All Things Dog Blog

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Dog Boarding While You're Away: Making the Choice Posted: 15 Jul 2011 08:50 PM PDT by Carrie Boyko, CEB While dedicated dog boarding facilities are available in most areas, many are adding new services--daycare for their canine visitors who simply need a place to play for the day. You may be asking yourself how this impacts the boarding topic.  The answer is not a clear one.  Make a few calls to local boarding and daycare facilities, and you'll see what I mean.  You'll find everything from the equivalent of a vet boarding stay, to the all-inclusive outdoor play place that dogs' off-leash dreams are made of. Last weekend I addressed The Pros and Cons of Veterinary Boarding. Today, let's venture into your options at other facilities. You're probably sneering but I'm completely serious.  And there's more.  When you find that off-leash, free-play dream "park", the differences can continue to mount, meaning you still have more questions to ask: Hours and days of operations? On a sunny day, how much indoor naptime will my dog take as a part of the routine? What is the size of the outdoor play area, and are there more than one? Is there an area for extensive, long distance running? What supervision is provided? Are there toys, and if so, what kind? How are they monitored for safety, and resource guarding? Is there an indoor or covered play area for extremely hot, wet, or cold days? Are there shade areas or covered play areas for rain and protection from hot sun? Is there night monitoring?  What kind?  What happens in case of fire? Are the staff experienced with and trained to handle dog fights, first aid and other complications of group dog play? How are the dogs' kennels cleaned and soiled bedding handled? What is the cost of a night's stay and what is included in this fee? Are there any ala carte items I should know about? Is there anything I can do to get a discount? What extras might I have to pay, and are there perks that I can purchase separately? Is there water play available and how is its use structured for the enjoyment and safety of all? An elite boarding facility will frequently offer a complete menu of dog treats to choose from for naptime, special spa treatments, grooming services and even one-on-one play time with an attendant. Realize, however, that these services may not be as important to Fido as a safe and social play experience. After you do your research and the math, you'll generally find one facility that suits your budget and your Fido just perfectly. What it all comes down to is safety and appropriate daily activity for YOUR dog, whatever his needs may be. This post is part of the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. Here's how you can join the Pet Bloggers Blog Hop celebration: * Link up your blog name and URL using the Linky Tool below. You only need to add you link once to be seen on all the Pet Blogger Blog Hop Linky Tools for that week. ** Grab the Pet Bloggers Blog Hop button that our friends over on Life with Dogs made for us and include it in your Saturday Pet Bloggers Hop post so that your readers will know what is going on. *** Follow your co-hosts listed in the first 3 slots of the Linky Tool and comment on their blogs to say hello! **** Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like ***** Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from the Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop ****** Follow back when you get a new follower through the Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop Please be considerate and do not link directly to a giveaway post. Doing so does not allow others to comment on the post and forces them to look around your blog to find an appropriate place to post. One link per blog please!

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