If you haven't boarded your dog before, the process can be daunting.

You probably have a lot of questions and there are certainly a lot of different things to think about when it comes to choosing the best facility for your pet and what you can do to prepare him.

To help you get started with the process, here are a few of the most important things to consider when boarding your dog in Montgomery, AL.

Does Your Chosen Boarding Facility Have the Space and Services that You Require?

Exactly what is offered at boarding facilities can vary immensely, and if you require specific types of care or services, then you will need to find a kennel that can fit the bill. Some have different levels of accommodation, from basic, comfortable 'apartments' to luxury dwellings that have additional creature comforts such as music, heated flooring, and even flat-screen TVs! If you would prefer your pet to be walked alone or receive 1-1 attention at playtimes, you will want to ensure that your chosen facility can provide this service for you. Other common services offered by many boarding facilities include routine wellness checks, grooming such as nail trims or bathing, and even dental cleaning. If your pet is on medication, you will need to make sure you choose a boarding service that can administer your pet's meds on your behalf and are prepared to help out with any other medical requirements.

We recommended that you shortlist three or four kennels that can meet your requirements and arrange to visit them all. This should help you find the right vacation for your dog.

Can They Provide the Food Your Dog Needs?

Changing a dog's diet unnecessarily isn't recommended as it can cause digestive issues for a number of days. Your dog may even reject eating altogether if they aren't keen on the food that is offered to them - the prospect of which can make leaving him in boarding even more stressful. Most reputable kennels will allow you to choose from a range of foods that they can provide, or if none of these are suitable, will happily serve up a food that you provide. Ensuring that your chosen facility can do this is particularly important if you have a dog that needs a special diet, both in terms of product and when he is fed.

Will Your Dog Get Enough Physical and Mental Stimulation while in Boarding?

No loving owner likes to think that their furbaby will spend the week pining for them, left predominantly alone in their accommodation. However, a great boarding facility will be committed to keeping your dog's brain and body busy. This will help prevent separation anxiety, boredom, and depression and keep his mind and body healthy. It will also help prevent him from developing undesirable behaviors such as urinating where he shouldn't, scratching, or chewing. All being well, your dog should come home after boarding thoroughly worn out from all the fun and stimulation he has had. In fact, you may even find that he seems more tired than normal and sleeps a lot during his first few days home.

Is Your Dog's Preventative Care up to Date?

A great boarding facility is committed to the health of well-being of the animals in its care. For this reason, they are very fussy about which dogs they will let stay on their premises. If your pet hasn't been vaccinated against all the conditions listed in their policy, he may well be refused admittance until these vaccines have been administered and you have suitable proof. Many will also insist on checking your dog for internal and external parasites, as these too can spread very quickly in a confined space with lots of animals. Again, if these are present then your pet will need to be treated and cleared of the parasite problem before he can be allowed to board. You can save time and expense by ensuring your pet is properly protected and in good health before attempting to board him.

Can You Prepare Him for Boarding?

Although it may not be possible, if there are things that you can do to help prepare him for boarding then it will only serve to hopefully make the process much easier for you both. Many facilities will let you visit with your pet beforehand, and even book them in for a one-night stay to help him get used to the environment. Make sure you prepare by packing a few comforts from home, such as his favorite blanket, and don't get upset when you drop him off. He will read your emotional climate like a book, and this will cause him to become stressed. A short but sweet departure is much more beneficial for.