Leaving for vacation can be stressful to both you and your pet so it’s important to have a good kennel lined up. If you have a good kennel with staff you know and trust, both you and your pet will be happier for the duration of the vacation.

But how to do you go about finding a good kennel when there are so many in the phone book? First, ask friends who have pets, your veterinarian, the local animal shelter and/or your dog trainer for recommendations. Any one of these people are likely to give you a reliable recommendation. You can also search through the Yellow Pages and online. Just make sure whomever ends up on your list gets a thorough background check and Google search. Sites like Yelp.com can also be helpful by providing reviews from people who have actually used the kennel.

You’ll also want to check and see if the state you live in requires boarding kennels to be inspected. If so, make sure the kennel you choose has a license or certificate that shows it passed inspection and meets the state’s standards.

Also, be sure to ask if the kennel belongs to The Pet Care Services Association, which is a trade association founded by kennel operators that promotes professional standards in pet care. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been made against the kennel.

If all these check out, you can move on to choosing a kennel and making sure they have space on the dates you need your pet to be boarded. Then schedule a visit to the kennel. While there, check for the following criteria:

  • The facility looks and smells clean
  • There is enough light and ventilation
  • The temperature is comfortable
  • The staff is knowledgeable and caring
  • If there is outdoor or indoor run time (if you have a dog)
  • That cats and dogs are housed away from each other
  • How often are pets fed
  • How rates are calculated
  • What veterinary and emergency services are available
  • If you can bring special food for your pet

Once you’re satisfied with these answers you can go ahead and choose a kennel. If it’s the first time you’ll be leaving your pet at the kennel, you might want to make it a short period of time like a few days. This way, your pet won’t be as stressed and will learn that you are coming back for to get them. So when you do go away for a longer period, your pet’s stay will be mostly stress-free.