O/T kenneling (dogs)

[luv2cook]

Well, I'd love to have someone stay here instead of just visit. I have a cat sitter.

My other dog is very social, too, but Jake doesn't seem to do well left alone for long periods of time. He is very social and he will eat something, trust me. So far the casualties:

My DH's fav. golf hat
My new Southern Living 2000 cookbook
My cats' circle play toy
A box of nonfat dried milk (don't ask)
My new foot cream I now use from the top instead of the bottom
(all since Dec. of 2000)

[SandyM]

Our dog sitter sleeps at our home. She's there the entire time, when she's not working.

I feel your pain, really - even though our dogs (thank you God) are not chewers.

Wish I could help . . . . .

[aggie94]

I've also kenneled our dogs once, in College Station, and wouldn't do it again. The place we used also had concrete outdoor runs, with a portion that was indoors for shelter from the elements and warmth. There was a dog door adjoining the two sections, and the indoor part was heated and there were blankets for a bed inside as well. The kennel owners lived onsite and had a large fenced yard, so everyday, they would let the dogs out of their runs to play and socialize together.

I felt comfortable with the facility. It was a reputable place, the owners were nice, and they were very accommodating about the dogs' diets and medications -- we brought along food and medication with instructions on how often/how much to feed/administer.

When we picked them up, they were smelly and dirty from being outside all the time (they're generally indoor/outdoor dogs). Plus, one of them developed kennel cough. I have no complaints about the place we had them boarded, just the idea of having them kenneled in the first place.

If you do go ahead with the kenneling, I can ask my parents for a reference in Houston -- they boarded their dogs when they came out for my wedding last summer. Also, be sure to take your dogs in for a booster on their kennel cough vaccinations right before dropping them off -- they're generally only good for a few weeks.

If you can avoid it, I'd try to find another option, like a housesitter like SandyM described, or a pet "hotel." (I've never looked into these, but have heard about more "luxurious" accommodations for pets.)

I'll talk to my mom and see what kennel she uses.

[RunnerKim]

Another option is that there are people/companies that take your pet into their own home while you're gone. I imagine they would be set up for pets than your SIL's house.

Also I think some places set up play groups so that the dogs get some entertainment. Or they're taken for walks. Make sure you can do an un-announced visit - and check how clean the facilities are. You can also often kennel your dogs together, which provides them comfort (if they get along).

If you decide to kennel your dog(s) while gone you should do it for just an overnight visit well in advance of the trip. Help them get adjusted so it won't be as big a deal for your longer trip. Maybe you could see about your SIL stopping in a couple of times to visit/walk them.

Also, check with your vet's office - they often provide boarding services too.

Kim

PS - Aggie94, I have to respectfully disagree. I wouldn't do any sort of vaccinations in the couple of weeks prior to something as stressful as kenneling would be. It's not uncommon in my experience that a dog that's been given a kennel cough vaccine actually comes down with a mild case of it. Vaccines stress a dog's immune system and I wouldn't want to add that to the additional stress from kennelling.

[This message has been edited by RunnerKim (edited 05-15-2001).]

[aggie94]

One more thing --

As far as things to look for or ask in picking a facility, I can't offer much since it's been years since I did this and only did it once. But I would make sure that they are VERY accommodating. No one that's caring for pets should have any objection to you bringing along their toys, beds, food & water bowls, medication, emergency contact information, etc. I'm guessing it's probably already pretty warm there too, so I'd make sure the runs are climate-controlled. I would assume that all kennels in Texas have offer heat and A/C, but you might double check just to be on the safe side. I'd also ask what they do in case of emergency with your pets and aren't able to reach you. I'd want to know that they would be willing to take my animals either to an emergency facility or, in case of a less urgent problem, to MY vet, who knows them well.

Runnerkim - I appreciate your opinion, but I still disagree. I wouldn't kennel my dogs without vaccinating for kennel cough first. If you don't, you're practically guaranteed to have them pick it up at the kennel, despite how good a facility might be. Most vets only suggest a booster once a year, with your other vaccinations, but the truth is that the kennel cough vaccination is only good for very short periods of time. We don't even bother with it, unless we're taking them somewhere in the near future where they might be exposed. So even if the facility "requires" vaccinations, it doesn't mean the animals people board have been vaccinated RECENTLY for kennel cough. It could have been last summer with their annual shots, and that won't do a bit of good now.

Whatever you decide, talk to your vet about your options and whether he/she recommends the vaccination or not.

[This message has been edited by aggie94 (edited 05-15-2001).]

[sneezles]

luv2cook
Don't know where you are in Houston and I only used this kennel once (every other place we went Roxi went with) but I used the Pampered Pet Inn @ 2411 Bissonnet (713-522-7387). I ahve a very good friend who occasionally has to kennel her dog, Clyde, and she uses a place that has very strict rules about the dogs...she lives out by Richmond/Rosenburg and can ask her the name of the place if that would be convenient for you.

[luv2cook]

yeah, sneezles, I'd like to know the name. I just called a kennel out in Sugar Land. Don't think my mom could find that place, tho, to drop them off...

[sneezles]

luv2cook,
Here's the info from my friend:
Parkland Kennels
615 Pitts Road
Richmond
281-342-0852

And she recommends calling ASAP because they book up quickly.

[luv2cook]

thanks, sneezles. I want to check out everybody. Called Pampered Pet Inn. The woman had trouble telling me about the facility and the dogs get no play time, just walked 3x a day.

You know, I can't believe people leave their pets in the type of kennels I've looked at (which has only been two) but still. Makes me want to open my own kennel. This one poor dog had been in that kennel for six months! And he was labeled as a biter so you know he doesn't get much attention...it's sad.

[sneezles]

Oh my, doesn't make me feel very good about having put Roxi there for 2 nights! I hated doing it in the first place!

[mandarin2j]

luv2cook:

There's a gal in my vet's office who does petsitting in her own home. I always figure if I can't get a friend to Kirby-sit, at least I can try this gal (after a visit to her home and references, of course!). Anyway, my point: I know where she works, so that extends the trust-worthiness factor. You might try asking your vet's office if they know of any reliable pet sitters who will pet sit in your home or their own.

-Amanda

[SueK]

We were fortunate enough to be able to pay my nephew to stay at our house, when he was in college. Now he's graduated, and we had to use a kennel last summer. They had no objections to us bringing their beds, treats, etc. I called them several times while we were away, and they were always willing to tell us how the dogs were, what they were eating, etc. I asked tons of people before I used this place, so I felt comfortable they would be okay. They even have an extra large pen and run, so both our dogs could spend the week together, because I didn't want them separated into different areas.

[luv2cook]

Amanda, I would, but I don't like my vet's office. The vet, he's okay for the most part, but I am still searching for a vet that makes me feel comfortable with the whole picture.

I don't like his staff at all and I didn't like the fact that when I asked if I could be present at my older dog's teeth cleaning (which I haven't had done yet) he told me no and was rather huffy about it. That bothered me. I also think he practices discretionary pricing but I can't prove it.



[This message has been edited by luv2cook (edited 05-15-2001).]

[luv2cook]

I just called the Pet Hotel. They have "suites" for the dogs - four different ones. I am curious to see this place. The person I spoke with by far was the most knowedgeable yet. I am going to tour that facility sometime soon.

They were much more expensive than everyone so far and they actually charged for dog walks! But, hey, if the facility is up to my standards, then I'll pay it. Make me glad, tho, that we didn't opt to stay an additional day in Birmingham if this is the place we end up going to!

[KValley]

luv2cook,

DH and I had a most incredible experience with a pet sitter recently. She is a member of Pet Sitters International. Their website is: http://www.petsit.com/ You can do a search by zip code to find a pet sitter near you. PSI offers accredited training in pet care and has a set of standards for member sitters.

Susan, the woman who cared for Lucy, carries liability insurance and is fully bonded. SHe drew up a contract for us, outlining our expectations, every detail of Lucy's care, how many visits per day. WHile we were gone, she kept copious notes on Lucy's every mood during her visits, she read to her, they listened to NPR together, she tucked her in at night. I dare say that's a bit more than DH and I do on a daily basis.(I can't recall ever reading to my dog http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif)

She came when we requested- at 6 am, 2 pm, and 9 pm, staying for about 45 minutes at a time. She opened and closed the blinds, brought in the paper and mail, turned on and off lights- so we were getting a bit of house-sitting as well.

We paid based on how many visits she made. It was pricey, but Lucy is our only baby and we'd do anything for her.

No guarantees that a registered PSI in your area will be as amazing as Susan, but it's worth seeking out.

Good luck, Julie

[Anne]

Good luck with your dog sitter search. We have a small pool of friends who own dogs with whom we trade dog sitting. If kids are involved, the 'kid in charge' earns $5 per day for feeding, exercising, and playing with the dog. This works well as long as the canines all get along. None of us have ever ended up with sick dogs from these swaps. The kids have all been very responsible and it has been a great way for them to earn money.

[AndreaU]

I would like to add a GOOD kenneling story! I was very reluctant to leave our dogs the first time we had to go away (since there is no one nearby to tend to them). We found a wonderful facility that we've used for over 5 years now. It's like a pet resort- they come back so spoiled! They offer swim time and "ice cream" treats (in the summer), doggy olympics, free play, brunch every morning (scrambled eggs) and gourmet toppings for dinner (chicken teryaki, meatballs, etc.), etc. Our dogs LOVE it there because of the attention and interaction with other dogs. There are a lot of regulars who are often there at the same time. This facility also offers a "cage-free" option (a few bucks more per night but worth it IMHO). The dogs get a pet bed in the facility and they come and go as they please. This is great for our dogs since they both came from shelters and freak out in cages. We were told that they basically run the place when they're there. They get to socialize when they want or just enjoy some down time alone. We always get the dogs bathed the day we pick them up so they always come home fresh & squeaky clean! (plus, when they get a bath, they get a cool bandana to bring home)

So I guess what you should look for is someplace that will, first of all, offer you unlimited access to the facilities. Ask what kind of schedule they offer. Are dogs let out only once in the morning and once at night? If your dog plays well with others, what kind of social time is offered? Find out if your vet can recommend someplace- that's how we found this place & we're so grateful! If you know anyone else who boards their dogs, ask for references. We've recommended this place to several neighbors & they're just as thrilled. Basically, look for a place that treats your pet no differently than you would treat him or her.

Best of luck!

[ewatkins]

I looked at a place today that is planning to offer "Video Cam" on the Web--you can watch your dog play (via your computer) while you're away! What are we coming to? It sounded crazy and great all at the same time.

[Leanne]

I don't know how old your dog is - but I had some friends who took a different approach with their puppies. They sent them to be trained at a school - it took 5 days or a week I think. Perhaps better than kenneling? But it would definitely depend on the dog.

[luv2cook]

My dogS don't need training - well, Jake needs a little bit and I plan on training him myself just like I trained Dixie.

Andrea, that kennel sounds AWESOME! I wish we had one here...

[Leonard]

I also cannot board my one dog. My Basset Hound adjust to just about anything. She does seem to "howl' most of the time when we have boarded her. I know it's because she misses us and wants attention. The problem is with my German Shepherd. He is a compulsive tail chaser. This is no joke. It is a ver serious problem. We boarded him twice and each time was horrible. The last time the kennel called my father and basically said come get him. He didn't eat or drink in 3 days! The first time he vomited for 2 days. All due to stress! Now, if my dad can't stay and live in the house we can't go away! I researched boarding facilites in my area (Phila) and couldn't find anyone to help. I was told by several kennel owners that they just don't have the staff or time to devote to one dog. I even said I would be willing to pay extra for the added time for him and was denied. I wish you the best of luck! I know how much we love our "angels with fur"!!

[luv2cook]

Well, it looks like we're going to have to kennel our dogs for our trip to Birmingham. I've never ever done this before but can't trust the new dog (Jake) not to jump my SIL's fence or dig out.

I went and looked at two kennels yesterday here in Houston and was appalled. The outdoor runs were either concrete or rocks, one smelled like tons of dog pee and their idea of a bed was an old bath rug or towel. Not to mention to kennel sizes were so small.

So since I am new at this, what important questions do I need to ask (besides shot info) while I'm there and inspecting the facility?

Also, if any of you live in Houston and have a great kennel, I'm all ears!
TIA

[SandyM]

luv2 - have you considered hiring a house sitter? Maybe a neighbor who has an older son or daughter who would like to make a few bucks while you're gone? A neice or nephew, or son/daughter of a coworker?

I kenneled my dogs once, and I don't think I can do it again. The facility was nice, but it took them a week to get back to "normal". I found a 25 year old girl (who still lives at home) through my sister-in-law. We pay her $20 a night, and in our area, that's cut rate - it costs us $14.00 per day per dog to kennel them. They're in their own environment, they get treated wonderfully while we're gone, and the only trauma they suffer is wondering where mom and dad are - and she loves our dogs so much, I bet they don't even miss us!!! And, our house is watched while we're gone, which is an added perk.

Just a thought.......


[This message has been edited by SandyM (edited 05-15-2001).]

[schuh]

My dog (an 8-year-old husky/lab mix) loves going to the kennel. She runs in the door when we get there. We pay a couple of dollars extra for "fun walks" and "play school." They try to put her next to friendly dogs, and tell me that she runs up and down with the dogs next to her. We have her groomed upon our return and they do a great job (better than Petco which I tried once and would never go back).

Yes, the place is stinky. The beds are old rugs, too (but at home she likes to sleep on my husband's pile of smelly laundry in his closet). It is also a big kennel with lots of barking dogs. I would never leave my kids there, but it seems to suit my dog just fine.

At this particular kennel, the dog is required to have all vaccines, including the kennel cough vaccine.

I tried the vet's once and it was terrible. It's basically for sick dogs so there are no runs outside. They are just cooped up. I would never do that again.

[gertdog]

We have not had great experiences kenneling our dog, Gertie. She's been to two places (3-4 days each time). At the first one, when we picked Gertie up, the woman in charge glibly informed me that Gertie had been so good and quiet, they'd almost forgotten to feed her. She thought this was funny but I didn't, as my dog is not quiet (or good, exactly), so she must have been really miserable.

The second place seemed fine, and they said she did well, but when we brought her a second time, she wailed and keened and wouldn't walk in the front door. So we changed our plans and found a last minute house-and-dog sitter.

So it's a sitter for us when we travel this summer. We pay our sitter $15 per day, and she gets to do unlimited laundry (she thinks this is the best perk by far!) and have a break from her housemates.

Good luck, luv2cook... it really is hard to find good dog care... we all love our dogs so much, but we can't always take them with us!

[LovingItLighter]

We have an English Mastiff. He is almost 200lbs. We take him to kennel called the pet spa and resort. He stays in the biggest kennel they offer, they call it the condo. It is very clean and the people are very nice. I took an on the spot tour, no notice of my arrival, and the pets were being treated with respect. Thank God my dog is a gentle giant. Everyone just loves him. He gets treats, it is air conditioned in the summer, they have music playing 24/7, he goes on walks, and has playtime, he gets a bath and his nails clipped the day we pick him up. Another great quality to look for is a kennel that has a vet that makes rounds everyday. Since our dog is getting mild hip dysplasia (common in big dogs) the vet decides if he is allowed to run around with the other dogs or if he has to stay in and rest his hip. We have been taking him there for 3 years, this year will be his 4 th. Don't leave your pet somewhere unless you are absolutely positive he/she is being cared for the way you would care for it.