Boarding Kennels

[lolly_5087162]

It has come to the stage where I need to book Boarding Kennels for our 2 dogs for the middle of July.

We found on our last trip away that our elderly Border Collie is not up to travelling too far without being ill, so, need to find a good kennel to put them in for 5 days.

Trouble is, I can't seem to find a good one, the last one they stayed in they both ended up with kennel cough.

What do I look for, and do I visit before booking?

Lolly x

 

[GillC1]

lolly,

Go and have a look at some kennels, make sure you get the full tour. ask how often they walk the dogs, can they provide a heated kennel. Before putting the dog in a kennel for 5 days, just try one night and see how you feel.

It's really not that bad.

 

[JandP]

Hi lolly, we dont put our dogs in kennels, we get someone to come and live in our house while we are away. He is an old school friend of our daughter who still lives at home with his parents and we find it is an excellent arrangement. The dogs know him and are able to stay in their own home, which can be particularly good with older dogs who might find the whole kennel experience a bit stressful, we know our dogs (and our house) are being looked after and he gets a bit of pocket money for his own holidays (and a bit of freedom from his parents!) and if you have 2 or 3 dogs its a very economical arrangement. Jim. .

 

[lolly_5087162]

Hi Jim

We normally have my parents over to look after them but they are abroad on holiday the week we are away so unfortunately they will have to be kennelled.

I don't normally kennel them but can't see an alternative in this instance!

Thanks for everyones advice though.

Lolly x

 

[AnnM1]

Hi Lolly

Sorry to hear that you may have to kennel your lovely dogs, I say 'may' because there may be another solution.

What causes your dog to be poorly whilst travelling, is it travel sickness/nerves/age? Have you had a word with your vet? We had a problem with two of our dogs being poor travellers and we received some very good advice.

Is this a relatively new experience for your dog?

Stop for frequent exercise and drinks of water (if going long distances) to give them and yourselves a break. Feed only very lightly before setting off.

These are just a couple of things that seemed to help our dogs.

Finally, the vet could issue you with a very mild sedative for the journey. What a shame that you have to leave them at home. I am sure you would worry about them and this could also spoil your holiday.

Do you know anybody who knows your dogs well who would take care of them for 5 days?

If you really have to place them in kennels I agree with the above post that you should investigate them thoroughly before committing yourself. I have heard of dreadful stories about dogs being locked up in a small compound for much of the day without any exercise being given. On the other hand their are Pet Hotels which are for Pampered Pets.

Sorry, I doubt if my post will be very helpful, but my priority would be my dog(s).

Hope you find something/someone sutable.

 

[Rioja]

Hi Lolly. I can't believe that you are looking for boarding with only three weeks to go. I bet you have booked your caravan site !

One of the benefits of a caravan holiday is the ability to take the dog/s with you, although if you were planning a trip to a hot Southern European destination it might not be in the best interests of a dog, especially an old one.

You have already been given tips for travelling, the additional comment I would make is that Boarding Kennels are not all bad. Yes, they can be extremely expensive and, unfortuneately, kennel cough can be spread by an inconsiderate owner bringing their dog to a kennel knowing the dog has the condition.As owners however, we make the mistake of believing that a dog has human emotions. They don't. Staying a fortnight, albeit in a limited space, can be a pure joy with all those fellow canines to socialise with. Much better than lying around doing nothing all day ! No wonder they sometimes come home having lost weight, it's all that activity. I know of luxury kennels that have pictures hanging on the walls and TV. Have you ever known a dog to request changing channels ?

Sometimes it does the owner and their pet the world of good to have time apart, free of the responsibilities of ownership.

 

[lolly_5087162]

Hi Rioja

It only came to light a couple of weeks ago that our Border Collie suddenly can't seem to travel without being ill. I would not really like to get sedatives from the vet because of her age.

As I say, my parents normally stop at our house and look after them but they have to return to Spain (they are selling their house over there) on business.

I have managed to get sorted though, a work colleague is going to stop at ours for the week and look after them.

Thanks for all your replies.

 

[Mel]

Hi lolly. we regularly board our border collie cross when we go away,partly because sheis a dreadful traveller and mainly because I don't especially want to take her on hols with us. I know this causes gasps of horror from some dog lovers, but each to their own. Anyway we found a good local kennel by recommendation of a friend who boarded her dogs there and had actually got one of her dogs from there as the kennels took in rescue animals. Try asking your neighbours and local friends for their recomendation. We also tried our dog there for just two nights at first. She came back tired out and all waggy tailed a she had so much fun. Now when we drop her off she is out of the car and straight tothe kennel staff without so much as a "Bye". Try anywhere for a brief time, you'll know from your dog's reaction if it is OK or not.