have a great time and you’ll have peace of mind, a win for both of you.

Sherri Cappabianca, an expert in the field of canine health and fitness, is the author of two books on canine health, and co-owner of Rocky’s Retreat, an intimate and personal boarding, daycare, hydrotherapy and fitness center, and Barking Dog Fitness, a Gym for Dogs, both located in Orlando. For more information, visit rockysretreat.com or barkingdogfitness.com.