Choosing the best dog boarding location is no small feat. You need to be sure your furry friend has the best care. The professionals at Evergreen Kennels have been helping pet owners in the Churchville, NY, community for more than two decades and want to make sure you’re informed of the essentials in picking the right housing for your dog. Whether it’s a doggy day care situation or long-term housing, there’s much to consider.

5 Essential Tips For Keeping Your Pup Safe

1. Meet The Staff

A priority for pet safety is a friendly, attentive staff. You want to make sure the people working in the dog boarding facility have the same level of care and love for animals that you do. A compassionate heart can go a long way in a kennel when your dog is nervous in a new environment, so meet with the attendants and get a good understanding of what kind of people they are.

2. Tour The Facility

Word-of-mouth is one thing, but getting your own eyes on where your dog will be boarded is important. Look for red flags like dogs left in cages with chew toys or see if the animals have collars on. Either could be a choking hazard. See how clean kennels are, and get a look at the outdoor area. Does each kennel have its own run, and is it protected from the elements? 

3. Find Out About Immunization Rules

Clarify with the dog boarding facility their policy on immunizations. If it is somewhat lax, this could put dogs at risk of being infected. It’s always a good idea to make sure your pet is up to date on their own medications, but ask all the same just to make sure.

4. Find Out About Socialization

Having other dogs to play with can help with help with separation anxiety, but it can also make it a bit more unsafe. If more aggressive dogs who like to play rough are allowed outside together, that can lead to injury. Ask the staff while meeting them about their outdoor policies, if there are any, and look at the outdoor area to make sure it’s either gravel or dirt. 

5. Bring Your Dog’s Security Toy Or Blanket

Emotional comfort cannot be overstated in keeping your dog safe. By having familiar things and smells around them, it can help assuage fears and worries, which will cut down on emotional outbursts or nervous playing that can get violent. Be upbeat when you leave them too; they can read your emotions and it will affect them.

Call Evergreen Kennels today at (585) 293-1920 for questions on dog boarding and care, or visit their website.