No pet owner looks forward to having to use long term dog boarding to care for their pet. There are, however, sometimes circumstances that require such a move. Some of the reasons that one might use long term dog boarding include:
- Building or Remodeling a Home – If you have to rent while your home is built or rebuilt, such as may be the case after a fire or natural disaster, you may have no choice but to board your dog while the work is being done.
- Long Vacation – If you are going on an extended vacation, you many need to utilize a long term boarding service.
- Long Term House Guest – If you are have a long term house guest that is allergic to pets, long term dog boarding may be necessary.
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How to Choose the Best Long Term Dog Boarding Facility
Long Term Dog Boarding: How to Choose
Keep in mind that not all long term dog boarding facilities are created equally. When looking for long term dog boarding in Chicago or long term dog boarding in Atlanta, you will have more choices than if you are looking in a smaller town. Still, it is important to do research so that you will know that you are leaving your pets in the best possible hands. Below are just some of the steps that you can take when choosing a long term dog boarding facility.
- Unannounced Visit – Don’t make an appointment for your first visit. Instead, come by unannounced. You want to see how the facility looks on a normal day, not when they are expecting a potential clients.
- References – Always ask for and check references from any long term dog boarding facility that you are considering.
- Better Business Bureau – A quick call to the Better Business Bureau will let you know if the facility has any complaints.
- Cleanliness – If the facility is very dirty, find another. If they do not care for their facility, they will probably not care for your pet.
- Staff – The staff should be friendly and helpful. Ideally, they will seem to take a genuine interest in the pets that they are caring for.
- Other Dogs – Are the other dogs in the facility clean and do they seem well-cared for? Are there water bowls full? Paying attention to the other dogs in a long term dog boarding facility can tell you a lot about the place.
Long Term Dog Boarding: What it Costs
The cost for long term dog boarding will vary based on where you are and what types of amenities are provided. Long term dog boarding in Los Angeles will likely cost more than long term dog boarding in Maryland simply because the cost of living is different in the two areas.
The best way to get a sense of the costs near you is to call some local facilities.
Long Term Dog Boarding: Other Options
Some pet owners are uncomfortable with the idea of long term boarding. There are other options.
One of the best is to hire someone to stay at your home while you are away. Also, some businesses offer a long term foster dog arrangement in which your dog will stay in someone’s home rather than a long term dog boarding facility.