Find the optimal place to keep your pup while youre away.

In many cases youre better off leaving your dog at home when you go on a trip, but sometimes a kennel is your only option. Although your dog may not think so at first, being boarded can be a pleasant experience if you find the right place. The key is to choose a kennel with a professional, caring staff and clean facilities that meet your pets needs.

Do Your Homework
Ask your veterinarian or friends to recommend good boarding kennels or check Petopias Pet Services Finder for kennels in your area. Your veterinarian may board animals, which is a great solution because your dog already knows the veterinary staff members - and they know his medical history and can handle any emergencies.

If your veterinarian doesnt offer boarding, find out if the kennel youre considering belongs to the American Boarding Kennel Association. You can also call the Better Business Bureau to make sure no one has issued complaints against the kennel. And keep in mind that youll probably need to make a reservation quite a bit in advance, especially if you want to board your pet during holidays or popular vacation times.

What to Ask
Before you make your final choice, call the two or three kennels at the top of your list to make sure youre getting what you want. Some boarding facilities offer only the basics, including food, water, exercise, and a place to sleep. Other doggy spas pamper your pet with everything from supervised swimming sessions to rooms with a view.

Some kennels ask you to bring your own food. This approach is easier on your dogs tummy because he wont have to switch brands. Other kennels may feed all dogs the same food. Also ask what exercise options you can pick for your dog. Some kennels offer indoor and outdoor runs, walks, and one-on-one play sessions with staff members.

Youll need to weigh your pets needs with your budget and pick the boarding facility that works best for you.

Drop By for a Visit
Its a good idea to check out the kennel before you make a reservation for your dog. The staff should handle the boarded pets gently and talk to them with warmth and enthusiasm.

When you look at the facilities, make sure theyre clean, well lit, and well ventilated. The cages should be strong and have dividers so the boarded pets dont come in contact with each other, and the kennel shouldnt smell offensive or be deafeningly loud. Take a look at the boarded pets too. If they seem happy and well cared for, thats a good sign.

Avoid kennels that dont require boarded animals to be current on rabies, distemper, parvovirus infection, and kennel cough vaccinations. And make sure that the kennel has a relationship with a trusted veterinarian in case of emergency.

Drop-off and Pickup
When you drop off your pet, tell the kennel staff about your dogs normal schedule. Also explain any special needs, health conditions, or allergies, and let them know if your dog needs to receive any medications. Be sure to provide a phone number where you can be reached while youre away and your veterinarians phone number in case of emergency.

When you return, ask the kennel staff how your dog behaved. If the staff reports problems or your dog shows signs of illness, lethargy, anxiety, or weight loss - or if he sheds excessively - consider finding a pet-sitter or using a different kennel the next time you go out of town.