November 16, 2007Kennel time approaches...Next week is Thanksgiving, and we will be off to visit family in Indiana. The only thing I dread about holiday travel is leaving my pets. My in-laws’ home is not pet-friendly, so the four-leggers have stay behind. While we have a neighbor who can take care of the cats for us, Dexter has to go to a kennel. We've had good experiences at About Pets Center in Salem. We call it our “doggy spa.” We have left Dexter there a couple of times and he always seems happy and content when we pick him up. The facility is clean and comfortable, the play yard is spacious, and they give us a report card that lets us know how he spent his days, who was his best buddy, etc. They are also aware of breed behavior and match him with other sight hounds when they can.
In choosing a kennel, the Humane Society recommends you consider the following: Does the facility look and smell clean? Is there sufficient ventilation and light? Is a comfortable temperature maintained? Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring? Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? (Such a requirement helps protect your animal and others.) Does each dog have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise? Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from wind, rain, and snow? Are resting boards and bedding provided to allow dogs to rest off the concrete floor? Are cats housed away from dogs? Is there enough space for cats to move around comfortably? Is there enough space between the litter box and food bowls? How often are pets fed? Can the owner bring a pet's special food? What veterinary services are available? Are other services available such as grooming, training, bathing? How are rates calculated? I would also add to ask friends and family for places they recommend. |
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Comments
[November 16, 2007 10:54 AM]
MichaelI LOVE Sittercity.com. Especially around the Holidays. It's so easy to find a great petsitter for my dogs and then they don't have to leave their home.