Are our dogs safe in Boarding Kennels?

Direct Line Pet Insurers have hit out at Boarding Kennels, stating that research shows that 12% of dogs who have stayed in kennels have contracted an illness as a result of their stay, in addition to 4% receiving an injury.

Poor conditions, lack of excersize and too much time spent in the kennels are all cited as major causes of illnesses which include Kennel Cough, sickness and diarrhoea.

The new Animal Welfare Bill will revise the existing Boarding Establishments Act 1963, to improve conditions and bring the standards of kennels and catteries more up to date.

But, what can you do in the meantime to ensure that you choose a good boarding kennels for your dogs?

Choosing a good Boarding Kennel

There are so many boarding kennels to choose from, that it can be overwhelming trying to choose a good one.

It is essential that you visit as many boarding kennels as possible in your search for a good one; this should give you a good idea of the various standards that exist and should help you to see the difference between a good and bad kennel.

Talk to the owner of the kennels; your opinion of them should be a good gauge of the kind of care that they will deliver to your dog. If you get on well with them, then the chances are, your dog may like and get on with them. Ask how much exercise and attention your dog will receive, and ask about the type of exercise. Will there be off lead running? Will they have time in a larger, outdoor run?

Ask how many dogs the kennels accepts at one time, and also ask how many staff work at any one time. Consider how many dogs there may be and compare that to the number of staff in attendance to work out how much attention and exercise your dog is likely to actually receive. Look for evidence around the kennels of the number of staff actually working (to make sure that the number hasn’t be exaggerated!).

Next, look at the condition of the kennels. They should not smell of urine or excrement; there are excellent cleaning products and disinfectants available for kennel owners, so if the kennels are properly cared for, they should be clean and not smelly! Also, check whether excrement or urine has been left in the kennels with any of the dogs currently staying.

A good indication of how careful the kennels are, in terms of illness, is to speak to them about the requirements for inoculations. A good kennel should require an up to date annual booster, a kennel cough vaccination and recent worm and flea treatments. (Dogs should be wormed and flea treated after their kennel stay too).

If possible, take your dogs with you when you visit kennels, to see how the owner and staff interact with them.

You may have to travel some distance to find a good kennel, but the piece of mind when you leave your dog is worth the extra effort. If you find a good kennel, its likely that you will need to book some months in advance; good kennels are hard to find so they get booked up early!