Choosing whom to take care of your dog in your absence is a significantly important decision. You should thoroughly investigate where your dog goes for daycare, boarding or grooming before selecting a location. Are the staff members certified in CPR and pet first aid? Is your dog left alone during the day or night? What about their state and city commercial dog kennel license? Zoning?
Pet sitting and daycare businesses seem to be popping with more frequency lately, but can you be sure these locations are trustworthy enough to care for your furry friend? Before boarding, evaluate a kennel’s qualifications to be sure your pet is in good hands – ensure the best boarding scenario for your dog.
State and Local Regulations
The kenneling industry is unregulated at the Federal level, leaving individual cities and states to implement regulations as they see fit. The Pet Care Services Association (PCSA), a non-profit organization dedicated to assuring standards of quality and professional care, reports that only about 20 states have adopted any formal regulatory standards for boarding kennels.
According to Alamo Area Partners for Animal Welfare, any San Antonio commercial kennel that is unlicensed by the city is considered a public nuisance, and animals may be impounded if above the legal limit allowed per resident.
To obtain a license, the facilities are inspected and approved, taking into consideration the type of construction as it relates to sanitation, the health and welfare of the dogs and cats and related zoning regulations. After an administrative hearing, a determination of whether the commercial kennel conditions and the applicant’s animal care practices meet the standards defined by law, whether the facilities are adequate, and whether the applicant is otherwise willing and capable of complying with city ordinances.
Staff Training
When deciding between facilities to board your pet, inquire about how employees are trained and how much continuing education is required. A well-trained and competent staff will ensure the safety of your pet.
Arrange a tour of the facilities before hand and make a point to meet key staff members in person. Kindness, patience and compassion are important characteristics in kennel staff. Background knowledge of canine behaviors and a natural ability with dogs is also imperative.
Facilities
Preventing animal cruelty includes ensuring more than just a minimal supply of adequate food, water and shelter. During your visit to the facilities, pay attention to where your dog will be housed. Is it secure? How tall are the fences? How large are the kennels themselves? Is it clean and sanitary? How large are the kennel runs? Is there adequate shade and water in the runs?
Also, ask questions about dog play groups. Playgroups shouldn’t be too large. They should be carefully supervised and dogs should be screened beforehand to determine their eligibility to participate in playgroups.
Your pet(s) is of the utmost importance; a reasonable amount of time and energy should therefore be expended ensuring their kennel is the ideal choice. With the inconsistent regulation of commercial kennels across states and the increased quantity of smaller dog sitting businesses, research is essential.
Here at Pawderosa, our kennels are certified and regulated because we know that your dogs are apart of the family and should be treated as such. We are also a member of “Dog Gurus” and are certified in Four Legged First Aid.
Sources
No Oversight For Texas Pet Boarding Businesses
http://www.aapaw.org/city-of-san-antonio-animal-codes.html
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/13_1/features/Boarding-Your-Dog-Best-Options_16191-1.html
