Checklist for Boarding Your Dogs

I know everyone probably thinks they won't forget any of these but I do suggest you keep this for a check list.

Feel free to print this Checklist so you'll have it handy.

 

If you haven't had your dog to this kennel before, be sure to get references from them. You can also request to do a visit before you leave your baby. It is best not to do this during early morning or late afternoon, this is when the owner or workers are not at their busiest. And you won't feel rushed, and have all your questions answered. Also, doing a trial run is a very good suggestion, setting up an appointment and leaving the dog over night in advance before your vacation. That way the dog does realize you are returning for them and they feel less abandoned. We recommended this to each new client that came to us.

 

Call several weeks/months (as soon as you know the date of your vacation) in advance if you are going to the kennel your pet. Depending on the time of year, kennels do fill up rather fast.

 

[ ] 1. Zip locked baggies of dry food for each feeding, pre-measured (write your last name and dogs name on the bag so there is no confusion later).

 

[ ] 2. Canned food marked on the side with black marker with your last name and dog's name, explain exactly how it is to be partitioned.

 

[ ] 3. Medication should be clearly marked placed in a zip locked bag, this makes it very easy for the employees to know what meds should be given at what time.

 

[ ] 4. Bedding  freshly washed enough to keep them warm.

Most kennels supply bedding provided your dogs aren't chewers. I prefer to take mine own so they know its theirs, this way they have familiar scents.

 

[ ] 5. A few toys. To keep them occupied. Treats are a good idea too (zip lock baggie)

 

[ ] 6. Ask what run they will placed in.

I feel totally comfortable taking them to the kennel as I know exactly what is done, and their whole routine. I even know exactly what indoor/outdoor run they will be staying in.

 

[ ] 7. Know exactly how much exercise time will be given. Most kennels will do this 2 times a day in an exercise yard. 

IF you wish for extra time, there is usually a small extra fee charged. I always have them do an extra walk time, that way they get a little obedience work out while I'm gone. This charge is usually no more than $1.00 for each time. To me its worth the price just for the extra exercise.

 

[ ] 8. Take all shot records with you so they can mark their cards with booster information. Make sure all shots are current and they have had their Bordetella as well. No one wants to come home and find their baby has kennel couch. Take with you your vets name, address, phone number, they may or may not have this information, but its best to be prepared. Contact your vet, let them know you're going on vacation, that way if anything would happen they are already aware.

 

[ ] 9. Make sure you have an emergency contact number where you can be reached in case of an emergency. Be prepared to give an emergency number besides yourself, who could be contacted in case they can't reach you. 

 

[ ]10. Make sure they know which vet and his phone number in case your baby needs to be taken in.

 

[ ]11. Notify you vet you are going on vacation and let them know which kennel your babies will be staying in.

 

[ ]12. Please take all collars and leashes with you when you leave. Most kennels don't allow you to leave the collars on while in the runs. Believe me they have plenty of leads. Just remember to take them with you when you pick them up.

Highly suggested: place the collars and leads in the vehicle you will be picking them up in so you don't forget later.

 

[ ]13. This one is not necessary but highly suggested, have them bathe your dog the morning you pick them up. IF they are there more than a couple of days, this way you go home with a clean dog and it doesn't smell like the kennel. Besides most of us are too tired to give them a bath when we get back from a vacation. IF they have peed in their run and gotten it on them, at least they won't smell like it when you pick them up! Or smell like disinfectant from the kennel.

 

[ ]14. IF special medicated shampoo is needed, take it along, placed in a plastic baggie with information written on it with black marker.

 

All this information is usually placed on what is called a Run Card attached to where your dog's run is, making it very easy to view with all imprudent information highlighted. As well as all belongs are written down so you get all items not used returned without forgetting something.

 

I know this is a lot of information, but being prepared saves you a lot of time when arriving at the kennel in case they have several clients arriving at the same time.

 

Also make sure you take one of their business cards before leaving, that way you can make a call to them and check to see how your baby is doing while your gone. Also if you have to change the date on departure they will be notified. 

NOTE: This is more personal than necessary but you will really please the workers or owner if you do not wait until the very last minute to pick up your baby. If they close at 6pm, don't wait until 5:55 to retrieve your baby. Once your baby leaves the facility, their area must be disinfected immediately and not everyone is pleased to stay late to re-clean that area. Nor does the owner appreciate having to pay the worker overtime. As stated before this is the time they are doing their last minute checks, poop runs, or what ever needs to be done. If you know you are running late, call and let them know in advance, that way arrangements can be made.

 

Daily Routine of a Good Kennel

This was my schedule of daily work

Tiny Tots had their own building, Medium dogs had their own building and Big Guys were in their own building.
7am open sliding doors, let dogs out of kennels to their runs morning potty time (close sliding door). While letting them out, remove all bedding to be washed.
7:15-7:30am feed dogs, specific instructions were on their personal sheets, w/directions of how to be feed. (If owner said to soak food for 10 minutes we went as far as setting timer.) Meds if needed were given at time of feeding, usually in cheese or hot dogs. While dogs were locked back in (sliding doors shut) outside runs cleaned w/disinfectant then squeegee dry.
8am dogs taken out singly to the doggy park area, where they could do their business and get run time in. During this time cleaning inside of dog's kennel, w/disinfectant then toweled dry. Before returning dog to kennel pick up any waste that they may have left behind, disinfect area where waste was.
9am sliding door was reopened so dog's had access to full run.
10am Doggie treats were if brought by owners passed out as instructed, if owners didn't
bring them we had ample supply for mid morning snack.
11am poop run, clean all runs that needed cleaning. (never ending job!)
12/1pm our lunch hour (nappy time for dogs, lights were turned off, soft music played) Meds given if needed.
1pm do another poop run.
2pm take dogs out individually to the park area for run time (waste area disinfected).
3pm afternoon snack time.
4pm start preparing inside for bedtime (put down bedding)
4:30pm start feeding dogs (meds if necessary)
5pm start taking dogs individually out to park area for last run time (waste area disinfected)
5:30pm clean up outside run area if needed (someone always insists on waiting until they return to the run to poopie).
6pm this is when I went to all that would allow me to go in and give special hug and kiss goodnight.
8:30pm Owner of kennel came out and did another outside poop run, and closed sliding door. Gave meds if necessary.