Leaving home for a vacation or business trip is stressful enough without the constant worries surrounding which dog kennel to board your dog. A quick look through the local Yellow Pages will reveal a plethora of pet boarding options, but it is often difficult to make sense out of what the textual jargon means. There are many different philosophies regarding proper dog care and boarding. Here are a few tips to ease the stress of finding a kennel that is in line with your desires.

It's important to have an in-depth talk with kennel proprietors before deciding who to trust with your precious companion. Actually liking the people you are dealing with will go a long way in making this a comfortable decision. It's advisable that pet-owners check out the facility in-person before deciding who to use. If the place is unsanitary or suffers from other issues regarding cleanliness, it is time to move on to the next option. You can't get a true feel for the place with just a friendly chat over the phone. Also, an in home dog kennel service may fit your needs if your dog is more comfortable at home.

The size of a facility can tell you a lot about the type of care your dog will receive. A large dog kennel makes it harder for the operators to give your animal the individual attention you may want, but the costs will often be lower. A small dog kennel may be just what you are looking for, especially if your pet requires specialized care or extra attention, but the price of such a facility may be prohibitive.

Understanding the layout of a kennel is important in deciding if the facility meets your criteria. Ask questions about the dog kennel runs, as this aspect is critical in whether or not your pet will get enough exercise to be happy there. Determine if your dog will have their own private run, or if they will intermingle with the other animals. If your pet has trouble socializing with other dogs, an upscale facility that offers individual runs will be your best option.

When you have narrowed down your choices to just a few facilities, it's time to find out about their specific dog kennel plans and price options, as well as their policies regarding dropping off and picking up. Many pet-boarding facilities have cut-off times which are used to determine if you will be charged more if you are not able to drop off or pick up your dog until late in the day, but most reputable businesses will pro-rate their fees to accommodate pet-owners. Just because certain dog kennels cost less doesn't automatically mean they are inferior to a pricier facility. It's all a matter of your dog's preferences and the services you choose.