A dog boarding house is a professional dog shelter. Shelter for the dog with an owner who does not work at home and for the dog who cannot or may not go on holiday with the owner. There are many different dog boarding houses, making it difficult for dog owners to find the best dog boarding house. What makes a good dog boarding house and which facilities are important for your dog?
What is a dog boarding house and how does it work?
A dog boarding house is a professional shelter for dogs. This can be daily or for a longer period during vacation or other absence of the dog owner, such as work abroad or hospital stay. It is discussed in advance what the possibilities are in the dog boarding house and what you as the owner of the dog are looking for in a professional dog shelter.
The diversity of dog boarding has increased enormously since the early 21st century. Sometimes referred to as a pet hotel or pet resort, they can be extremely luxurious. Incidentally, some guesthouses take care of several types of pets, such as cats, rodents, or parrot-like.
The pros and cons of a dog in the dog boarding house
If you are seriously considering taking your dog to a dog boarding house, then it is good to realize that there are both advantages and disadvantages to a dog boarding house. By weighing the pros and cons, you make it easier for yourself to make an informed decision to accommodate your dog there or come up with a different solution. Think of friends or family who does want to look after your dog.
The advantages
A professional dog board ensures that there is enough time to take the dogs outside. One or more groups of socialized dogs must be able to play outside under supervision. This usually concerns run-out fields near the indoor enclosure, possibly with water nearby. The dog pension is also useful for the socialization process of the dog.
Socialization is important because a dog learns to adapt to the standards of the individuals he lives with. A good boarding house pays attention to the dynamics between the dogs. If your dog needs medication, the boarding housekeeper can administer it according to the instructions.
Many dog boarding houses also have a line with a veterinarian in the immediate area who can give advice or check a dog if desired. Dogs need structure. That daily structure in a controlled environment, a good boarding house can provide the dogs and most dogs thrive on that.
The cons
Although the dog is a social animal, it can still experience stress around other dogs. Look at it in the beginning, because it can also only be about the introduction. However, if it causes structural stress to the dog, it is not advisable to take your dog to a dog boarding house. If you only bring the dog for the holiday, plan two or three days in a row and do this in time.
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This gives you enough time, if necessary, to find another solution for your holiday. Although the dog in the dog boarding house should always be properly vaccinated, your dog may be more likely to contract something from another dog than in the home situation. In any case, agree on which vaccination your dog should have in any case. The dog passport states exactly which vaccination your dog has Some dogs cannot tolerate all types of food or even have a special diet.
Agree with the boarding house owner whether your dog can be fed separately. This is not a matter of course with all dog boarding houses. If it is not about a holiday but about bringing the dog away every day, it simply takes time. Time for drop-off and pick-up. The chosen dog boarding house is not always around the corner. Although there are a luxury and less luxurious dog boarding houses, a professional dog boarding house costs money anyway.
What criteria should a good dog boarding house meet?
Once you have weighed the pros and cons and decided to look for a good dog boarding house, start by checking to see if there are dog boarding houses near your home. If not, you can choose to look at dog boarding houses on the way to work. 
This aspect does not play a role if you only bring your dog away for the holiday, but it is still nice if it is also somewhat nearby. Then you go to see what you think the dog boarding should meet. What minimum requirements do you set for a good shelter for your dog?
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Finding the right dog boarding house
- Check the internet to see which dog boarding houses are in your area, whether they are certified, and start reading reviews. It doesn’t say everything, but it is a start.
- Take a good look at the websites what the dog boarding houses offer. Some specialize in senior dogs or small dogs and others can provide a good home for all dogs.
- Make a selection (basic facilities, certain luxury, specific target group, price), and make sure you have an overview of what they say to offer when you go to view the dog boarding houses. You must be able to tick off your selection on location.
- The dog boarding house must be well maintained and clean. What is your first impression, do you smell any unpleasant (urine) odors, is it safe (the gates are high and can be closed), animals can leave in an emergency and how often cleaning is done, … This applies to both the indoor as an outdoor space.
- Also determine whether, for example, if your dog has a different diet, they can and want to implement this properly. If so, how do they do that?
- The prices are in principle on the website but coordinate on location what is covered. Sometimes they only list a base price and you have to pay extra for extras. The basic price in 2020 is approximately dolled 12 per day and this can rise to doller 25. This can be related to extras and the size of the dog.
- Less practical and tangible but important is your feeling. The environment where you may be taking your dog will make you feel good. Try to find this out when you go on a tour with the pensioner. Do you see your dog happily walking around there?
- If you think you have found a good dog boarding house, you can choose to plan a kind of ‘trial day’ first. This is not a problem with most dog boarding houses and can help you make a final decision. Do this before the holidays and the structural care in good time, this gives you enough space to find an alternative, if necessary.
Luxury for the dog
The luxury that can be offered to the dogs in the guesthouses is increasing. It goes without saying that everything comes with a price tag. What ‘luxury’ for the dog should you think of:
- Delivery service
- Forest walks
- sports
- Organic food
- Trimming
Finally
It is a bit of a job to find a good (temporary) shelter for your dog. A shelter where you feel good and your dog can spend the day happily. For most dog owners, the dog is a precious possession and you do not just leave it everywhere.
