Boarding your pet during the day or while you travel or work can be stressful. You have to choose the right facility, make sure you don’t forget anything, and ensure that you’re both prepared for the visit.
We wrote this article to help you find the best facility to meet your pets’ needs, and we even provided a checklist so you don’t forget to bring the essentials when you check them in.
Keep reading for tips for choosing the best boarding facility and download your free kennel boarding checklist before you go.
Step One: Choose the Right Kennel
When you’re looking for the right hotel to stay at when you’re on vacation, you don’t merely pick the one with the lowest price and book a room. You do your research and take time to look at what different hotels have to offer, scroll through photos of what the various rooms look like, and then choose.
You should do the same thing when you board your pet.
If you plan to board your pet soon, then take steps to make sure you’re booking the most trustworthy boarding facility. Here are some tips to help you make the ultimate decision.
Ask About the Facility
Before you settle on the right boarding facility for your pet, take the time to do your research on different facilities, and even take a tour of various facilities. Paying particular attention to where your pet will play, sleep, eat daily, and make mental notes about each facility’s cleanliness.
You want to be assured your pet will be in a consistently safe environment, surrounded by good company.
Ask About Emergency Care
In the event of a crisis, you want to be sure someone will be around to tend to your pet. It’s simply not acceptable for your pet to be in a facility where they could be left unattended for long stretches. You will want to make sure someone is always there with your pet and the other pets in the facility.
Ask About Exercise
Kennel Club LAX provides plenty of fresh air and playtime as part of our boarding and daycare service. Our accommodations include communal and private rooms to make your companion as comfortable as they are at home. Our gorgeous 12,000-foot pet hotel extends outside to an additional 12,000 square feet of outdoor play yards and a swimming pool.
Ask About Security
Although some facilities have cameras, we here at Kennel Club LAX don’t. That is because we respect your privacy and won’t share your pet’s image with other pet owners. Don’t be afraid to ask for pictures or videos of your pet though! We happily provide updates on demand so you can see how they’re doing.
Our state-of-the-art safety program includes surveillance cameras to provide 24/7 monitoring and give your pet the best care possible, and our staff is on-site 24/7 to ensure they’re taken care of round-the-clock. We even have a night attendant to oversee your pet’s comfort and 24/7 access to veterinarians.
Read Reviews
Since the Kennel Club LAX was founded, we have been listed in the Top-100 Largest Woman-owned Businesses, here in Los Angeles County. We have also been showcased by the media and recognized in numerous articles from The Wall Street Journal to Time Magazine.
We are well-prepared and equipped to ensure that your pet will have the very best care. But, don’t take our word for it, you can read what other pet owners have to say.
Step Two: Prepare Yourself for The Stay
Here are some valuable tips to help you prepare yourself for leaving your pet and reducing anxiety when it is time to board them:
- Take a tour of the facility, and meet the staff, so you know your pet is in good hands.
- Read reviews. Then you’ll know what other people have to say before leaving your pet with them.
- Find out their policy regarding your ability to call and check up on your pet while there. Can you get pictures or videos of your pet while you’re away?
- Learn more about what will happen if your pet has a medical emergency, they’ll receive the care they need in your absence.
- Use our kennel boarding checklist so you don’t stress about forgetting essential items like vaccination records and medications.
Step Three: Prepare Your Pet For The Stay
All reputable boarding facilities will require your pet to be up to date on their vaccinations before staying the night. Some of these vaccinations include rabies, distemper, bordetella (kennel cough), and canine influenza.
Call the facility ahead of time to learn which vaccines they require so you can get your pet in to see your veterinarian with plenty of time to spare if you need to. Vaccinations usually take a few days to become active, so don’t wait until the last minute to get them done.
Ensure that you pack food and any medical supplements, along with instructions on how and when to give them to your pet. We feed your pet per your instructions at no extra charge. Should we run out of food; we’ll give you a call. We may transfer your pet over to our kibble or pick up your brand, whichever you prefer.
At Kennel Club LAX, we recommend not bringing beds, blankets, and toys. We provide all these so your pet won’t be without anything. We also wash everything daily, so there’s a chance that something you send would be damaged or lost.
Most importantly, don’t dally before you leave your pet. A long, drawn-out goodbye at any boarding facility will tip your pet off because something is amiss. Instead, treat it as if you were going to work. A quick pat on the head and a walk out the door will satisfy.
Don’t Forget the Essentials! Download Your Free Kennel Boarding Checklist Now
When you’re in a rush and a little emotional because you’re worried about leaving your pet alone, it’s easy to miss something when you pack their belongings for their stay.
Essential items such as vaccination records can keep our pets from being checked-in. Prescription medications or special food can’t be easily replaced when forgotten.
We know you don’t want your pet to miss their meds or their favorite food because you forgot to pack their stuff.
That’s why we created an easy-to-use kennel boarding checklist you can download and use to make sure nothing gets left behind on check-in day.
“I have used Kennel Club LAX a lot over the last four or five years. I live in Costa Mesa and drive my dog, Delilah, up to the Kennel Club LAX because she gets such good care there-from the walks, to the busy bones at night. I never worry about her there when I go on trips because I know she gets a lot of care and attention. Delilah is my “baby” even if she weighs 85 lbs! I want the best for her, so I bring her to Kennel Club LAX when I have to board her” – Linda Brown
Download your free checklist now and fill out our reservation form when you’re ready to book your stay.
