There may be times when a pet owner must travel, and they have to place a pet dog in a kennel. The pet owner wants to be sure that the dog is in a safe, healthy, and secure environment. When choosing a kennel, the owner should contact several dog kennels in advance. A quality dog kennel should be open to visitors and accountable to a licensing authority. Dog kennels should be well-maintained, disease free, and have space for the animals to exercise during their stay at the facility. If a dog kennel does not accept unannounced visitors, pet owners should not patronize the facility. In addition, the owner should report the kennel to local authorities or the American Boarding Kennel Association. Concerned-citizen reports can result in a facility audit and, if necessary, citations that will force the facility to improve its services.

High-quality dog kennels will provide services similar to a hotel. The pet owner/potential customer should look for the following:

• Cleanliness – The entire facility, inside and outside, should be free of odor, spacious, and properly ventilated. Also, there should be cleaning times scheduled daily.

• Exercise Areas – Walking/running areas at the dog kennel should be free of debris, secured by well-maintained fencing, and supervised by staff members.

• Sleeping Quarters – Dog beds must be sanitized, odor free, and contain solid dividers (to prevent aggression and transfer of fleas or urine).

• Food – Some dog kennels maintain a feeding regimen consisting of a certain brand of dog food; others will purchase food depending on price and availability. If necessary, a kennel should be able to accept animals that have specific dietary requirements or restrictions. In addition, water bowls should be placed throughout exercise areas, and there should be individual bowls available for each resident of the dog kennel.

• Medical Accommodations – The kennel staff should be able to administer pills, liquids, or salves to any animal in their care. The owner should tell the facility about any medications (type, amount, method of administration) that a dog needs to receive.

• Kennel Staff – Owners and employees of reputable dog kennels should be educated about animals, and have been trained in animal care. A potential customer needs to know if there is 24-hour coverage at the facility or if there are periods of time when the animals are left alone. Also, veterinarian services should be available, if necessary.

• Neighboring Areas – Many kennels are located in commercial areas, and the neighboring facilities are other businesses fronted by busy streets or intersections. The animals’ safety needs to be taken into account, and the best locations for dog kennels are in quiet areas that are situated away from busy streets.

When planning a trip without a pet, a dog owner needs to call the facility as soon as the person’s trip has been finalized. Making reservations for animals well in advance assures that space will be available in the dog kennel. When the dog is placed in the dog kennel, the owner needs to leave contact information with the kennel staff. Preferably, the owner should leave a residence number, a cell phone number, and, if applicable, a work number so the staff has several contact alternatives available in the event of an emergency or if they have questions for the owner. Careful evaluation of several dog kennels before placing a pet in one is imperative to ensure the safety and good health of a pet.