What to look for at a day care center or boarding kennel
What to look for at a day care center or boarding kennel:
* Clean facilities
* Adequate ventilation and lighting
* Comfortable temperature
* Resting areas for
dogs off of the concrete
* Feces or urine in
kennels or play area
* Unpleasant smells
* The sizes of individual
kennels
* Location of
kennels-indoors or outdoors
* Type of bedding
* Easy access to clean water
* Watch the staff member’s behavior with the animals-do they speak harshly, hit, smack, or manipulate the
dogs roughly? Do they indicate a dislike for a certain
dog or speak derogatorily of any animals? These are all warning signals.
* Noise level. Although it’s impossible to prevent
dogs from barking (especially while someone is walking through the facility), the
kennel should not be over crowded to the point where
dogs are continually barking.
* Type of exercise. Is it roomy and secure? Are there any opportunities for a
dog to get out? Is it grass, concrete, or dirt? Is feces picked up promptly?
* Observe activities that are offered. How does the staff interact with the
dogs? How many
dogs do they turn out together? Are there any aggressive
dogs or situations in which
dogs may fight? Are the
dogs observed closely, and are all the activities safe? Is there a pool, is it easy for a
dog to get out of? Does a staff member keep a close watch on it?
* Listen to your gut instinct. Does it feel good or bad to you?
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