By Wanda V. Pool, DVM, Ph.D.
Owner, Deepwood Veterinary Clinic, Centreville, Virginia
- Research: Find out about boarding facilities from reliable sources, like veterinarians, and tour the place before you bring your beloved pet to stay there. (Make sure no complaints have been lodged against a facility by checking with the area Better Business Bureau or another authority.)
- Sniff test: Satisfy yourself that the boarding kennel you choose is safe, clean and comfortable, providing good care from knowledgeable, experienced staff.
- Healthy Standards: Confirm that the kennel requires all boarding animals to meet health standards. The kennel should insist animals are current on vaccinations, including protection against kennel cough (Bordetella) and the new emerging virus, canine influenza H3N8.
- Pet Identification: Make sure your pet is properly identified during its boarding stay. The kennel should provide a highly visible ID collar as a help to kennel staff. Permanent identification, such as a microchip, is equally important. Be sure your pet’s registration and your owner contact information are kept up-to-date in a national pet recovery database.
- Just in Case:Dog kennels should require owners to provide the name and contact information of their veterinarian and/or a signed release form authorizing medical care if the kennel has a veterinarian on staff.
- Expecting the Unexpected: Kennels should have plans in place to handle health emergencies, including disease outbreaks.
- Pet Inspection: Closely look at your pet when you fetch it from the kennel and look for signs of fleas, scrapes or bruises, or illness, such as discharge from the eyes or nose.
- Relax: Maintain your composure when dropping off and retrieving pets from kennels so they can model your good behavior.
For stress-free pet boarding in Centreville, contact Deepwood Vet Clinic. Not only will your pet be comfortable and safe, but veterinarians are on-call at all hours.
