VACATION TIME WITH GOLDIE

by Sheila Powers
(Originally published in the July/August 1997 issue of GRREAT News)

Boarding Kennels
The first option is a boarding kennel. Here are several tips on how to find a boarding kennel where Goldie may be reasonably comfortable while you are vacationing.

• Ask fellow dog owners where they board their own pets. Your vet's office may also have a recommendation based on its experience.
• Once you have chosen a kennel, visit the facility before you make a reservation for a stay. While you are there, be sure to observe the cleanliness of the entire facility. As a visitor, you should be allowed to visit all areas of the facility. If you are not allowed to physically enter an area, you should at least be allowed to view it through a window
• The facility should not have a heavy disinfectant smell; the operators my be covering an underlying problem
• Ask questions about the supervision of the animals. How often does someone make a full check of the kennel runs? Is there someone on-site 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, including holidays?
• Consider the enclosure your dog will be housed in. Your dog should have regular or free access to an outside kennel run. Do not use a facility that cages the dog and promises regular walks—they just don't happen.
• Members of the kennel staff should be knowledgeable about dogs and truly like workbag with them.
• The kennel should require all incoming animals to have current vaccinations against rabies and other common contagious diseases like parainfluenza-bordatella (kennel cough). Do not be upset that the vaccinations are required—it is for your dog's protection as well as for others'.
• The kennel should have arrangements for veterinary care to be available quickly. It is important that you provide any emergency information regarding your pet to the staff, and be sure your pet is wearing an identification tag.
• Finally, be sure the boarding kennel is licensed. Also, look for the logo of the American Boarding Kennels Association—it's a sign of good business.

The first option is a boarding kennel. Here are several tips on how to find a boarding kennel where Goldie may be reasonably comfortable while you are vacationing.

• Ask fellow dog owners where they board their own pets. Your vet's office may also have a recommendation based on its experience.
• Once you have chosen a kennel, visit the facility before you make a reservation for a stay. While you are there, be sure to observe the cleanliness of the entire facility. As a visitor, you should be allowed to visit all areas of the facility. If you are not allowed to physically enter an area, you should at least be allowed to view it through a window
• The facility should not have a heavy disinfectant smell; the operators my be covering an underlying problem
• Ask questions about the supervision of the animals. How often does someone make a full check of the kennel runs? Is there someone on-site 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, including holidays?
• Consider the enclosure your dog will be housed in. Your dog should have regular or free access to an outside kennel run. Do not use a facility that cages the dog and promises regular walks—they just don't happen.
• Members of the kennel staff should be knowledgeable about dogs and truly like workbag with them.
• The kennel should require all incoming animals to have current vaccinations against rabies and other common contagious diseases like parainfluenza-bordatella (kennel cough). Do not be upset that the vaccinations are required—it is for your dog's protection as well as for others'.
• The kennel should have arrangements for veterinary care to be available quickly. It is important that you provide any emergency information regarding your pet to the staff, and be sure your pet is wearing an identification tag.
• Finally, be sure the boarding kennel is licensed. Also, look for the logo of the American Boarding Kennels Association—it's a sign of good business.

Take Your Pet With You Take Your Pet With You
A second option is to take your pet on vacation with you— about 5.4 million Americans do this annually. This may not necessarily be the best plan, particularly in hot weather. Many dogs do not travel well and, unfortunately, dogs are not welcome in many places. However, if you are planning to take your dog with you, by all means call ahead to find out whether he or she will be a welcome guest at your destination.

Pet Sitters
The third option is the one I consider the best. A live-in house- and pet-sitter is a perfect solution for most households. A person who is familiar with your home and pets stays in your home while you are gone. You have the security of knowing that both your home and pets are being well cared for by someone who cares about them. You can relax on your vacation knowing that your newspapers are being brought in, your plants are being watered, and your pets are comfortable in familiar surroundings.