the Price of Dog Daycare Away from Home

I take my dog for "day boarding" at a local kennel. He has also stayed there on overnight, or weekend stays. The cost of the day boarding is the same as the day rate for overnight visits. There is no extra charge for medications being given and they use the food that I provide.

The kennels are different sizes (small, medium, large, and extra large). For day boarding, we generally have him put in a medium or large kennel that has dogs on one or both sides (he has anxiety). For longer stays, he is put in a large or extra large kennel, depending on whether there are other dogs nearby.

During the day boarding, I also generally have his nails trimmed, which they provide at no extra cost. During the day, the dogs' water is checked hourly (this is important especially during the summer months) and food is provided in the morning and evening, or once a day depending on your normal schedule. Medication is administered according to your schedule as well.

The kennels (even the smallest) are very roomy and include an indoor room that is heated/cooled, and an outside covered run. Someone is on-site 24 hours a day as well.

I pay $14.00 a day for his stay and tip the person who does his nails between $3 and $5.

I chose this particular kennel because my mother was a groomer there when I was a child and I was familiar with it. It is also conveniently located. The run are large, kept clean throughout the day, and water is refreshed hourly. Treats are also given during the day, if allowed. Everyone at the kennel is a true animal lover and he is never stressed about going there. They also take time to visit with the dogs during the day which reduces their anxiety.

They are open at 7:00 a.m., so I can drop him off before work. They close at 6:00 p.m. The only drawback is that if you are there after 6:00 p.m., they have extra charges that start at $25.00 for the first 15 minutes you are late. On Saturday, they are only open from 8:00 a.m. until noon, on Sunday, they are open from noon until 5:00 p.m.

I have always been very pleased with the service. The staff is very helpful and friendly. I have never found any ticks or fleas on him after leaving him there. The first time I left him overnight was difficult, but now it is no problem. The animals are well cared for and happy.

Always ask to tour the kennel before you decide to leave your animal there. If they refuse, or only allow access to certain locations, there may be something that they do not want you see. Virtual tours on the web are nice, but do not allow you to see everything.

If your pet is not comfortable being alone, take something of his/hers with you. We usually take my dog's blanket with him. If you take toys, make sure it is something that is easily washable.

Take treats only if your dog normally gets them at home, and do not take any food that you do not feed at home. You may feel better, but your dog may have an adverse reaction that could cost you extra (my kennel will have a vet check the dog is there anything wrong). You are not abusing the animal by leaving them in the care of others.

Don't make a fuss when you pick them up, no matter how happy you are to see them. This reinforces that they have been "punished" and they will not want to go back.

See if you can leave the dog at the kennel for a couple of hours to see how well they will do on a longer stay.

Never be afraid to ask questions, and never take a dog somewhere you don't feel comfortable.