Dog Boarding Question

[Magalex]

For all the DISers who board their dogs at Kennels while they are at WDW:

First of all my DH and I are new to dog boarding(adopted 4 yr old Spaniel Mix in Nov 06) Just a few weeks ago I posted a dog health question so now I have a kennel question.

We are debating between 2 boarding kennels for our trip in June. They are equal in price. Here is a list what is different between the two:
1) Carriage Hill Kennels: Smaller Family owned kennel, Larger more comtemporary looking kennel space(bright, nice floors and odorless) with cover runs; maybe with some individul play time

2) Brizes Kennels: Larger Family owned Kennel, Lots of services and employees; multiple outside activity choices for dogs with a doggie care giver, but kennel space small and older cement looking floors(also with cover runs) The inside of the building looks like the shelter where he was adopted from. Would that be a problem?


Both kennels located in beautiful country setting. Is it more important for the dog to have the kennel space more comtemporary and larger or have more options of playtime with a person? Both of these kennels are not the kennels with dog to dog playtime, only with people. To sum it up we like the kennel space of one and the options of outside activity with the other.

Any thoughts or advice on boarding welcome

 

[horseshowmom]

If it were me, I'd probably go with the one with the larger kennels. No matter how much play time the other one has, the animal is going to spend a lot more time in the kennel, so I'd rather have the bigger kennels. JMHO

Good luck! (and thanks for adopting an older dog! )

 

[Not so Dumbo]

I'd rather have the more activities time. the more interaction for the dog the better, he won't be so bored. When they are in the kennel, they only need enough room to lay down, since they will be sleeping most of that time. Dogs tend to sleep a lot when they have nothing else to do.

 

[MushyMushy]

What is your gut telling you? That's what I would trust.

 

[maddiemouse]

Have you visited both kennels WITHOUT calling ahead first to let them know you were coming? Just show up for a visit, and then go with your gut instinct.
They both sound nice.

 

[LindaR]

I would ask for references from clients of both kennels and ask THEM how long they've used the kennel, what they like and don't like, and if they've had any problems.

 

[LindaR]

Oh, and I forgot to add.....calling local vets in the area and asking which kennel they recommend.

 

[Magalex]

Have you visited both kennels WITHOUT calling ahead first to let them know you were coming? Just show up for a visit, and then go with your gut instinct.
They both sound nice.

We did show up to look at both kennels without appointments. Both set of owners were very nice. The first kennel wasn't open but the owner saw us approach the office and opened up the kennel to show us around and gave us some papers. When we looked at the second kennel that I mentioned the owner was actually working in the office on that Saturday. Plus she was happy that we stopped by during their slow season so she was able to talk to us. She said she wishes that more people would do that before the spring/summer season started instead of waiting until the last minute. So both places offered great customer service. The second kennel has been in business since 1970. I would think that is a good sign.

 

[Magalex]

Here is the website of the second kennel(the one with older kennel spaces but with more activities)

http://www.brizeskennel.com/

 

[Not so Dumbo]

I looked at the website and it looks really nice. Better than where we leave ours. The kennels look plenty large, and it nice that they have acess to their runs all day. I wouldn't have any issues leaving my dog here.

 

[Magalex]

http://carriagehillkennelspa.com/

This is the first kennel with the larger brighter and newer kennel spaces

 

[JR6ooo4]

Sorry I thought this was some sort of canine surfing thread...

MIkeeee

 

[kandeebunny]

I would go with the older one, granted the kennel is smaller anything with more interaction is a plus for your dog.

That said does your vet's office have kennels? When I do board my dog, she is boarded at the vet's and they love her and she sits out at the desk all day with them.

 

[arminnie]

Do they have the same hours for pickup and delivery?

Some very good kennels that I used would not allow me to pick up or drop off on Sunday - so I often had to leave my dog a day longer than I wanted to.

Or if I had to leave on a Sunday I would have to have my dog to the kennel by noon on Saturday - leaving me w/o him on Saturday night. It cost more and I missed him.

 

[Moonmom]

Hmmm... Well.. so far I'm going with the first kennel.. the newer one... Carriage Hill.. they both sound nice, though. Reasons so far that I'm going with Carriage Hill is..... they mention air conditioning.. and the fans (to pull the "bad" air out) and I know you mentioned your trip is in June. Though it may not be hot in PA. in June.. it's a possibility..and the other kennel didn't mention A/C. Another reason.. was I liked the idea of the individual runs for each dog's kennel with the pea gravel.. think it said 17 feet?.. hope that means the dog has access to it .. uh.. as needed? I know my girl may be fine for 2, 3, 4, 5 hours.. but sometimes she might "go" then a half hour later decide.. "uh..nope.. gotta go again.. NOW". especially if she's nervous or stressed. And the 24 hour music.. might sound silly to some but around this house music is either playing or the tv is on.. unless we're sleeping. I think my girl would be comforted by that..be more "homey". Plus I like the welcoming feeling of "bring their toys; beds; treats.. and come on in and see their "home away from home". The only thing lacking that I didn't see on their website was certifications of any of the staff if there were any groomers or licenses if they had them. That's make me feel better.
Both sound pretty darned good, though... wish we had as good options around here!

 

[Blondie]

Which ever one you choose, make sure that under no circumstance is your dog to be in a "play group" with other dogs, especially un-neutered males. I know the new model for boarding is to give the dogs lots of interaction. You see "dog parks" cropping up all over now. People are taking a big risk by having their pets together without knowing the history of the other dogs or at least having them muzzled.

While at WDW in November our 9 year old dog was attacked by several other dogs. He was so badly mauled that he only lived for about 16 hours. I don't want to frighten you, but I do want you to be aware of what could happen if you're not sure of how they operate.

You can best believe the next time our new puppy is boarded I'll be going over the kennel with a fine tooth comb.

And then I still may never board her!!

Good luck!

 

[Magalex]

Which ever one you choose, make sure that under no circumstance is your dog to be in a "play group" with other dogs, especially un-neutered males. I know the new model for boarding is to give the dogs lots of interaction. You see "dog parks" cropping up all over now. People are taking a big risk by having their pets together without knowing the history of the other dogs or at least having them muzzled.

While at WDW in November our 9 year old dog was attacked by several other dogs. He was so badly mauled that he only lived for about 16 hours. I don't want to frighten you, but I do want you to be aware of what could happen if you're not sure of how they operate.

You can best believe the next time our new puppy is boarded I'll be going over the kennel with a fine tooth comb.

And then I still may never board her!!

Good luck!

When I was doing my research I came across some of the "group play" kennels(one as a franchise Camp Bow Wow) and I knew I didn't want him in that kind of kennel. We only adopted him in Nov 06 but we know he would be not be happy with a large group of dogs. He likes his quiet time and adores people but not all dogs. Plus that type of "doggie play group" worries me. Both kennels listed are very much against unknown dogs playing together. They stated that before I even asked the question. They don't believe in that socialization that some kennels try to promote. The dog will have individual play with a person only. Also a friend called and she said she has relatives that live by both kennels. She will ask the relatives if they hear anything about each kennel.

 

[Pixiedust34]

Oh, and I forgot to add.....calling local vets in the area and asking which kennel they recommend.

This is a good idea. When we were shopping around for a kennel, we found the same one that our vet uses. If he trusts it for his beloved pets, then we figure it's a good place. That, plus they encourage drop-in visits so you can check and see how clean they keep the facililities. We did drop-in, and they were prompt with giving us a behind-the-scenes tour. The third thing that led us to our kennel is that I mentioned our search to a friend who works with dog rescue. She knew the owners and she said that they are "dog people" who really love the animals. Check around not only with vets but also with breeders, dog rescuers, and pet owners to see what they say about the kennels you are considering.

 

[luvwinnie]

Is there any way you can hire a pet sitter to come to your home instead?

 

[Magalex]

Is there any way you can hire a pet sitter to come to your home instead?

We did compare in-home pet sitting services too. We are interested with one pet sitter but only for 1-2 day weekend trips. We will be at WDW for 10 days and I wouldn't want him to be totally by himself in the house at night. They come 3 times a day(20-30 minutes) and very expensive.