The Kennel Option for Doggie
“We’d love to take our dog to the mountains with us this summer, but with the kids, there is no room in the car, then there is the hotel problem, and so on. It’s just not that easy.” This is conversation that is heard over and over every summer as the family starts to plan for the annual vacation trip.
The thoughts here are very true, because taking the family dog on a trip requires a lot of planning, as well as some concessions. Certainly there are a lot more hotels out there that are pet friendly than there use to be, but not all are so that requires planning. You may want to take the kids to a theme park and they are not the place that your dog would be welcome, or safe. And although Spot may not have a suitcase full of clothes, you will have to consider adequate food, toys, possibly a crate, and other items that are essential for your dog to be healthy and safe.
So that brings up the option of keeping the dog in a kennel while you are away. Kennels have come a log ways, and there are types to suit every need and human fancy. You should always visit and check out the kennel first prior to dropping your dog off. The minimum that you will likely find is a clean pen with a run for minimal exercise and toilet needs, 24/7 monitoring by someone on premises, guaranteed medical attention if needed, regular feeding and watering, weather protection, and disinfected pens. They will also contact your vet if needed and require that pets are current on all vaccinations, including Bordetella vaccination for kennel cough for dogs.
But beyond the basics, there are kennels that provide every comfort that is common to a 4 star hotel. There are kennels with carpet, TV, Stereo, showers, you name it, and you can find it. Are these expensive amenities necessary? A lot depends on your tastes how you view your dog and his needs. The luxury items found in expensive kennels are aimed at you the owner, not at your dog.
We have found a very good kennel that is in the “basics” category. It is clean, climate controlled, well staffed around the clock, and has great runs for exercise. They insist on medical records, and do not accept any dog that is currently contagious. We always provide the food, which is the same as she eats at home every day. We also provide a cuple of her favorite toys to make her feel a touch of home while she is there. The owner is a warm grandfather type with white hair and a white beard. During the holiday season he becomes Santa Claus at a local shopping center.
It isn’t the closest kennel to us, but another important factor is that Jasmine our dog likes it. We have used the same kennel for the last two years, and now, whenever we do drop Jasmine off, she goes in tail wagging, and rolls over for a pet from the owner. That to me is a very deciding factor.
If you use a kennel, make sure that it is one where your dog is properly fed, watered, and maintained. If the reason for using the kennel is a vacation or other family or friend oriented affair, the last thing you want to do is worry and wonder how your dog is doing. Finding a good kennel should be something that both you and your dog should agree on. Then relax, enjoy and both you and your dog can go Waggin’ Delightfully.
