So you have to think about a care solution for your animal during this absence, more or less long. Among these, the pension has several advantages. But for everything to go well, it is important to choose the right establishment. Because, if the master has a good holiday, the dog must also be well received and have his needs met by professionals.
What is dog boarding?
The dog pension (more frequently called a kennel), is an establishment whose purpose is to temporarily keep four-legged companions. It can be a weekend, a few days or several weeks.
Pension employees are qualified professionals who take care of the animal. They meet all his needs concerning his hygiene, his diet, his safety, his he alth monitoring. In addition, they ensure the hygiene of the premises. But that's not all, when a dog is welcomed into a pension, he will be able to enjoy various games and regular walks accompanied by activities.
All dogs can be boarded, without breed or age restrictions. However, for security reasons, some establishments reserve the right to refuse animals such as aggressive dogs, sick dogs or pregnant or in heat females.
First step: visit the pension
Even if they all have the same goal: to accommodate animals for a temporary period, dog boarding is not all the same. Some are more luxurious than others and may have specific structures.For example, a swimming pool or an activity area.
However, they work the same way. Dogs are separated and have space to sleep. But this space can be more or less large. The ideal is therefore to go directly to the site to visit the places and discover the place where the animal will evolve for a few days or several weeks.
This visit allows you to check if the enclosures are large enough, if the places are clean, if all the comforts are offered (heating, air conditioning), if the places are fenced to avoid the risk of running away. It is therefore important and must be carried out seriously. And the first impression is often the right one.
Second step: discuss with the staff
During the visit, take the time to discuss with the canine boarding staff to find out about the food distributed to the animals, the activities offered during the day, the services included
The master can also take advantage of this time of exchange to give the habits of his dog and thus see if his needs can be met. Because an animal, especially a dog, does not like to see its habits change. If so, he may be confused and unhappy.
Discussing with employees is a way to realize the seriousness of the establishment and to check that there are enough staff to take care of all the animals in the boarding house. He must be able to answer all the questions asked by the master and give a typical day spent at the pension.
Third step: check the dog boarding certifications
Not everyone can open a dog pension. This type of establishment is subject to numerous regulations imposed by the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. It is a way of guaranteeing owners that their animal will be housed in a structure capable of accommodating it properly and in secure and well-equipped premises, to ensure its he alth and hygiene monitoring.
But that's not all. Indeed, dog boarding owners must have at least one skill. Among these, the certificate of animal capacity, a professional certificate (it may be a veterinary diploma) or a certificate of knowledge for pets of domestic species.
Finally, for security reasons and to be covered in the event of theft, illness or runaway, a canine pension must have insurance. It is essential to check all this before leaving your animal.
Fourth step: compare prices and services
As all establishments are different and do not offer the same services, a comparison can be useful. To do this, you have to compare prices and reception conditions.
The prices often depend on several criteria: the size of the box, the number of walks, the food, the games But it is not because a boarding house applies a high price that the dog is well looked after.Also beware of low rates as dogs may not be properly treated. This is why the visit is important. Don't hesitate to ask for a quote.
With some establishments, it is possible to bring your dog's usual croquettes. This helps to lower the bill a little, but above all, it avoids digestive problems for the animal. To know: the price is often decreasing according to the length of the stay.
The dog pension is an ideal solution because it is professionals who take care of the animal during the absence of its master. As there is a high demand during the holidays, you have to remember to reserve your place well in advance to see the establishment of your choice and leave with peace of mind. Before entrusting your animal, a first visit is recommended because it allows you to check that the establishment is serious and that the staff is competent to take good care of the animals in boarding.The dog must appreciate this experience and not come back sick or unhappy.