Boarding Kennels

convert

I've luckily been in the position where I've never had to put a dog into boarding kennels while I've been away, but unfortunately I now find myself in such a predicament. Because I have never had the experience of boarding kennels before I was hoping you could provide me with some advice on what to look for in a good dog boarding kennels. I literally don't know where to start or what to look for as there's never been the case where we've all been away at once :eek:

Should the owners/managers have any qualifications? If so, what kind and from where?
What facilities should the dogs have? Individual kennels? With a run attached to each one? Or a communal run?
Should the dogs be brought for a walk on the lead each day?
What other facilities should there be?
Do the dogs need to have their vaccs up to date? And should the owners/managers ask if this is the case?
Should I ask what they do if the dog gets sick? And which vets they go to?
Should they enquire as to what feed I'm currently giving the dog? Or will they normally provide their own?
What's the average price per day/per week? Does it vary according to the size of the dog?
Should they have insurance? What type?

Are there any things that you'd specifically look out for for your dog?

I know there's lots of questions, but I'm really anxious about leaving the dog on her own with strangers for the first time and want to make sure that she's left with someone who'll look after her like we would.

Thanks!

morganafay

Should the owners/managers have any qualifications? If so, what kind and from where? - No I don't think they need any, but they should have a boarding kennel dog license.
What facilities should the dogs have? Individual kennels? With a run attached to each one? Or a communal run? - Individual kennels and I think most kennels won't let dogs run together unless they know the dog well and that it is friendly. So I think individual run, for at least some time each day probably.
Should the dogs be brought for a walk on the lead each day? - Yes, maybe two walks, maybe even more. Some places will walk the dog off lead in an enclosed field or something.
What other facilities should there be? - Not sure
Do the dogs need to have their vaccs up to date? And should the owners/managers ask if this is the case? - Yeah they'll ask, the dog will need the 7 in 1 I'd say, and also the Kennel cough vaccine (Bordatella?)
Should I ask what they do if the dog gets sick? And which vets they go to? - If you want I guess. I'm sure they would take it to the vet.
Should they enquire as to what feed I'm currently giving the dog? Or will they normally provide their own? - They will provide the food, but if you want you can bring you own.
What's the average price per day/per week? Does it vary according to the size of the dog? - I'm not really sure, it varies a good bit between Kennels.
Should they have insurance? What type? - I think they probably do, but not sure sorry.

Oh and some places won't take unneutered dogs.

ISDW

convert wrote: »

I've luckily been in the position where I've never had to put a dog into boarding kennels while I've been away, but unfortunately I now find myself in such a predicament. Because I have never had the experience of boarding kennels before I was hoping you could provide me with some advice on what to look for in a good dog boarding kennels. I literally don't know where to start or what to look for as there's never been the case where we've all been away at once :eek:

Should the owners/managers have any qualifications? If so, what kind and from where? There aren't really any qualifications in this country as far as I know, but there are distance learning courses
What facilities should the dogs have? Individual kennels? With a run attached to each one? Or a communal run? I would say individual, some kennels have attached runs, others don't.
Should the dogs be brought for a walk on the lead each day? Definitely, or if the kennels have a secure area where the dogs can run free, thats good
What other facilities should there be? Heating in the kennels.
Do the dogs need to have their vaccs up to date? And should the owners/managers ask if this is the case? Definitely, if they don't insist on seeing the vacc card, I wouldn't leave the dog there.
Should I ask what they do if the dog gets sick? And which vets they go to? Good question to ask, good kennels will get your vets details off you.
Should they enquire as to what feed I'm currently giving the dog? Or will they normally provide their own? Definitely, some will feed what you have been feeding to help your dog settle more, and avoid upset tummies.
What's the average price per day/per week? Does it vary according to the size of the dog? I think it depends on where you live.
Should they have insurance? What type? Again, insurance is optional, and probably hard to get in this day and age.


Are there any things that you'd specifically look out for for your dog?

I wouldn't leave my dog in any kennel that didn't let me visit first and have a good look around. You can have the most pristine, modern kennels where the dogs don't get much attention and, or some ramshackle (but clean) kennels, where the owners spend loads of time with the guests. So don't always go for the flashiest building. See how they talk to the guests when they show you around, and how the dogs react to them. There will always be barking when people walk into a kennel block, but this should settle pretty quickly if the dogs are happy.

There are no licenses for boarding kennels in Ireland - yet.

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convert

Yeah, I was just thinking of turning up on-spec and seeing how things are when I get there.

Sorry for all the questions - and the detail - it's just some of the things that I'd look for in a livery yard, so I was just wondering if the things I'd be looking for were reasonable.

Thanks for the replies!

morganafay

I thoughy Dog Kennels had to have a general dog license for keeping so many dogs there. Like a normal dog license but they pay over €200 or something? Not that that really shows if they care for the dogs.

But yeah, definitely have a look around. See the dogs, talk the people running the kennels. And maybe ask people who live nearby, if they've had good or bad experiences with certain kennels, like was the dog happy afterwards, or scared, etc.

Hellrazer

Convert,

Ive always used kennels that have been recommended by "word of mouth"

Ive also used kennels that allow you to drop by unannounced to check things out.If they dont allow this---stay away from them.You dont ask them can you show up unannounced--Use the excuse that you were "in the area" and just wanted to check on your dogs.

At the minute I use a kennel in Newcastle,Co Dublin called Hollygrove Kennels and Stud.

Best kennels Ive ever used and I`d highly recommend them.

Theres another kennel I used in Ashbourne called Brentwood who are excellent aswell.Only reason I dont use them anymore was because I moved house and Newcastle is closer.

ISDW

morganafay wrote: »

I thoughy Dog Kennels had to have a general dog license for keeping so many dogs there. Like a normal dog license but they pay over €200 or something? Not that that really shows if they care for the dogs.

But yeah, definitely have a look around. See the dogs, talk the people running the kennels. And maybe ask people who live nearby, if they've had good or bad experiences with certain kennels, like was the dog happy afterwards, or scared, etc.

You'd said earlier that they needed a boarding kennel licence, which don't exist in Ireland. There is actually some debate as to whether kennels need a general licence or not, as they don't own the dogs that are staying there. Its a bit of a grey area, but the IBKCA recommend that kennels do have a general licence.

Hellrazer, whilst it sounds like the right thing, that you drop by unannounced and if the kennels won't let you look around, walk away, I think you need to consider how kennels are run sometimes. Routine is very important and I know that I have a quiet period in the late morning when the dogs have been fed and exercised, and they have a rest in their kennels to let their food settle (bloat being a huge fear of mine). I wouldn't let anybody in to look around the kennels at that time. The dog's health being more important to me than a person's feelings:D

mymo

The Kennels I use is owned by a lady who has several framed certs on the walls, She trained in dog grooming(although doesn't do much now as she doesn't have time with the kennels) and is qualified to teach grooming, and also some kind of animal care courses in U.K.
The place is clean, but doesn't look very posh, has heating, windows and a radio playing. The dogs have individual sleeping areas and 4 large(tennis court size)runs, that they are in and out of all day. They are also allowed to mix according to size(so long as they're friendly and supervised).
She is usually covered in mud and dog hair, and loves all the dogs dearly, and they all wag their tails when she's around. She also walks them all and even has paddling pools in summer, and videos them all so you can see them playing around. Visitors are allowed without notice, but between certain times, as she rests the dogs at certain times.
I know how you worry about leaving them, but I think you'll know when you find a good place. I know I saw 4 others before this one and wouldn't leave a dog in any of them.
Where abouts are you?

Casey_81

mymo wrote: »

The Kennels I use is owned by a lady who has several framed certs on the walls, She trained in dog grooming(although doesn't do much now as she doesn't have time with the kennels) and is qualified to teach grooming, and also some kind of animal care courses in U.K.
The place is clean, but doesn't look very posh, has heating, windows and a radio playing. The dogs have individual sleeping areas and 4 large(tennis court size)runs, that they are in and out of all day. They are also allowed to mix according to size(so long as they're friendly and supervised).
She is usually covered in mud and dog hair, and loves all the dogs dearly, and they all wag their tails when she's around. She also walks them all and even has paddling pools in summer, and videos them all so you can see them playing around. Visitors are allowed without notice, but between certain times, as she rests the dogs at certain times.
I know how you worry about leaving them, but I think you'll know when you find a good place. I know I saw 4 others before this one and wouldn't leave a dog in any of them.
Where abouts are you?

Where is that kennels? Sounds like doggie heaven

mymo

Casey_81 wrote: »

Where is that kennels? Sounds like doggie heaven

County Kilkenny, out a few miles from Kilkenny city. It is lovely there and my dogs seem to like it.
It is also a bit more expensive than some of the others I visited, but well worth it.

convert

ISDW wrote: »

Hellrazer, whilst it sounds like the right thing, that you drop by unannounced and if the kennels won't let you look around, walk away, I think you need to consider how kennels are run sometimes. Routine is very important and I know that I have a quiet period in the late morning when the dogs have been fed and exercised, and they have a rest in their kennels to let their food settle (bloat being a huge fear of mine). I wouldn't let anybody in to look around the kennels at that time. The dog's health being more important to me than a person's feelings:D

If a horse livery yard wouldn't let me call in unannounced I wouldn't leave my horse there, so I'd apply the same to boarding kennels for my dog. I agree that dogs (and horses) need their routine and obvioulsy need 'quiet' time, and have no problems with stables/kennels saying that visitors are only welcome between certain times, but if I turned up unannounced and was told to call back later or if they wouldn't let me look around some areas that would ring alarm bells for me.

convert

Thanks for all your tips/advice!

Whispered

convert wrote: »

Should the owners/managers have any qualifications? If so, what kind and from where? I don't think officially for the kennels themselves, but an involvement in animals in some way beyond the kennel is something I would look for.
What facilities should the dogs have? Individual kennels? With a run attached to each one? Or a communal run? Individual runs with maybe one or two larger ones to take a few dogs from the same home. The kennel I use has block walls between the runs too so the dogs can't annoy each other through the fences. This may be the case in all of them, but if not, I'd think again about leaving him.
Should the dogs be brought for a walk on the lead each day? At least once a day, I would expect twice tbh. Harley gets 2 long walks which are structured and with other suitable dogs. He also gets play time with the kennel owner and again suitable other dogs in the paddock. It's very important to note that I was asked before he was allowed near other dogs and then only when the owner was happy that he knew him. Your dog should not be mixed with others without you being asked.
What other facilities should there be? In our local one there are heated beds. There is a dog grooming area too (handy for after mucky games in the paddock!!). While not a facility I would look for, resident dogs can be great for guests. Harley gets so so excited at going up to the kennels because he gets to play with a little friend of his who lives in the house attached to the kennel.
Do the dogs need to have their vaccs up to date? And should the owners/managers ask if this is the case? They need to insist on seeing the certs. All the normal vax and kennel cough.
Should I ask what they do if the dog gets sick? And which vets they go to? Yes do ask.
Should they enquire as to what feed I'm currently giving the dog? Or will they normally provide their own? They should be happy to do both. Harley gets dry feed for brekkie, and mince pasta and veg in gravy for tea spoiled rotten. No wonder he loves going!
What's the average price per day/per week? Does it vary according to the size of the dog? It shouldn't vary depending on the size of dog IMO. It will vary on location. I pay €15 a night, for what I think is absolutely top notch care.
Should they have insurance? What type? That is not something I have ever asked actually. I will ask next time.

Are there any things that you'd specifically look out for for your dog?

I know there's lots of questions, but I'm really anxious about leaving the dog on her own with strangers for the first time and want to make sure that she's left with someone who'll look after her like we would.

Thanks!

You're right to ask all the questions! It's so hard to leave them, but really, finding a kennel you're happy with makes being a dog owner much easier. Build up a relationship with your kennels as you would with a vet. There is a bout of kennel cough in the area at the moment and we knew to look out for it bcause we got a txt from the kennel owner advising us to keep an eye on Harley, as well as tips of what to do if he shows sympthoms. Because we us him regularly we often ring him last min and he will always do his best to facilitate us.

I would go on a recommendation for your first visit. Ask about your local kennels here. Where are you?

I agree about arriving on spec. Before I left Harley for the first time I asked what time of day suits for visits. I was told "Any time you like, if I'm not in the office, I'm out walking some dogs if you wouldn't mind hanging on a little while". Sure enough, I got there, some of the kennels were empty and Keith arrived about 20 mins later with a few dogs. He made sure they were happily settled in their runs before leaving them to show me around. It was obvious how much he knows about dogs and how much he likes them. Harley took to him immediately.

I suppose I was 100% sure that I was happy with leaving him there for the first time and now, we feel like it's a holiday for him too. He goes up at least twice a month, is always delighted, is always greeted by either Keith or Stella who both bring out the worst in him He gets so excited when he sees them he's hard to handle. His play has come on in leaps and bounds. When I told Keith I was worried about him playing rough, he started socialising him with a bitch he owns who takes no messing. Harley now plays more gently.

I simply couldn't be happier with the kennels.

Jemmy

Rather than kennels ever consider doggiesitters if your that worried?
lol sounds weird and it did to me for awhile until my mum got into it. My sister is a groomer and asked mum if she'd be interested in babysitting dogs.

So basically there is a fee per night, not sure how much, but the dog stays in our house once its trained :-/, fed and walked, I was even running around playing outside in the sun over the wknd with the dog she has atm. Only ever had 2 at a time once before. They usually give mum enough food to cover the time spent with her also.

Worth looking into, most groomers will have contacts. More personal than a kennels, nothing against kennels of course.

Noopti

Finding good kennels is so important. We had to book our two in for our upcoming wedding/honeymoon at we are already worrying about putting them in kennels!

We have them booked into happy hounds in meath (http://www.happyhounds.ie/services_fees.html), as we heard good things about them.

scruffymutt

SNIP

westies4ever

maybe a little off thread but i have tried a couple of kennels and just havent been happy. the last time i went way for a night i hired a dogsitter - she came around 4 times in 24 hours, each visit lasted an hour and one included a walk. she followed their routine to the letter and she texted me at the end of each visit and was happy to turn on/off lights, pull down/up blinds, set the alarm etc.

the dogs were able to sleep in their own bed etc. when coming home from kennels they were always exhausted and stressed - you could tell they didnt enjoy it and i felt so guilty about it I hated going anywhere. now they are their normal selves and its easier on them and us. a bit more expensive then kennels but worth every penny as far as i feel.