The vacation planning has started…. You chose your week off from work; the destination is picked, searched the internet for the perfect hotel accommodations and booked those airline tickets. You could barely contain your excitement! The only thing left to do is call the dog sitter. You are set to go, right? Wrong! Your dog sitter has decided to take the same week vacation as you! All of a sudden the vision of you laying on the beach with your family just came to a screeching  halt, the storm clouds entered your into your mind and you can’t shake the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. You know what you have to do…… but don’t know where to begin. Calm down! There are good, quality boarding facilities out there. You just have to do your homework to find the right facility for your dog. It is important that you take the time to research and find that perfect place to leave your dog. After all they are a part of your family.  A few things that you should look for when doing your research: 

Is it a 24 hour staffed facility? This is very important. Your pal should be under 24 hour care.

• Does the facility offer no specific tour times and allow you to see the actual facility? See them in action.

• Ask to see the actual rooms, you seeing a “model” room is not going to show you how they take care of their building and guests.

 Use your nose. Look around…. Cleanliness is extremely important.

  Pay attention to how you are greeted by the staff. Remember that these are the people that will be taking care of your dog. Make sure that they are passionate about their job. 

• Ask questions! 

• What type of program do they offer? Do they offer mental & physical stimulation for your pet?

• Make sure they listen to your needs. This is key…. You are leaving a family member in the hands of someone else. You want them to listen and understand your instructions.

• I am repeating myself…. Ask questions!!!