expericences with dog hotels?

[poetboy]

...we´ll go to holidays in a few weeks and thought about bringing our two dogs to a so-called "dog-hotel"?
According to their ads the dogs have a great time there. Till now we always took our dogs with us, being our "four-legged family members". Thus we still are a bit reluctant concerning a dog-hotel.
Are there any expericences?

I hope it´s the right thread for this pet-related question...

 

[Cattypuss]

...we´ll go to holidays in a few weeks and thought about bringing our two dogs to a so-called "dog-hotel"?
According to their ads the dogs have a great time there. Till now we always took our dogs with us, being our "four-legged family members". Thus we still are a bit reluctant concerning a dog-hotel.
Are there any expericences?

I hope it´s the right thread for this pet-related question...

I use a boarding kennels for my dog when I have to go away. I didn't start until she was nearly 4 years old (I've had her since she was a puppy) and I was very nervous about it, as she is a small, shy and timid dog who gets stressed around strangers and other dogs.

I spent a long time asking other local dog-owners for recommendations for places, and then I went (with my dog) to meet the owners of places and look around their places (in my book any owner who wasn't VERY happy for me to do this was a bad sign in any case).

I found a great place. No luxuries, nothing fancy, but family-run by people who LOVE dogs and LOVE my dog. They even took her to the vets when I was away once because she didn't seem quite herself. She actually loves going there, which is a wonderful thing for me to know when I have to leave her there.

So - word of mouth is a good starting point, and make sure you check out the place before you book your dog in there. Some basic facts that you should look out for - a good place will insist you provide the food (or tell them what to feed) so that your dog's diet continues as normal. A good place will ask you to bring your own bedding and toys (so the dog feels more at home). A good place will insist on seeing vaccination records. A good place will walk your dog, on-lead, twice or three times a day.

 

[cromsgirl]

I don't know about there, but in the US we have boarding places that have internet video feeds so you can check on your pet while you are away. It is kind of expensive compared to regular boarding.

 

[unregistered]

 

[pplwatching]

I have boarded my dogs at kennels in the past and will do so again. I have a couple of bits of advice :

1. Don't leave the decision to the last minute. Kennels are full on weekends that you wouldn't expect them to be. Make a reservation.

2. Ask if your dogs needs any shots (E.g. bordetella) before you can drop them off. You won't want to be getting them when you're busy packing on the day before you travel.

3. Do your research. Ask them how often they will feed and exercise your dog, and for how long. Ask them if they belong to any professional organizations, or give to animal groups. Ask them which vet they use if a problem arises. Check out that vet.

4. Ask about extra charges, fees, taxes -- anything that might surprise you when you go to pay the bill. Does the kennel charge extra to give animals medication?

5. Go to a dog park or the animal humane association (or equivalent) and ask about local kennels.

Good luck. Kennels are a great way to ensure a stress free vacation. Once you have found a kennel you like, schmooze them and patronize them. If you need to drop off your dogs on the spur of the moment sometime, they'll bend over backwards to accomodate you if you are a regular.