For starters, you’ll want to consider the time of year you’re taking the trip, as most kennels are packed during the summer and holiday seasons. If you are taking your vacation then, you’ll want to consider the size of the kennel and how many dogs they take in at a time. You’ll definitely want to be sure you can get your canine comrade in a shelter that isn’t over run by hundreds of dogs. Be certain that your pet will be looked after with the utmost care while you’re away.

Ask about the regiment your dog will be a part of. Know how their feeding schedule runs, how often your friend will be able to get out and run around, and how well staffed they are at all times, especially at night. You’ll want to be sure that if there’s an accident, that there will be a veterinarian on call, ready to help divert a crisis.

Be certain you’re not paying for a flashy setting, (simply because your pooch could care less what color wall paper is hung, so long as they’ve a nice bed and a few familiar toys beside them.) Check to be sure you’re not paying for extras your friend won’t need. Often time’s kennels will charge an additional fee depending on a setting and location.

If you’re uncertain, then take a tour! (You most likely won’t be able to schedule one; you’ll have to make due with noted observations.) Check to make sure of a few key things, such as the outdoor area for the canines to exercise in, you’ll want to be certain it’s not a fenced off part of their parking lot, but something softer, often grass or some type of field. Make sure it’s well kept and that there aren’t droppings everywhere.

Inside the kennel, make sure it doesn’t reek, if it does, then it puts the sanitary state of the establishment into question. Make sure the floors in the building are not something cold, like cement again. When you speak to the staff, use your judgment to ensure you know they know what they’re talking about, and that they truly care about your furry friend.

Your dog’s well being should be their number one priority, and it’s your job to make sure that’s the case. When you go to drop your pet off, be sure you know that’s the boarding kennel that’s perfect for them.