How Does a Kennel Work?
The Kennel Business
A kennel is a business that boards pets and livestock while owners are out of town or between housing situations. Dog and cat kennels are the most common, but there are also those that specialize in horses and exotic pets.
Finding the Right Kennel
Finding the right kennel for a pet and owner is the first step. A pet owner should tour several boarding facilities to find the one they feel comfortable working with. After narrowing it down to one kennel, stop in unannounced to check for cleanliness.
A Clean Dog Kennel is a Good Dog Kennel
Cleanliness should be the top priority for any kennel or boarding facility. Every pet's boarding area should be thoroughly cleaned and reset for the morning feedings. Bleach should be used in between animals housed in the same areas. Every kennel should have a current inspection certificate from the USDA available.
Kennels Giving Pet Medications
A professional pet boarding facility will have a way of tracking daily medications for pets in need. Pet owners need to be aware that not all kennels are authorized to give medications, so appropriate arrangements should be made. For an extra precaution, leave the exact amount of medication the pet needs in the original packaging.
Kennel Routine
The daily routine for a pet staying at a kennel varies widely depending on the boarding facility. Not only will the amount of care a pet receives dependent on the price the kennel charges, but also the employees willingness to provide great care. Meet with the employees that care for the animals, do not be offended if they get along better with pets than people.
Minimum Requirements for a Kennel
A kennel should offer minimum daily care of feeding, housing clean up, play time if necessary, and exercise. Some kennels charge extra for longer play time and exercise or larger pet housing facilities. Most of this is to put the owners at ease, a pet knows it is not at home and usually just wants to have basic care provided. Many kennels offer grooming services for an extra fee.
Pet Vaccination Requirements
Pet owner's should be required to have vaccination records for any pets they plan to board at a kennel. This is to prevent the spread of illness, often airborne in places with many animals. A light bleach scent is a positive sign in a kennel, it kills most of the germs that spread disease and viruses.
Picking Up a Pet From a Kennel
A pet should come home from a kennel in the same condition or better than when they were left. Healthy, energetic and playful, and clean. If you did not leave a dirty pet there is no excuse for having to pick one up. While no one can replace a the owner a good kennel will care for a boarding pet as if it were their own.
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