Finding the perfect home away from home for your beloved pet while you’re traveling, working, or just need a temporary safe space can be a top priority for any pet owner. Searching for “Pet Kennels Near Me” can bring up a lot of options, but how do you choose the right one? This guide will help you navigate the world of pet kennels, ensuring your furry friend receives the best possible care and attention.
When you’re looking for pet care, especially dog and cat kennels, you want to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enriching environment. Pet kennels, also known as boarding kennels, offer temporary housing and care for pets. Modern pet kennels are designed to cater to the diverse needs of animals, offering more than just basic shelter. They often include spacious accommodations, exercise areas, and even personalized care programs.
What to Look for in Pet Kennels Near Me
When searching for “pet kennels near me,” consider these key factors to make an informed decision:
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: A reputable kennel will prioritize cleanliness. Look for kennels that are well-maintained, with clean and sanitized spaces. Hygiene protocols should be evident to prevent the spread of illness.
- Spacious and Comfortable Accommodations: Pets need adequate space to move around comfortably. Kennels should offer runs or enclosures that are appropriately sized for your pet breed and size. Comfortable bedding and climate control are also important.
- Exercise and Play Areas: Physical activity is crucial for a pet’s well-being. Inquire about the kennel’s exercise facilities. Grassy lawns, play yards, and indoor exercise areas are signs of a kennel that cares about pet activity levels.
- Qualified and Caring Staff: The staff’s attitude and qualifications are paramount. A good kennel will have knowledgeable and compassionate staff who are passionate about animal care. Ask about staff training and experience in handling different pet needs.
- Safety and Security: Pet safety should be a top priority. Kennels should have secure fencing, controlled access, and emergency protocols in place. Knowing your pet is safe and secure provides peace of mind.
- Services Offered: Different kennels offer varying services. Consider what your pet needs. Do they need basic boarding, or do you require grooming, medication administration, or specialized diets? Choose a kennel that can accommodate your pet’s specific requirements.
- Vaccination and Health Requirements: Responsible kennels require proof of up-to-date vaccinations to protect all pets in their care. Be prepared to provide vaccination records and inquire about their health protocols.
- Pricing and Transparency: Understand the kennel’s pricing structure. Are there additional fees for extra services? A transparent pricing policy is a hallmark of a trustworthy business.
Services Offered: More Than Just Boarding
Modern pet kennels offer a range of services to ensure your pet’s stay is enjoyable and stress-free. These can include:
Dog Kennels and Cat Kennels
Separate dog and cat areas minimize stress for both species. Cat kennels are often designed to be quieter and more secluded, while dog kennels may offer more social interaction opportunities (if appropriate and supervised).
- Regular and Small Dog Kennels: Kennels come in various sizes to accommodate different dog breeds and sizes. Small dog kennels are ideal for smaller breeds, while regular kennels offer more space for larger dogs.
- Cat Rooms/Kennels: Cat-specific kennels or rooms are designed to cater to feline needs, often including climbing structures, scratching posts, and quiet spaces.
Grooming Services
Many kennels offer grooming services such as baths and brushing, either as part of the boarding package or as an add-on service. This is convenient for pet owners who want their pet to be fresh and clean upon pick-up.
- Baths and Brushing: Basic grooming services help keep pets clean and comfortable during their stay. Some kennels offer options with owner-provided shampoo or kennel-provided shampoo.
Pet Taxi Services
For pet owners with busy schedules or transportation limitations, some kennels provide pet taxi services. This service ensures your pet can be safely and comfortably transported to and from the kennel.
- Safe and Comfortable Transport: Pet taxi services use pet-safe vehicles and experienced drivers to transport pets to various destinations, including the kennel, airport, or home.
Pricing and Fees: Understanding the Costs
Pet kennel pricing varies depending on location, services, and kennel type. It’s important to understand the fee structure upfront. Here is a general idea of potential costs, but always confirm directly with the kennel:
| Service | Price (Example) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Dog Run (under 14lbs) | $40/night | |
| Cat Room | $45/night | |
| Regular Dog Run (15lbs+) | $70/night | |
| Bath | $30/pet | May vary by size and coat |
| Medication | $10/med/prescription | For the first 2 prescriptions |
| Kennel Food | $5/pet/day | If you don’t provide your pet’s food |
Discounts and Additional Fees:
- Long-Stay Discounts: Some kennels offer discounts for extended stays (e.g., 30 consecutive nights or longer).
- Medication Fees: Administering medication may incur a small daily fee, especially for multiple medications.
- Food Charges: If you don’t provide your pet’s food, kennels may charge a daily fee to provide their standard food.
- Container Sales: Some kennels might sell food containers if your provided container doesn’t meet their requirements (air-tight, hard container).
Health, Safety, and Requirements: Ensuring Pet Well-being
Reputable pet kennels prioritize the health and safety of all animals in their care. They have specific requirements to minimize health risks and ensure a safe environment.
- Vaccination Requirements: Proof of current vaccinations is mandatory for dogs and cats. This typically includes core vaccines like Distemper, Bordetella (for dogs), and FVRCP (for cats), and may include rabies.
- Parasite Prevention: Pets must be free from fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites. Kennels may require pets to be on preventative medications.
- Medication Administration: Kennels can usually administer medications (excluding injections) if provided in original packaging with proper labeling.
- Food Policies: If you provide your pet’s food, it must be in an air-tight, hard container (no bags or flimsy containers). This prevents pests and keeps food fresh.
Booking and Reservations: Planning Your Pet’s Stay
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Understand the kennel’s reservation and cancellation policies.
- Deposits: Kennels usually require a deposit to secure a reservation. The deposit amount may vary based on the length of stay.
- Payment Methods: Most kennels accept major credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods when booking.
- Cancellation Policies: Understand the cancellation policy. Cancellations made within a certain timeframe may result in a credit or loss of deposit.
- Changes to Reservations: Modifying reservation dates may also be subject to policies, potentially incurring charges if changes are made close to the booking date.
Finding the Right “Pet Kennels Near Me”
Searching for “pet kennels near me” is the first step. Visit the websites of local kennels, read online reviews, and ideally, visit the kennel in person before booking. Meeting the staff, observing the facilities, and asking questions will help you make the best choice for your pet. Choosing a reliable and caring pet kennel ensures your pet is happy, healthy, and safe while you’re apart.
When you find a kennel that meets your criteria, you can travel or manage your commitments with the confidence that your furry friend is in good hands. Prioritize your pet’s well-being and choose a “pet kennel near me” that truly feels like a home away from home.
