 | Charlie Traffas has been involved in marketing, media, publishing and insurance for more than 40 years. In addition to being a fully-licensed life, health, property and casualty agent, he is also President and Owner of Chart Marketing, Inc. (CMI). CMI operates and markets several different products and services that help B2B and B2C businesses throughout the country create customers...profitably. You may contact Charlie by phone at (316) 721-9200, by e-mail at ctraffas@chartmarketing.com, or you may visit at www.chartmarketing.com. |
Pets
2007-03-01 11:06:00
How to find a great kennel
To answer these questions I went to the expert, Stacy Miles, owner of Wag’en Tail Ranch. She says that a good boarding facility should meet many requirements.
Due to the nature of the business, boarding kennels need to have extended and convenient hours. While no one expects a business to be open 24/7, kennels must be sensitive to owners’ travel schedules.
First time clients should be allowed to tour the area where their dog will be kenneled. The kennels themselves should be large, clean, well lit, and climate controlled. Ideally the dog has one area to sleep and can go outside to exercise and relieve themselves. The kennels should be divided in a way that offers each dog some privacy to minimize fence fighting and excessive barking. Stacy recognizes the importance of making the kennel as familiar as possible. A radio or television playing is soothing to the dogs. Allowing the pet to have their own bed or blanket, and some toys helps reduce the stress of being away from their family. The owners should bring the dog’s food so that a change in diet does not upset the dog’s digestive tract. The kennel staff should be able to feed the dog on a schedule it is accustomed too as well as give medication if needed.
As in any business, a friendly and knowledgeable staff is essential. The people that work at the kennel should be more than dog lovers. They should be trained in handling dogs with all different personalities. Well trained staff can encourage confidence in the timid dog, calm a nervous dog and even diffuse a somewhat aggressive dog. Dogs with major aggression should not be allowed to stay at a boarding facility as they endanger staff, and upset the other dogs. Attentive personnel can tell if your dog is not feeling well or is injured in some way. Current vaccinations such as Rabies, DHPPV and Bordetella will be required for the protection of your dog from communicable diseases.
A truly up to date facility will offer a variety of
services for your pet. One of the fav
orites is a play park where several dogs get to interact with each other in supervised play. Other perks could include obedience training while you’re away, and a groomer to get your pup all dolled up before going home. Innovative facilities are constantly looking to update and improve. Finding the right boarding facility for your dog takes a little research on your part. Plan ahead. Give yourself time to call and visit several facilities in your area. Speak with the staff; find out what services are available for your dog. Remember that the good kennels are often booked far in advance of spring break and major holidays. Make your reservations as early as possible to insure your dog can be accommodated. The boarding experience for your dog should be a fun holiday. His stay should be a doggy vacation, not just a caged stay while the owner’s away.
