There are several outstanding Columbus Ohio kennels where you can board your dog or cat if you need to go out of town or have guests visiting who are allergic to your animals.

After you do your internet search and find a few Columbus Ohio kennels that interest you, there are some questions you should ask and some vital information you should have before you make your final selection.

1)     If they allow a physical site inspection, you should tour the facility.  But not every kennel is set up for visitors.  It does not make them a bad facility. Some dogs act unpredictably when faced with strangers and kennel’s number one priority should be the animals in their charge, not visitors.  Secondly, many kennels follow strict sanitary guidelines and many visitors do not want to go through the disinfecting routine that kennel workers regularly do.  But even if you cannot tour the actual kennel area, there should still be areas of the facility that you can observe.  If you are not allowed to see anything of the kennel beyond the front reception area, that may be a reason for concern.

2)    One of the first things you should take note of is the level of sanitation.  Is the kennel clean?  Does it smell bad?  The cleaning and disinfecting routine should be obvious. 

3)    Are the types of kennels in use appropriate for your pet?  Some kennels have indoor/outdoor runs while other kennels keep the animals in rows of cages inside.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each system, and different animals react differently to each.  Make sure you discuss your pet’s behaviors with the kennel to help you decide which type of set-up would be preferable.

4)    Is the bedding adequate for your pet?  Is the temperature, lighting, and other physical attributes comfortable for the pets?

5)    Is security adequate? Nothing is more heart-breaking than to return from vacation to discover your pet “escaped” from its caregiver and is lost.  Many pets will try to “find” their owners if they are anxious and get the chance to run.  Make sure the kennel has sturdy, well-maintained fencing and gates and that there’s no opportunity for an “escape” artist to climb out, dig under, or push open gates.

6)    How do the animals get to play and interact with other boarders?  Make sure the kennel you are considering has supervised playtime and interaction times.

7)    How often are the animals fed, what brands of food are used, and what is the procedure for providing food and water?  Some kennels will put the food out for only an hour or so in the morning and evening, others will leave the food available to your pet all day.  If your pet has a particular routine, make sure you understand how the kennel does it and discuss your pet’s habits if there are any concerns.  Many kennels will be happy to dispense the food that you provide so long as you make the arrangements in advance.

8)    Medications and veterinary care.  If your pet requires any regular medications or is under the supervision of a veterinarian for a particular ailment, make sure the kennel is aware..  Ask the kennel if it is their practice to refer all veterinary issues to the pet owner’s private vet or do they use a preferred veterinarian that has an association with the kennel.  You need to be comfortable with their procedures.

9)    How frequently are the animals monitored?  Pets often become anxious and nervous when left at a kennel.  They can refuse to eat or drink, they can develop intestinal or urinary problems, they can start to chew their feet or scratch themselves incessantly.  Make sure the kennel personnel have a routine for monitoring the animals’ behaviors and have plans in place for how to deal with any problems that arise.

10) What vaccinations are required for all boarders and do they required proof of vaccination from the veterinarian?  Most kennels required the vaccine for “kennel cough” and sometimes canine parvovirus.

Understanding the answers to these questions prior to boarding will make your experience with any Columbus Ohio dog kennel less stressful and more pleasant.  Don’t be afraid to ask.  We want you to be comfortable with your selection.