Welcome to the ultimate guide to dog boarding! Whether you’re a new dog owner or have had your furry friend for years, chances are that at some point you’ll need to find someone else to take care of them while you’re away. That’s where dog boarding comes in – it’s a service that allows your dog to stay in a safe and comfortable environment with experienced caregivers while you’re away. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dog boarding so you can make informed decisions for your beloved pup.

If you are looking for Dog Boarding in San Rafael then reach out to the experts at Bridewell Hilltop Boarding Kennels & Cattery.

Benefits of Boarding Your Pooch

Reputable dog boarding facilities go the extra mile to create a safe, comfortable environment for their guests. They have dedicated play areas where dogs can socialize with each other. Dog boarding provides plenty of physical and mental stimulation for dogs.

Dog boarding facilities employ animal experts who keep a careful watch on facility guests. They supervise puppy play sessions and intervene immediately if it gets too rough to ensure the dogs’ safety.

Dogs thrive on routines. A routine brings structure to your pooch’s life. When you leave your four-legged friend home alone, their routine is disrupted, which can trigger anxiety. One way to avoid this problem is to board your dog. A Dog daycare facility provides a structured routine for their guests.

If your pooch has some special dietary requirements or you give them medication, share the necessary details and instructions with the doggy daycare facility before boarding your dog and the staff will take care of everything. Many dog daycare facilities offer grooming and other services. Before using these services, take the time to understand their costs.

Is Dog Boarding Safe?

Dog boarding is safe for your dog given that you choose a reputable facility. Renowned facilities take various measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests. They have separate playgroups based on their guests’ energy level, play style, and size.

Viruses and bacteria can jump from one dog to another and healthy dogs can contract certain diseases while playing with dogs carrying germs. To alleviate dog owners’ concerns, dog boarding facilities only accept dogs that have completed their first round of vaccinations.

To prevent dogs from running away, reputable dog daycare facilities install (at least six feet) fencing. They also have double entry doors (that is a primary door and a secondary door) to prevent dogs from door dashing.

At What age can a Puppy go to Dog Boarding?

Puppies typically complete their first round of vaccinations within the first 12 weeks after they’re born and a follow-up at 16 weeks, which is why many boarding facilities won’t admit puppies younger than four months.

A puppy’s immune system might require up to five months to mature fully. Although some dog boarding facilities may accept puppies after their first round of vaccinations, it’s advisable to wait until your dog has received its second round to ensure they’re less susceptible to infections.

Choosing the Right Dog Daycare Facility for Your Dog

Dog boarding in San Rafael is a great option for busy dog parents. Reputable dog boarding facilities take good care of their guests and go the extra mile to ensure they have a comfortable stay.
Unfortunately, not all dog boarding facilities are created equally. Do your research to determine if the facility you are considering is equipped to take care of your four-legged friend.

Here are some tips for choosing the right dog daycare facility.

Check Facilities’ Reputation

Before boarding your dog, check the facility’s online and offline reputation. Talk to friends or family members who have used the service before and ask them if they’d recommend the facility (why or why not?). Go to the business’s social media profiles to check what people are saying about them and read customer reviews on reputable third-party review sites.

Ask Questions

When evaluating a facility, ask as many questions as you can. A reputable facility worthy of your trust will answer any questions you may have and alleviate your concerns. If the staff at a dog daycare facility tries to dodge questions or you feel rushed at the appointment, walk away!

Here are some questions to ask a dog daycare facility.

➢ What will be my dog’s typical day at the facility like?
➢ What are your vaccination and spay and neuter requirements?
➢ What is the ratio of daycare staff to guests?
➢ What steps does the facility staff take to ensure the safety of dogs?
➢ What certification and training does the staff have?
➢ What are the cleaning protocols?

Tour the Facility with Your dog

Touring the facility with your canine before boarding them is a great way to get the animal familiar with the facility’s environment. When touring a facility, pay attention to lingering odors, which can mean that kennels aren’t cleaned regularly or properly. Notice how your pooch reacts to the smells, sights, and sounds. Also, watch how your dog reacts when a facility employee approaches them.

Preparing Your dog for Daycare

Once you have chosen a dog daycare facility, take your dog to the vet for a check-up. Dogs may feel nervous and anxious in a new environment. If you’re boarding your pooch for the first time, remember to put their favorite toys, blanket, treats, and your t-shirt, pajama, or any other piece of clothing with your scent on it in their bag. These items can help reduce your dog’s stress and calm them. Also, remember to pack your pooch’s medicine. When dropping your dog at the facility, keep the goodbye short and sweet.

Bridewell Hilltop Boarding Kennels & Cattery is committed to helping dog owners avoid the guilt of leaving their beloved furry friends home alone. Equipped with modern amenities, our facility is designed with our guests’ needs in mind. To learn more, call 415-897-5471.