6 – All About Pets Lethbridge Herald How to Choose a Boarding Kennel for Your Pet


Going out of town? A boarding kennel can give your pet quality care—and can give you peace of mind.


How to find a good kennel for your pet Ask a friend, neighbour, veterinarian, an-


imal shelter, or dog trainer for a recom- mendation. Once you have names, it's important to do a little background check.


After selecting a few kennels, confirm that they can accommodate your pet for specific dates and can address your pet's special needs (if any). If you're satisfied, schedule a visit. What to look for in a kennel On your visit, ask to see all the places your pet may be taken. Pay particular at- tention to the following:


• Does the facility look and smell clean?


• Is there sufficient ventila- tion and light?


• Is a comfortable tempera- ture maintained?


• Does the staff seem knowl- edgeable and caring?


• Are pets required to be cur- rent on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for


canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? (Such a requirement helps protect your animal and others.)


• Does each dog have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise?


• Are outdoor runs and exercise areas pro- tected from wind, rain, and snow?


• Are cats housed away from dogs? • Is there enough space for cats to move around comfortably?


• How often are pets fed? • Can the owner bring a pet's special food? • What veterinary services are available? • Are other services available such as grooming, training, bathing? • How are rates calculated?


How to prepare your pet for being boarded


Be sure your pet knows basic commands and is well socialized around other peo- ple and pets; if your pet has an aggression problem or is otherwise unruly, she may not be a good candidate for boarding. Before taking your animal to the kennel, make sure she is current on vacci- nations.


It's also a good idea to accus- tom your pet to longer kennel


stays by first boarding her during a short trip, such as a weekend ex- cursion. This allows you to work out any problems be- fore boarding your pet for an extended period.


Before you head for the kennel, double- check that you have your pet's medica- tions and special food (if any), your veterinarian's phone number, and contact information for you and a local backup. When you arrive with your pet at the boarding facility, remind the staff about any medical or behaviour problems your pet has, such as a history of epilepsy or fear of thunder. After the check-in process, hand your pet to a staff member, say good-bye, and leave. Avoid long, emotional partings, which may upset your pet. Finally, have a good trip, know- ing that your pet is in good hands and will be happy to see you when you re- turn.


Coulee Valley Kennels Ltd.


Personalized Care Inspections Welcome


Proof of Vaccinations Required Clean, Healthy Atmosphere


Celebrating Over 20 Years in Business! ant to Stay”


“So Nice You’ll Want to Sta Like Us on


Kristi McCaugherty 403-381-0047


41198634


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