Now that we have Miles with us full time we are in the market for a good boarding facility. We're planning a two to three week trip to Chile later this spring and we obviously can't take Miles with us. So what should we look for?
When you board your dog or a cat your primary concern is their health and safety. You want a clean and safe environment and you want to know the humans running the place both love animals and know what they are doing. Wouldn't it be nice if there was some type of national association or governing body that set standards for care and safety for boarding facilities? Something like the American Animal Hospital Association for veterinary clinics, for instance?
Turns out there is a group that fits the bill.
The Pet Care Services Association, formerly known as the American Boarding Kennel Association, has been around since 1977 and they have over 3000 member facilities in the US.
I took a look at their web site and I was impressed by several member guidelines governing animal care. For instance they have a
Standards and Practices document that is very impressive. Each active member was required to meet these standards as of January 1, 2009, almost a year ago. The Standards and Practices document covers just about everything anyone could think about when it comes to the health and safety of their pet.
They also have a
Pet Owner's Bill of Rights that I liked a lot. After reading this document and assuming
they live up to it, I'd have no problem leaving Miles at such a place. This document covers everything you'd need to know including rules for sanitation, diet, health care, comfort, safety and exercise. The Bill includes a set of promises to the pet owner, too. I don't recall seeing anything like this at the last resort wife Chris and I stayed at.
We are lucky to have a
nice facility here in town. Darcie stayed there once and I'm sure Miles will enjoy it, too. He actually likes other dogs, Darcie wasn't so friendly. I checked just to see and on the about us page our place proudly lists membership in the Pet Care Services Association. Along with the good reviews we've gotten from everyone we know, that helps put our minds at ease.
I'm sure there are boarding or daycare facilities that do a great job and have chosen not to become members of the PCSA. They should be able to provide you with their own set of standards and I'd want them to be pretty darn close to those of the PCSA. That and a visit prior to boarding your pet should put you at ease.