Tips for Choosing the Right Cat Boarding Kennel

Pet lovers dread the thought of leaving a cat behind while going out of town. Although cats do relatively well for several days alone as long as they have plenty of food and water, there is always a concern of something horrible happening. To put a person's mind at ease, putting a cat in a boarding kennel is an option to consider. Of course, there are both good and bad kennels, which is why it is so important for a person to know what to look for when making the selection.

Cat boarding services are available throughout the country, even in smaller towns. While some kennels are privately owned businesses others are services provided by veterinarian clinics. Regardless of which option a person feels more comfortable with or the exact option available, it is still important to choose wisely. With the following tips, choosing cat boarding services would be easier.

Inspections

As a pet owner, an individual has the right and responsibility to check out a facility before leaving a pet in the care of another person. The following are some of the specific things a reputable kennel should provide specifically for the care of cats.

    Individual living/sleep space
    Solid dividers between cat kennels to prevent the spread of disease
    Special area away from other pets for sick animals
    Adequate ventilation, as well as natural sunlight
    Fresh food and water daily
    Safe and functioning heat and cooling systems
    If an outdoor area is available, this area should protect against harsh sunlight, heat, cold, wind, rain, and even snow
    Security for each kennel but also the facility overall
    Strict regulations regarding acceptance of animals that are up-to-date on all required vaccinations
    Clean and safe areas to prevent potential injury

Selecting the best cat boarding facility can be challenging, which is why inspecting several ahead of time is so important. During the visit, a person would have the opportunity to look around but also ask questions. Usually, a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker could offer suggestions but if not, information about qualified kennels can be found through a local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, and other trusted sources.

Importance of Cleanliness

Although there are several things to look for, cleanliness speaks volume. Therefore, the premises inside and outside should be tidy and properly maintained, walls nicely painted, no signs of mold, mildew or deterioration, and animal's bowls filled with fresh food and water. Even the smell of a kennel would be a telltale sign. While eliminating all pet odors would be impossible, the facility should never have an overwhelming odor.

On a final note, it would be important to develop a good rapport with the owner of the cat boarding kennel but also staff members. Information should be exchanged in case of questions or an emergency so either party could get in touch if needed. Good planning is essential when choosing a kennel but by looking at several options, asking for references, reading reviews, and actually walking through facilities a cat owner would be able to identify the right place.