Hiya we've got to put our 5 month old labrador in boarding kennels for 3 days. Are they any specific questions we should ask before we decide which kennel we want to house and care for our 'Oscar'? Thanx alot!

Hi if you say which area you are looking for there might be some on here that can help.

Hi Corso Girl i'm in Stockport, Greater Manchester!

Hi Emmajayne
I live in stockport, A friend of mine uses The Lodge opposite wyevale garden centre in marple, not chadkirk the one before it, she has always been pleased. I am using one near hazel grove that only takes 12 small dogs (I have a bichon). Also if you are still looking my son has two labs & very fussy so I could ask him where he uses.
Regards Pauline

I always think personal recommendation is the best way to find a good kennels. I would go and visit preferably not when it has been arranged but within their normal opening times. I would ask about the daily routine all the dogs get and also how much one to one time they are likely to get. Important for a Lab who is so young.

Lucy

Hi Emma,

I know this is not the correct reply to you question but I can give you the details of a very good kennel who especially welcomes labradors . If they are too far away they could maybe recommend a good one nearer you.

If you like mail me on preidie@yahoo.com

BFN Pam

Ok Emma here we go
1 ring and ask opening times then turn up unexpectedly. A good kennels will show you around any appointments or refusal should be a warning
2 Make sure you see everything not just want they want you to see
3 do the kennels smell, is excreatment on the floor, are the dogs looking happy, are the water bowls full
how do they exercise and where there should be signs if exercised on grass, or do the lead walk and if so how many at a time (not recommended)
4 insist on taking dog into kennels not a hand over job in reception.
5 are the animals insured during the stay
6 check to see if kennels are licenced ,the licence must be displayed
7 if you dog goes sick what actions do the kennel owners take i.e which vet
8 trick question! can someone come and see how you dog is whilst you are away if not why?
9 do the kennels have perminant staff or yts or p/t it does make a difference as the dogs get used to familiar faces.
10 do the kennels feed the same as you feed or can you take your own food
11 do they insist on kennel cough vaccinations
what happens if for some reason you cannot pick up on day stated due to accident or whatever.
12 all kennels must have isolation block in case dogs are ill make sure they do
13 after inspection ask local dog owners about the kennels or the local vets.
14 thunder/lightning can be a problem for some dogs what action do they take for it.

these are some suggestions hope it is of some help
Bazza (Kennel Owner)

Hi Bazza, I really like reading your posts giving advice to what to look for in kennels :) I`ve managed to answer most of your questions positively except for 2 or 3!!!! :) One thing the owners always commented on was theres no smell & how their dogs would start jumping in the car when they turned down the road to get to my place. Used your questionaire as a guidline for my own, hope you didn`t mind :) Only ones negative were vaccs(bet everyone knew that already) & insurance cos the system doesn`t really work the same over here but I have vet on 24hr call yr round & would never hesitate to use them. And all the dogs had free exercise with others or by themselves depending on dog/circumstances/age etc. I thought it better than a lead. Family/friends have come & visited boarding dogs but it`s not something I like them doing, it upsets the dog or the dog ignores them & the people don`t like that & then I`m left with an unsettled dog!!! One thing I learnt very early on was happy dogs make for happy kennels & as its also our home cleanliness was top of the list as well.
I closed my kennels last Sunday for the foreseeable future, I run them on my own & hubby helped out when not at work, so I guess that makes me retired now!!!! Thanks Bazza cos you helped me as well :)

Christine, Spain.