Questions to ask and think about

Are you a consumer looking for a new pet care facility? Here are the key questions you should ask:

• Is the facility a member of an association for boarding, doggie daycare, grooming or training?
• What is staff-to-pet ratio (how many employees do they staff for each pet)?
• As you tour the facility, is it clean, sanitary, and secure?
• Does your dog have his own run or suite, or will he be housed in a crate?
• Is the facility climate controlled with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter?
• If housed in a crate, how frequently are they let out for exercise and elimination?
• Does the facility have someone on site at all times?
• If in a run, does it have an indoor and outdoor portion?
• Will your dog be with other dogs not related to them, and how much contact will there be with other dogs?
• What types of cleaning products does the kennel use, and are they pet safe?
• Are there security fences around the boarding area?
• What services does the facility offer?
• Can your pets go for a nature walk, play Frisbee or ball, and get a bath?
• What if your pet requires medication during its stay, how will those be administered?
• How long has the facility been in business?
• What type of animal care training does the staff receive?
• Does the facility have an evacuation plan for both on-site and off-site evacuations?
• If your dog requires grooming, what options do they offer?
• Do they have a dedicated grooming area for the dogs to reduce stress during the process?
• What types of equipment and products do they use?
• How much experience do their groomers have in special breed cuts?
• Are their products natural and specifically made for dogs and cats (regular human shampoos will dry out skin and may cause an allergic reaction)?
• Does the facility offer any special treatments for itchy, dry skin or shedding?

For a print version of these questions to have with you when interviewing a pet care facility…