Leaving your furry friend at a dog boarding facility can be an emotional and stressful experience. You want to ensure your pup is well cared for and in good hands!
It's natural to feel a bit uneasy, but All American Pet Resorts is here to guide you through the process. Even if you don't have one of our resorts in your area, we hope our Ultimate Checklist can put your mind at ease and help with the next steps.
Here are some of the things you should do when considering a dog boarding facility near you:
Start Researching Online
Take the time to conduct online research and explore the different facilities in your area. Carefully read reviews, looking for any red flags that may signal poor care or customer service.
But don't settle after you see one good review. Be sure to peform your due diligence and take a comprehensive look at the facility to ensure it's right for you and your pup.
Reviews can be a treasure trove of information, providing valuable insights to guide your decision-making process. Ask yourself questions like:
- Is there space to play and exercise?
- Will they provide individualized attention?
- Is it cage-free or kennel based?
- Do they provide additional services such as grooming and bathing?
For your convenience, all All American Pet Resorts' locations feature customer reviews and testimonials so that you can feel confident in your choice.
Visit the Facility
Once you've narrowed your options, schedule an in-person visit to the facility if possible. This gives you a chance to meet the staff, see the facilities for yourself, and ask any questions you have about their boarding services, the amenities they offer, and anything else that will put your mind at ease.
On your tour, it's important to take the time and look at things through your pet's eyes. Consider:
- Cleanliness – Is the facility clean and well-maintained?
- Safety – Are all areas safe for animals with no potential hazards?
- Staff– Do they appear to take great care of the pets and respectfully handle them?
- Amenities – Does the facility provide a comfortable sleeping area or activities to keep your pup entertained while you're away?
Your local All American Pet Resort invites you to schedule a tour without your pup the first time around, allowing you to get to know the staff and layout of the facility. If you like what you see, you'll have a chance to schedule a follow-up tour with your pup (with limited distractions) and see how they like it, too!
Ask Questions
If you feel comfortable after your facility tour, don't be afraid to ask questions! It's important to get your questions answered before booking a stay so there are no surprises when you drop off your pup. Consider asking:
- How long have you been in operation?
- What safety measures do you have in place?
- Do you provide grooming and bathing services?
- Are there any additional charges I should know (boarding fees, supplies, etc.)?
- How often are the pets taken outdoors for exercise and playtime?
- Do you require proof of vaccinations or other health records?
At All American Pet Resorts, we ensure all our guests are cared for and feel at home. Our staff is well-trained in pet safety, handling, and dog healthcare, and our guests must follow our vaccination policies before being allowed to stay to ensure all our four-legged guests receive the highest quality care.
Follow Up with Any Questions You Didn't Have Answered
If you didn't find the time to ask all your questions during the touring process, now is a good time to get them answered! You can follow up with the staff and see if any other information you need is available over the phone or online. You can always look for a FAQ for answers to common questions!
Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, it's important to trust your gut when choosing a boarding facility for your pup. If you have an uneasy feeling or something doesn't seem right, don't be afraid to keep looking until you find the perfect fit for all your needs.
Follow Up After Boarding
Once your pup returns home, make sure to follow up with the facility after their stay. Check in on how they did, and feel free to give feedback if necessary.
Also, pay close attention to how your pup has changed since they returned home. Do they have any new behaviors or odd habits?
Using these findings can give you a good idea of your pet’s experiences and a temperature check on whether you want to continue with that particular dog boarding facility!
See How Our Dog Boarding Services Outshines the Rest
We hope our Ultimate Checklist has helped you feel more confident in your search for the perfect dog boarding facility! With All American Pet Resorts, you can always rest easy knowing that your furry friend receives top-notch care and the best experience possible. Contact us today to book their stay.
Find and contact your local All American Pet Resorts location to learn more about our services and amenities or to schedule a tour!