If you have a dog with questionable behavior you may have a difficult time finding a place for him to stay. Normally dog’s can’t aggressive and overly protective (i.e. sharing). Like I mentioned, just like the child care center, if your child is aggressive and can’t share chances are you will be getting a call. Many times you will be required to state and sign a waiver that your dog isn’t aggressive. Chances are about 100% that an aggressive dog will be flushed out before you have time to stick the key in the ignition and put it in gear.

Speaking of waivers, most places will want you sign over a medical power of attorney in case something happens to your dog while you are away and potentially unreachable. Don’t let this worry you; it’s really a formality that protects the kennel as well as your pooch.

Many people think of their dog as their child, here’s just another way that the similarities are actually much closer than you realize. Normally, dog owners must provide written authorization if anyone else is to pick up your dog, tell them to bring identification because all good kennels will ask for some sort of identification that they are who they say they are. For day kennels you should expect to pick up your dog at a specific time you determine, it’s not fair to staff unless you call in advance to let them know you will be late.

For feeding purposes you will need to bring your own dog food, dogs that are fed off of their regular food may encounter diarrhea. If your dog is on medication make sure the staff clearly understands the dosage as well as any potential allergies.

Last, most kennels will require your dog to be spayed or neutered after a certain age. After all, they aren’t running a brothel or breeding kennel! Not to mention, you don’t want to come back from your vacation only to find that Mrs. Fido is expecting.

Preparation for your stay will be needed, take the time to tour the kennel, interview the staff and understand what is expected of you and your dog. It will make the experience much more complete.

If you use a home dog kennel most likely your dog will be spending a lot of time in it, so try and make it as comfortable as possible for them. Even if your dog isn’t a pet and more of a hunting dog as an example, they still deserve the best in creature comforts.

Make sure you keep the kennel clean from dog droppings, urination or other obstructions that can cause the dog to be less than comfortable. Also, consider a roof or tarp to keep the wind, rain or sun off of your dog.
If you build a permanent dog kennel and have a cement floor consider doing something that provides more comfort, such as a kennel deck. A kennel deck provides a certain level of comfort and keeps the surrounding much more sanitary. Many are made from a plastic resin and are made to easily drain and provide air circulation. Some even are absorbent, reduce odors and can resist bacteria, mold and mildew.

Make sure the dog has a place to lie down that isn’t directly on the floor, unless of course Fido chooses it! Dog bedding is essential for your pet, don’t pass on this thinking it’s only a dog, it really does make a difference in their overall happiness and mood.

Just remember to keep your dog happy, a kennel isn’t meant to be a babysitter so use it wisely!