I'm new to Florida and I just want to find a boarding facility for my 2 dogs that atleast has a "run" or large area in the back for them to play with/with out other dogs. Help please!!! Thanks.

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Sometimes it’s not possible to travel with a dog. Also, bringing the dog on vacation can hamper the activity of the rest of the family. Incidentally, it might be much smarter on your part to board your beloved pet at a reliable kennel than to leave him with a friend or relative or with some sitter. If you decide to leave your dog in a kennel, here are some points to consider:

First of all, check around the neighborhood to see if other dog owners can recommend a particular boarding kennel. Ask if they thought the kennel was clean, well organized and respected any special requests made regarding their dog’s food or housing. Or if they didn’t like a kennel, find out why. Did the dog contract an illness at the kennel, did it come home filthy, or did it suddenly support a small nation of fleas? When it comes to choosing a kennel for your dog, the best advice is to take the recommendation of someone you know who has had a satisfactory experience.

Then make an unannounced stop at the boarding kennel and ask to see the facility. The staff should not find your arrival disturbing and should honor, within reason, your request to view the premises. Expecting total spotlessness is unrealistic, but personnel should be actively cleaning runs, and every dog should have clean water. Foul odors of any kind should not pervade the air. Make a mental note of how the animals, in general, look to you.

Well-run kennels take a minute to check for fleas when dogs arrive and just before they go home; flea problems are immediately treated. They require that all dogs have up-to-date vaccinations, for their own protection and the protection of other dogs. Many kennels require proof of a current kennel cough vaccination before they will admit a dog. The proprietors may insist that you submit a certificate from your veterinarian stating all of these requirements are met, so be prepared well ahead of time. These rules may seem inconvenient to you, but they are in the best interest of your dog.

Kennels should also allow you to bring food or toys from home, and provide canned food instead of dry when asked, for instance. Administering regular medication to dogs may or may not present a problem at a boarding kennel. If it does, it might be better to board your dog at a veterinary hospital, where qualified personnel will see to this job.

It’s imperative to leave an emergency number where you can be reached, as well as the name and number of your veterinarian. If telephones and mail service are not part of your vacation plans, provide the name and number of someone whose judgment you trust, and leave written instructions empowering this person to authorize necessary medical treatment. It’s also a good idea to compose a brief medical history of your animal and leave it with the kennel staff just in case.

Daniel Millions
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/is-your-dog-safe-in-a-kennel-124541.html

If you’re going away and need to leave your dog somewhere, then you have several options. You can opt for home boarding, where the dog is cared for in a home environment, pet sitting, where someone will stay in your home to care for your pet or the traditional kennel boarding. Of course you want a clean, roomy, well-ventilated environment for your pet, but what makes for a good boarding choice?

If you decide to hire a pet sitter, then references from previous clients are the best determination if this is the pet sitter for you. Ask if they are insured and who will have access to your home. Find out how many hours they will be at the home a day and if they have emergency transportation. See how they interact with your dog. Determine if they are able to administer medicines. A pet sitter is ideal for the animal that may get stressed out at a kennel with all the activity and noise. For the home environment boarding, set up a visit. Your dog should receive the same care here as at home. It should be a comfortable welcoming environment with ample individual attention to your pet’s needs.

Boarding kennels are good options, especially if you are going to be gone for a week or two. They are also a good choice for the pet that has a need to be around people and other animals. The kennel should have a sheltered area and a dog run area. They typically range the gamut from your basic kennel to luxury like kennels.

Whichever you choose, there are some things to look for and questions to ask. Most importantly, visit the kennel. Ask for a tour of the facility. Look around and observe hygiene, temperature and ventilation. You should check to see if it is clean looking and clean smelling. Check the food and water bowls to see if they are clean. Also, look to see the type of food that is served. Is it high quality or low? Observe the number of dogs in the kennel in proportion to the number of employees.

Can they provide what they say with this ratio? See how the staff interacts with the dogs. Ask questions about how they care for certain breeds, if they provide medical care, how they deal with aggression and behavioral problems. Find out if they provide twenty-four hour coverage. You also want to make sure your dog has access to an outside exercise area. And make sure they have adequate insurance coverage.

When looking for boarding options, consult your veterinarian, friends and family for recommendations. Figure out which option is best for your dog’s personality. Talk to the pet sitter or kennel employees. Pay attention to details, ask questions and expect them to ask questions also. By doing so, you will find a proper place to keep your dog, while you are away. He will be safe and well taken care of, and you can relax, and enjoy your time away, knowing this.

Matthew Hick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/boarding-options-for-dogs-choosing-a-kennel-128414.html

I have a female beagle who is in her 2nd heat cycle. I wanted to get her spayed when i got my tax refund, but she beat me to it, lol. Anyway, her first cycle wasn't bad, didn't much change in her demanor but this time she seems almost depressed, she's kinda slow and unmotivated to do anything other than go outside, which I don't let her do unless I'm there 2 watch her. She will start howling and crying out of the blue (well, seems it is to me) I'm figuring she's now in that mid-cycle where she's looking to accept a male cuz her bleeding has pretty much stopped and the drama has begun, heh..

You can have her spayed while she is in heat, do it now!!

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