Are boarding kennels the best choice for your dog?
Some of you have asked me why Pax doesn’t have “a brother” or “a sister”, and the reason is simple. It would be much more difficult to travel to see my elderly mother and my family "pack" in Europe. Pax also flies with us inside the cabin, as I am a sleepwalker and he is being trained to keep me safe. I generally don't like to leave a dog behind, travelling with two is much harder, hence just one dog for now.
When I came to Canada, my first job was at a vet clinic that boarded dogs for people who went away. These poor pooches were stuck in a boarding room in the presence of the deafening noise of the ventilation system and the constant banging of the washer and dryer. I have also seen boarding kennels with wired cages closely resembling doggy prisons, and these experiences made me swear I would never put a dog into a boarding facility.
I am not suggesting that all the facilities are like that, there are a few that are great "vacation" options for your dog, I just don't like the idea of traditional boarding kennels, locking dogs up and depriving them of basic social interaction needs.
A reasonable solution is to find more contemporary boarding such as dog camps and in-house stays. The best solution in my opinion is to make a dog sitting arrangement with a family member or friend who has a dog or loves dogs and is willing to help.
Ideally, your dog should get used to the temporary home ahead of their stay. Trying a few sleepovers to make the transition less stressful is a good idea. Of course, the presence of a doggy friend during the time of separation is always a bonus! 🐶👍
Further reading:
Do not put your dog in a canine prison
