How do you choose a boarding facility?

KatCH · #1 11-19-2009, 09:14 AM

My husband signed us up for a weekend marriage retreat that his unit is sponsoring and I am thinking of boarding my pups. I just feel like it's a lot to ask of some of my friends to have to bring the two of them and all of their stuff (2 crates, food, toys, etc. etc.) over to their house for the 3 days. Especially when she already has 2 big dogs of her own.

So I was looking around at the local boarding facilities. There are a lot of the "pampered" boarding option available...one place even has tvs in each of the rooms. I just don't know what to look for or what to ask for when finding the right spot.

Any suggestions?

lmorey · #2 11-19-2009, 09:49 AM

We have only had to board Cash once, but we learned of the boarding facility through our vet (it's right across the street). We were lucky enough to have some training sessions with Cash there prior, and got to tour the place then. Due to Cash's special needs (he had just been diagnosed with chronic renal failure), I had a million questions for them, and they were able to accomodate Cash with no issues.
They are registered with the Pet Care Services Association, take the dogs for walks multiple times a day, have a fenced area where they let the dogs play, feed as you would, and have climate controlled kennels. Since Cash seems to go biserk when he sees other dogs and is a climber, they were able to put him in a kennel that has panels where he could not see the other dogs, and monitor his outdoor access. They did have some where the outdoor run area was covered so he couldn't climb out, but these were open where he could see the other dogs. They also had Kerunda beds (or couches in the more expensive suites), and played classical music or had TVs on. Great place and the owner adores boxers

KatCH · #3 11-19-2009, 10:01 AM

Where did you get Cash from? I see you are in Alabama. Our Millie is from a woman in Atlanta and she was born just around the same time and has juvenile renal disease. Just wondering if they could be related...

lmorey · #4 11-19-2009, 10:20 AM

We got Cash from a first time breeder who works at a vet clinic in the Birmingham area. Bear and Hogan are the parents, but I don't have their pedigrees on hand at the moment. When Cash was diagnosed, the breeder was nice enough to give us free re-tests (urinalysis, bloodwork, ultrasound) at her clinic because she was planning on breeding her dogs again and wanted to make sure it wasn't genetic. Turns out Cash's case is a birth defect, but not genetic. I'm not really sure how that is, but whatever. She offered us free prescription food and a puppy out of the litter they are expecting in February, and I told her "thanks, but no thanks." We didn't want to take another chance, plus we really want a brindle.

ZekeZira · #5 11-19-2009, 10:47 AM

We have boarded ours several times and they just love their "camp", as we call it. Rather than being a traditional kennel, where the dogs are in separate runs, it has a doggie daycare aspect. All day long, the babies get to play with lots of other dogs - size appropriate, of course. There is constant supervision and even a webcam so the I can keep an eye on them when I am able to while traveling. At night, they get to sleep together in their own room. They keep them on my schedule with feeding and really do love the babies - the staff always gets so excited when we make our reservations. We pay a lot for this level of care but I wouldn't have it any other way. The big bonus for us is the satisfied, utterly exhausted dogs that we pick up.

Gatorblu · #6 11-19-2009, 12:13 PM

As you look for a place ask other people, your vet, neighbors friends, etc, for recommendations. Then go and ask if you can take a tour. If they say no, don't board there. Where we lived in VA had several kennels. When I was checking them all out, the first one I walked into had such a foul smell I couldn't wait to get out! Needless to say my dogs never darkened their door. I would also tour as early as possible in the day, that way you can see how quickly they recover from overnight messes. Or can find out if they are even staffed overnight.

The one I ended up using, it came recommended from other people in my husband's unit, had a great relationship with my vet.

Good luck! And have fun on your weekend!

MKAD · #7 11-19-2009, 12:37 PM

Have you thought of a dogsitter that can stay overnight?

larrygs · #8 11-19-2009, 02:04 PM

Boxers are not real laid back. They require so much exercise, mental stimulation, and people contact that I would stay away from any traditional kennel including spa types. I won't go into details, but we had trouble once and will never again subject any of ours to such a situation. I would be especially concerned with puppies since they imprint easily.

We use skilled pet sitters, and sometimes friends, who stay in our house. The price is nearly the same as a kennel. We once have had neighborhood high school senior dog sit for us, with the clear agreement with parents to watch over things.

I think another excellent alternative is what ZekeZira suggests, a place with doggy day care. That way they will get good monitored exercise and will be tired at the end of the day.

Have a great retreat!

johann · #9 11-19-2009, 02:27 PM

We just "boarded" Johann for 11 days whil we went on vacation. But, it was the same place he goes to daycare....so he played all day and went home with the owners at night.

I'd worry too much about leaving him in a traditional kennel situation. I feel that a lot of the luxury/spa accomodations are for the owners. Johann is happy with a few dogs to play with and something remotely soft to sleep on. He doesn't care about a TV or fancy bed to sleep on.

Your female has dog aggresion issues right? I'd really worry about throwing her into a stressful situation if the kennel has "playtime" with other dogs.

Can you get a dog sitter for the weekend? Ask your vet and any trusted friends with dogs where they board. Good luck and enjoy the weekend.

Mesquite · #10 11-19-2009, 02:35 PM

Good question. I've been looking around my area as well. There are several I am considering, both with the doggy day care type set up. I can't image boarding a young boxer at a place where he is in a crate most of the time. I much prefer the day care concept where the dogs play together all day. My mom boards her beagle at a place like that and she says her dog LOVES it there and comes home utterly exhausted (sleeps for days).

There are several in the Dallas area I'm considering. One is pretty pricey, but they limit the number of dogs they will keep at one time and require you to attend a meet and greet first before they will accept your dog (they won't take aggressive/dangerous dogs). Also they don't have a bunch of add on fees. Some places nickel and dime you with charges for treats, etc. Both places that I'm seriously considering are located on acreage and have lots of outdoor activities and play areas for the dogs in addition to private sleep areas.