[nixietink]

Vito had an temperament evaluation at a doggy day care/boarding facility yesterday. He passed and is staying the night tonight! His first time being boarded in a place like this.

The place is cagefree, so the dogs aren't even caged at night. They stay in a big room with beds and couches. An employee also stays the night with them. Vito will also get to play at doggy day care while he is there.

I was REALLY comfortable with the place, employees, and owner. I just hope Vito likes it there so we have a place we feel ok leaving him!

 

[Joanne & Asia]

Sounds like a wonderful first kennel experience for him. I'm sure he will do great!

 

[hotel4dogs]

just curious, how do they disinfect the beds and couches? What provisions do they make for treating them for fleas, etc?
sorry to play devil's advocate....
just in the business too long I guess.

 

[nixietink]

just curious, how do they disinfect the beds and couches? What provisions do they make for treating them for fleas, etc?
sorry to play devil's advocate....
just in the business too long I guess.

I know the couches are leather, so they can be cleaned easier. The beds are washed everyday. I don't know the specifics of how, as the beds weren't in the room when we were there since they were getting washed. I didn't ask further. It was very clean.

As for fleas, they ask in the eval if you are on prevention, which Vito is. So for me fleas aren't a huge issue. I'm not sure how it works if your dog is NOT on flea control.

I picked this place due to the temperament eval and questionnaire you fill out. I know things can happen anyway, but, it's better to be safe.

 

[hotel4dogs]

sounds wonderful! I'm sure he'll have a great time!

 

[nixietink]

sounds wonderful! I'm sure he'll have a great time!

Thanks!

Since you are the expert on this, any other questions I should ask when we drop him off?? I want to make sure I'm making the best choice!

 

[BajaOklahoma]

We have a place like that here. I'm very interested in how it works for you.

 

[hotel4dogs]

any questions you have need to be addressed now, not when you drop him off!
You probably already addressed this, but where are the dogs fed? Is each one given their own private eating space? A lot of dogs get real funny about having other dogs around when they eat.
What arrangements have they made for vet care should it become necessary?
Exactly who is watching the dogs overnight, and are they in with the dogs the whole time (this one is really important! I can't tell you how many day cares I've toured where the person who gave the tour was supposed to be in with the dogs!)?
What is the temperature at which the building is kept? How often do the dogs go outside?
What do they do if they suspect one of the other dogs is sick? Do they have a place to quarantine the dog?
Geez, there are probably a million others.
The most important thing is that you got a good feeling from them! Trust is what it's all about.

Thanks!

Since you are the expert on this, any other questions I should ask when we drop him off?? I want to make sure I'm making the best choice!

 

[cubbysan]

Hotel4dogs,

Your post would make a good sticky. I knew all the answers to the questions you gave for my old place of boarding, but they were told to me during the tour. Not sure if I would have thought to ask them.

I am going to be looking for a new place now that we moved. I need to write them down.

As for the beds, I know at the school nurse the beds matresses are plastic coated.

 

[Dallas Gold]

Our vet has a handout of questions to ask when considering a boarding facility. This probably isn't a complete list, but it is helpful to give people an idea of what to look for and what to ask. I don't think they will mind if I copy it here:

1. How often and with what disinfecting agents are the pet’s quarters cleaned?
2. What type of bedding material is provided?
3. Are pets walked to eliminate and exercise? If so, where?
4. What type of walking surface is provided? Inside or outside?
5. Does the facility require current immunizations, especially bordetella (kennel cough)?
6. What steps are taken to assure that pets are healthy and parasite free?
7. What diet is provided by the facility?
8. Are staff members trained to monitor pets? Give medications?
9. What protocols are in place to provide medical care in the event of an unexpected illness, injury, or emergency?
10. Are pets kept in separate quarters, or is there a community area where pets intermingle?
11. Are separate cat and dog quarters available?
12. How is noise controlled in the facility?
13. Is ventilation good and temperature comfortable?
14. If community playtime is offered, do trained staff members supervise it? If so, what is the staff per pet ratio during this time?
15. How are pets screened for temperament and socialization skills for interaction with other pets?
16. Are the check-in and checkout times convenient?
17. Are there additional charges for medicating or exercising your pet or feeding a special diet?
18. What additional amenities (such as TVs, music, etc) are offered to make your pet comfortable and feel more at home?
19. Is the pet’s environment generally comfortable?

 

[hotel4dogs]

of course I thought of another one that's really important, but it's probably too late for Vito's overnight stay....
how are the dogs kept quiet before and after meals, and for how long? (think bloat here folks)

 

[Mad's Mom]

This is a good thread. Mad goes to a doggy daycare once a week, and I love the staff and know about their policies, cleaning,vet on call etc. In early Dec. she'll likely need to spend a night or two there (crated for sleep and feeding time which I'm more comfortable with), but as she doesn't normally eat there, I don't know what they do about keeping the dogs quiet before and after meal time. Thanks Hotel4dogs, I'll be asking that this week as that's extremely important!

 

[nixietink]

of course I thought of another one that's really important, but it's probably too late for Vito's overnight stay....
how are the dogs kept quiet before and after meals, and for how long? (think bloat here folks)

I've been gone all day and just got home. But, wanted to say I did ask this question and about feeding time. I'm pretty sure I ran through the other questions the night before.

Since it's cage free, they have tie down spots for each dog. Each dog is on a short tie down far enough away from their neighbor for feedings. Plus they do individual attention time right after meals to avoid tummy upset. I didn't ask how long! DOH! But this is something I constantly worry about- bloat.

But I did have a good feeling! Let you guys know how he is tomorrow!