Where do you board your dogs?

tjbart17

I've always boarded Mei and Koda at a woman's house. She's really great with the dogs and takes them out on hikes, mostly off leash. Up until now I haven't been worried about this, but with Mika I am. I am so scared that she will run off and be frightened at the house with Leslie and the other dogs. I made the mistake of not bringing her there earlier. It was just such a busy summer that I didn't think about it.

I have two trips planned in the next year, one for a week at the end of December, and one for two weeks in June. I want a really secure place, but don't necessarily want to board at the vet's office.

Has anyone boarded their dogs in kennels? Anyone with Kais? How did they do? For Mika, I think a kennel is the safest place, but I'm worried about Koda since he's so sensitive and has always been in a home. Any thoughts?

Kenshi

I had a great experience with my local PetSmart. They let me walk around back there and the place was clean, and they are well-staffed. She had a fine experience, no trauma, and got a good report card.

Before going with PetSmart, I figured I would check out one of the "nicer" places. We went for an interview and Tomoe was rejected. I watched the lady take my dog into the outdoor play area and let her off leash, and immediately three larger dogs ran right up to her and got in her face. She put her ears back and put her tail down until they backed off, then she wandered around checking the place out.

So I was surprised when the lady brought her back and said they couldn't take her. She said she seemed too nervous around other dogs and she couldn't risk an incident. I guessed that was fine, their business model requires so many dogs to make a profit, and they make sure they pick certain dogs.

But it really, really, really burned me when she went ahead and charged me $30 for the interview anyway! Sorry, we won't do business with you, that'll be $30. Damn, almost a year ago and I am still getting a little hot under the collar thinking about that. They were upfront about it at first too, I just had no idea they'd reject her.

So do NOT discount your local PetSmart - just make sure you check out the place to see if it is clean, ask to see where your dog will stay, and talk to the people about your dog and any concerns you may have.

But be wary of places that charge for an interview whether or not your dog is accepted.

tjbart17

I just looked them up and the ones in the Bay Area do not have a pet hotel. I kind've liked the rooms where the dogs could be together.

tjbart17

@Kenshi I'm actually laughing thinking about your post. I've set up three interviews for this weekend. Meaning I'm interviewing them. That's really how my attitude is. Are you good enough for my dogs? I'll try not to charge them for it.

lindsayt

I've always left mine with friends and always ones they know and who have experience. Aren't there a ton of people in Cali with NK experience?

shibamistress

I now have housesitters come in, because it is too expensive to board all my dogs. But I use to take them to a regular kennel, nothing fancy, just basic indoor and outdoor runs. I used to put Bel the crazy girl in the same run with my GSD because she freaked out if she was alone, and Toby on his own and not near the other two. Toby seemed to enjoy the kennel for some reason, and the GSD was fine with it, but Bel rarely ate while she was there.

Since none of my dogs get along with others very well, I never wanted places that had play time or anything like that. They got to have some individual time out in the bigger yard, but that was it. I know that probably kenneling was not fun for them (though like I said, Toby always seemed quite happy to go), but the place was clean, the runs were large, most important to me, it was secure, and they would let me bring my own food.

tjbart17

@Lindsayt I'm not sure about a ton of people with Kai experience. Given the flight instinct, I'm a little worried with Mika. I'm not sure how'd she would do with a stranger, and three dogs (since my parents are traveling with me) is a lot to ask of someone. My aunt wants to do it, but I just can't see her exercising them enough. My dogs are used to a solid two hours a day walking because that's what I like to do.

I've considered having housesitters at my parent's house. I have to speak with them about that first though. The thing is Mei is HORRIBLE on walks with Koda and Mika. I've been here for five days and I hate walking her. She's almost taken me down three times. I don't know how someone would manage that. But yes it's sooo much cheaper. We are looking at around $1,200 to board for that week whereas a housesitter charges like $50-75 a night. There's a woman that I'm thinking about who comes pretty highly recommended.

I'm also looking at a kennel with runs and a yard. I'm checking that one out in the morning, and bringing Mika Monster with me to see how she does. Mei is a sharp dog, but she's always done well with boarding and getting along with other dogs, but I need to make sure that they can keep her separated or let out with just a few dogs so she doesn't get overwhelmed.

lindsayt

If you're that worried about flight issues (and I understand that!) I would board the worst one in a secure facility and not worry so much about the remaining two getting enough exercise. It's just a week, right?

slkblaze

@Kenshi I also had to do a $30 interview/temperament test thing with Taki to board her at this "fancy" place. They had me sign something and then a guy can and immediately took Taki into the back area and said to pick her up after 2-3 pm... I really wanted to watch her and see how she did, but I guess they like to do it in private? I think they confused her being aloof to the other dogs and exploring her environment as being "shy and uneasy". Oh well.. she passed, but I had the same thought as you - there's no way she could fail the test. I would've had to pay even if she failed also. She's going to be staying there in December while I'm out of state for a few days... if you board 2 dogs can they keep them in the same room? I think the kids would really like to stay together.

A lady at a local pet supply store totally turned her nose up at me when I said I take my dogs to Banfield... I didn't know it had a bad reputation, but the one I go to has VERY friendly awesome staff. They always explain everything to me and are very warm with my dogs. She made me feel like a bad owner for taking them there though . Does anyone else use Banfield? Are there any horror stories I should know about?

lindsayt

Banfield pushes a lot of unneeded tests and additional fees. I would never take a dog there even if it was an emergency.

Kuma123

We have always had the issue of deciding what to do in this situation and we have almost always ended up taking the dogs with us.... not always the ideal solution for us humans but it works out best for our dogs.

When I rescued/fostered Dobe's it was always a challenge because a lot of them that came to us had behavioral/emotional issues and there was no way they could be boarded or have a dog walker come. If the dogs could not mentally handle the trip then I would stay home. We only had that happen twice.

I have had vets/kennels/home boarders/dog walkers refuse my dogs based on breed (Dobe's and Akita's) so it is a continual challenge. We finally decided it was best to just planned any trips around the dogs, pet friendly hotels, pet friendly campgrounds, etc. and we drive wherever we go. It used to be frustrating that people were so closed minded and that they did not have any compassion/patience when working with certain breeds but now I just expect it and work around it.

We are planning a trip to my parents' next year and I wish there was somewhere safe/good that I could board at least one of my dogs but I am not optimistic. It's an 18 hour drive so 4 dogs, our kids and luggage might be a challenge lol We have never taken a trip of this nature before so I am already getting nervous. This is a good thread

NotoriousScrat

I like the Banfield I use as well, although there is one of the vets there that we don't use (she's sort of decided that Zim is aggressive, I think, and while he does need to be muzzled for skin scrapes and drops being put in his eyes, the entire rest of the staff thinks he's a doll). I think it just depends on the Banfield, frankly. The two vets we really like there are both just good vets generally and despite Banfield's reputation won't push tests they think are unnecessary (although we're always told we have the option). I have heard horror stories about messy surgeries, etc, however, about other Banfields. Honestly, though, around here I don't worry about the quality of the vet as much as how we get on with them since we're right near one of the best vet schools in the country and are basically tripping over good vets.

lizzysilvertongue

Hmmm I havent had the dog issue... yet. ive had cats and ferrets. The cat is 8 bucks a day at the vet. i was a little worried about it the first time but when i picked her up when i got home and everyone had to say bye to her and tell me how much they liked her. Made me feel a lot better let me know she at least got played with i left a whole bag of toys just in case. Dogs are a lot more, based on weight. I think my dads old dog was 50 bucks a day.

tjbart17

Our Banfield here has a reputation for up-selling and selling unnecessary food. It's also just not in the best of neighborhoods. With that said, my friend moved to Sacramento and was having a horrible time finding a vet that she liked for her dog and cat. She is an uber snob, so when she told me that she went into Banfield for an emergency and loved it, I was pretty shocked. She says that they are great and swears that in Sac she will never go anywhere else. A vet is really only as good as the vet's at that hospital, so if you like it and your pets are getting much needed regular check ups then I think that's perfectly fine. There are so many people who don't ever take their pets to the vet.

@Lindsayt Yeah I thought about just keeping Mika at the vet's office, and if she doesn't go into heat soon, she may still have to go there. But they want both Mika and Koda, since Mika is a bit of a terror without him. She screams. Oh, and she let herself out of the kennel and also let three other dogs out to play when she was there for three days. They couldn't believe it. She's naughty. lol.

@Kuma123 On usual trips to LA or Tahoe, I just take the dogs but my family lives in Italy, and I really need to get home in June. In December we are taking my niece on a surprise trip to Disneyworld. That's so sad that no one will take Akitas or Dobies.

I did meet with one woman this morning. She wanted to meet Koda by himself because she was somehow worried about him. People on here don't know my dogs, but Koda is seriously one of the most well behaved animals ever. He was born that way. When we got there, she came out to greet us with her Burmese Mountain Dog. She gave him a command to growl, and Koda just walked right up and gave him his side. I guess he past the test because we were invited in where Koda laid on the ground and let three Chihauhas climb all over him and play. She pretty much loved him and said that she now wants to meet Mei and Mika. It was really nice. She has four acres in Alamo, and her house is huge but still dog friendly. The fence was over six feet tall and her yard is divided so escapees or climbers (cough Mei) would have to climb two to three fences to get out. All the dogs are kept in her house and not kenneled. It was really really nice.

I'm going to go see a kennel facility in Lafayette in a little bit. I'm taking Mika with me for this one.

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm not sure why I'm so stressed about this. I think I just have a paranoia issue lately with Kais and them getting lost. Mika is such a cutie, and I adore her. She's also such a great companion for Koda and Mei. They love her with everything, and so do I. I'm being overprotective. I know my fears are partially irrational, but I'm still scared to leave my little girl.

shibamistress

I actually fear my dogs getting out and getting lost more than anything, so that's why I'm nervous even with housesitters I trust, and why I decided on going for a plain (but very secure) kennel. I know the dogs aren't in the kind of comfort they have at home, but I also know they can't get out at all, so they will be fine. I just feel safer in the plainer kennels I guess....no play groups, nothing like that (not that any of my dogs, except Leo, would tolerate a play group anyway!)

That said, now my husband and I rarely travel together, so mostly the dogs don't have to go at all. Oskar and Leo have no idea what a kennel is! *lol*

tjbart17

@shibamistress Oh thank goodness that I'm not the only one. I feel paranoid, but it's really tough for me to leave Mika. I don't worry about Koda running or Mei getting lost cause she's gangster, but Mika still has horrible recall. She just wants to run off on her own and fast! I don't even work with her off leash at all.

WhoBitMe

I can't help with the boarding issue because...I don't board my Border Collie. I get friends to live in my house, eat my food, and care of my pets that way. Kennel situations with a ton of strange dogs are not my BC's best friend. I did board her at a nearby kennel a couple times when she was younger and she seemed to do fine then.

However, I found out that recently that in Portland, OR a training/boarding facility has opened that allows intact dogs and dogs with limited vaccines (like following the Dr. Dodds protocol). Which doesn't help you either, I guess. So I should probably stop talking.

tjbart17

Well Mika liked the kennel enough and they have ten foot fencing which I like. It was clean and the play areas are beautiful. Now the problem is I'm on a wait list so I may be screwed. This is why I don't like last minute planning.

I also need to get Mika spayed. I'm calling my vet on Monday.

Kuma123

@tjbart17, I understand your paranoia lol I worry about everything when it comes to my dogs. That is part of what makes a great pet owner. It is our responsibility to make sure that they are safe and well cared for and that is just what you are doing

Good luck!!!

cdenney

@tjbart17 Don't count us house sitters out. For some outside income I contract with a company where I do in home petsitting. To even get an interview I had to pass a background check and they called my dog references. On top of that I am now animal CPR trained and bonded. Everyone's experience will be different but if you go in and interview local companies, ask who has specialty experience with high need breeds. I know with one of my clients because there are three dogs and one will guard the oldest of them during walks he has me run them in the backyard and work on field directions versus actually walk them, that way they are in the safety of home, in their yard, still exercised without the worry of eruptions. I know that two other sitters in my company are professional trainers as their primary job. Just an idea if staying with your friend doesn't work out, Angie's list could probably give you good local companies. Ballpark in the D.C. Metro Area it is $45 a night with +$5 for every dog in addition if you are wondering what the market price is.

cdenney

@tjbart17 also most house sitters are totally cool with texting you daily, 2x daily updates complete with pics to assure you your pups are fine, we understand it is family. GPS collar for Mika while you are gone might provide some peace of mind as well.

tjbart17

I'll definitely check with house sitters. Thanks!!!

Mika is getting spayed on the 27th so I'll have no issues with that.

cdenney

Good luck! Let me know what works out. I am not sure where you are but if it is on the east coast I can see if my company can recommend any places in other states.

tjbart17

Well I took Mika to Leslies house today to visit and she loved Leslie and all the dogs. I feel dumb for being so paranoid.

Mika has horrible recall so she will keep her on lead at all times but bet me $20 that she can get Mikas recall to 100% in a week. So it looks like I'll also get in some really cheap training lol.

Kuma123

That's great! I am glad you found a place that you are comfortable with!

lindsayt

Tara, don't feel bad for chosing a secure (but boring) kennel! The dogs will survive, and they will be soooo glad to see you when you pick them up

@whobitme

I board for friends dogs, and them being intact isn't a problem. I'm boarding for a very special forum family right now in fact. I know my breeder in the Seattle area also does board/groom/train.

If any forum people in the northwest need to board their NKs, I always have room at the Inn

violet_in_seville

Any advice on how to start the search for a place that will take intact dogs? I'm pretty paranoid too and have always had friends watch the pup but since I've moved it's no longer feasible. I now have two, one of whom is intact and much less flexible. Since I've relocated I can no longer think of my breeder as the last resort (last only because I prefer not to trouble the family).

I did have a not wonderful experience with one friend who crated the pup all night while she cried and scraped her nose off rather than calling me to check whether she gets crated for bed (she only gets crated for going out, and actually usually sleeps in the bed, which all my other pet sitters automatically let her do).

If you haven't already, it's useful to have a file with your dogs' info, microchip number, vet numbers, latest shot history, eating, playing, exercise, and sleep habits and either print or send electronically to the dog sitter/kennel. The one time I forgot the list, I was gone for only 18 hours and came back to a puppy with no skin on her nose.

CarabooA

Hey @tjbart17 - we've boarded (usually with our vet) and no, it's not fun and exciting for them - but at least we know they are safe. They have always survived and never had any lasting ill effects. We've also had a housesitter and that of course is what we would always choose as long as it's affordable.

When I was a single gal in Colo Spgs I actually did housesitting as a side job. I kept a daily log of feeding times and walk times for the owners, and they were always surprised and very happy that I did that for them. I had about 6 people that I would do this for regularly. If you do find a housesitter, don't be afraid to lay out specific instructions and expect them to follow them! A good housesitter is like gold in the pocket!!

shibamistress

Lindsay too bad I can't send Toby up to you for a spa visit/boarding (even if I'm not going anywhere!)....perhaps you'd get him to lose weight! (But he would not be able to tolerate any other dogs, of course. Poor Bo! He starts shaking as soon as he sees another dog.)

tjbart17

@lindsayt The dogs would love it at your place!! I wish I lived near you. I'd always trust you with my pups.

It has always been the plan to spay Mika. I just wanted her to mature first. I could show her, and maybe when the breed is better setup I will AKC, but just doesn't seem like the right time.

@CarabooA Vets will board an intact male or female. The woman I'm taking the dogs to will as well, but she owns show dogs and runs a boarding/training facility so I would trust her experience in handling Mika intact. I would try around the show circle to find someone or board at a vet's office.

The problem with this was that it's last minute and I hate anything last minute. I'm leaving on Dec. 29-Jan 6 so this means that they have to be boarded on New Year's Eve, and well everyone is booked up. Leslie, the woman who has been taking Koda since he was a pup, is going to board them at her home.

@violet_in_seville Great idea for the file! Leslie knows my dogs, well except for Mika, and even lets Koda sleep in bed with her and her husband. She really loves Koda and only charges me $15 a night for him. He gets the good doggy discount.

Mei gets charged the regular price. lmao

violet_in_seville

@tjbart17 - that's hilarious about Koda and Mei! It's wonderful that Leslie can take them again. My paranoia with kennels is also that something will happen in the middle of the night and no one will be there. Thanks for the suggestions on the type of places that take intact dogs!