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Dog Kennels And Boarding
For A Day of Play Or An Extended Stay!

Many dog kennels and boarding facilities are now providing pet day care with frills to meet the growing trend among dog lovers who seek the best care for their pet while they are at work. Dog owners are finding doggy day care is also a great way to take some stress off themselves in this world of juggling busy schedules to meet family priorities.

When you come home at the end of a long day or from a trip, you'll be very glad that your dog's needs have been taken care of at day care. He will be relaxed and happy to see you because he has enjoyed some playtime and been well-exercised. He'll have no need to act out any feelings of neglect because he has had a fun day instead of a boring one all alone! And you will feel good knowing that you thought about his enjoyment of life also.

For many dogs, day care is a match made in heaven. It's a great way to pamper your dog while at the same time he also gets to socialize and receive some behavior training.

Dog kennels and boarding providers are realizing that pet day care for dogs is a win/win option for many busy dog lovers who have to work, but hate to leave their dogs alone. You know the guilty feeling you get when your dog knows you're leaving without him. His tail stops wagging and he gives you a real soulful look. You feel like such a heel. But you can easily become a hero if you include pet day care as part of his weekly routine.

What Day Care Means To Your Dog

Among the many helpful experiences at dog kennels and boarding facilities, socialization with other dogs is one of the greatest advantages for your pet. It's kinda like going on a date for a dog! Dogs in pet day care truly do find favorite dog buddies and look forward to being with them each time they visit. And, not only will your pooch learn how to behave around other dogs, they will also learn how to behave around people!

Most people who bring their dogs to doggie daycare describe it as a fantastic experience for their dog. No matter what their age, they love the "no-cage" freedom of dog daycare. Even older dogs seem to thrive and become rejuvenated after spending time with outher dogs.

A dog daycare visit a couple of times a week can also accustom a dog to the facility so that when you have to leave him for longer periods, he will feel more comfortable being there. If your dog is more of a homebody, dog sitters that come to your home to exercise and play with your dog, are another option. Either way, he'll benefit from the social interaction and be a more contented dog.

Dog Kennels and Boarding - A Useful Resource

Besides, the benefits that day care can provide to your dog, there are many day-to-day family events where it can be a life-saver:

You're getting started on a house re-modeling project.
Your house is up for sale and real estate agents are showing the property at random times.
Someone in your family is sick and needs extra attention.
You "sold" your house and it has to be tented.
Your dog is very active and you'd like him to burn off "his" extra energy instead of your's!

Some Examples of Services at Dog Kennels And Boarding Facilities

While you may not find all of these services in one place, this will give you an idea of what's being offered by various pet resorts:

Web cam so you can look in on your dog from work or home - online

Fresh Purified water and healthy treats

Bathing, grooming

Dog pick-up and drop-off

Special diets accomodated

Medication administered

Progress reports available daily

Companionship with other dogs and people

Creative Exercise - some even have tennis ball machines so dogs can fetch to their hearts content

Behavior modification and individualized attention

Arts and crafts? Yes - your dog may bring home a ceramic paw print!

Cage free environment - lots of room for free play

Aromatherapy and Massages

Entertainment - videos dogs enjoy watching!

Lots of toys

No stress environment - play or plop

Puppy training and other specific training

Climate and/or Viral controlled atmosphere

Piped in music

Choosing Dog Kennels And Boarding For Your Pet

Here is a checklist and some things to review before selecting your dog's day care. You may have other concerns, so write them down before you go.

Good facilities should be happy to have you tour the place, stick around a while to observe the action and answer your questions. Some dog day care facilities may even be able to provide references from satisfied customers.

Ratio of staff to dogs. Are there sufficient staff to supervise playtime and other activities, as well as provide some one-on-one attention?
What is the max capacity and is the facility big enough to keep large and small pets separated?
Pay a few random visits to check housekeeping throughout the day. Cleanliness is a very good indicator of a well-run camp.
What about safety measures. Do they have an evacuation plan?
Are staff trained in dealing with dogs that misbehave?
What are the health and/or vaccinations requirements?
How are vet emergencies handled?
Does the facility have a quiet area for dogs that want to take naps?
Who's in charge? Is the dog day care owner-run? This is a biggie - standards will most likely be higher if the owner is on board.

The pet day care provided by dog kennels and boarding services can be a thoroughly positive way to spoil the dog you love, but choose wisely. Take time time to find a place with a trained staff whose top priority is your dog's safety, well-being and of course, fun!

Then you'll truly have peace of mind knowing that your best friend is in good hands.

One last thought... If you are at a point in your life that includes dating, dog day care can be a help when you just can't take your dog along. But, you might also want to check out some interesting information about dating for dog lovers