should keep looking,” says Josh Brown, owner of Far North Kennel, in Anchorage, Alaska. “You want to go where the staff bends down and lets your pet come to them. It should be obvious your dog’s going to get positive human interaction. When you walk out after touring the facility, you should feel better about boarding than when you walked in.”
Ask Questions Costs vary, so ask what’s included in the basic fee, such as group play, treats, administered meds, special bedding and feeding the same food as at home. The pet also should be able to have their bed, toys and favorite things with them. Also be clear about medications, health or mobility issues and special bedding or grooming preferences. An apparent bargain can be either less than expected or more expensive once all costs are totaled. “Ask if titers are accepted in lieu
of current vaccinations, and don’t feel pressured to over-vaccinate,” advises Briggs, who explains that titers assess levels of immunity from previous vaccinations. She also suggests asking about the facility’s emergency plan, including evacuation. The more information everyone has, the better the pet’s stay will be. Socialized dogs or cats should be able to enjoy group playtime or a communal catio (enclosed indoor/outdoor space for felines); others would rather watch from afar. Stays should be individual- ized, not uniform. Facility owners sug- gest first booking a day visit and then an overnight as a test.
Before booking, also ask about unseen factors. Josh Parker, co-founder of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Ho- tels, in Fanwood and other New Jersey locations, recommends that boarding clients look for features such as eco- friendly cleaning products; air puri- fiers and ventilation systems to prevent spreading of germs; a floor plan that reduces stress by limiting views of other animals; lighting that dims at night for restful sleep; a good ratio of staff to pets that allows employees to spend time with nervous boarders, spot any signs of illness or distress early on and intervene if quarrels arise; and availability of an on-call veterinarian with access to the family vet or nearest emergency facility. Leave a medical directive explaining what should be done if an owner can’t be reached.
Flooring at better resorts is antibac- terial. Outdoors, artificial grass made of recycled products is soft on paws, drains better than grass and is easier to clean. It’s eco-friendly because it requires no watering, mowing or pesticides.
Stay in Touch
“Some facilities like ours offer web- cam options so you can ‘visit’ with your dog while you’re traveling,” says Brown. Texting kennel updates and selfies of an employee with a pet can also ease any worries. “I just want my pet in a place
where she is safe, secure, well cared for and loved,” says Nierenberg. Though apart, pets and their people can all enjoy a fresh adventure.
Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@
mindspring.com.
breathe
the natural network
Monthly Meeting: Thursday, Nov. 17 @11:30am
Connecting businesses and organizations in Central PA that enrich lives through healthy, sustainable living.
NOV. MEETING LOCATION: Cornerstone Coffeehouse 2133 Market St., Camp Hill
See Facebook page for details:
Facebook.com/TheNaturalNetworkPA RSVP: 717-497-2984
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Helen@NaturalCentralPA.com natural awakenings November 2016 45
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photo courtesy of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels
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