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I'm not sure about this...

friend2animals
December 2nd, 2009, 12:55 PM
I am wondering what others think or feel about this...

I had been looking into Boarding Kennels for my dog. I found one and payed a quick, friendly visit to the facility to see everything, and ask a few questions regarding policies, fees, etc... Everything seemed ok. I gave the relevant info to whom I can only assume is the primary caregiver for the dogs in this kennel. The thing is, she did not give me her name.
I had checked out their business profile from the web prior to making the visit, in addition to sending an email - to which I never received a reply.

I am not new to boarding my dog (on the rare occasion), and in the past, have always experienced straightforward dealings. I have never had to think twice about it. I had made a second phone call to this kennel, to ask a few more relevant questions, and at this time, inquired about the name of who I would be entrusting the care of my dog to. Still....no reply. Even though I was told that I am speaking to the same person with whom I met on my initial visit.
[This is a small kennel, with less than a handful of staff]

I find this quite strange, and quite frankly, a little sketchy. Am I being unnecessarily nervous about this?:eek:

I had been checking out other kennels as well, but was having great difficulty making contact with anyone at these kennels.

hazelrunpack
December 2nd, 2009, 02:49 PM
I have no experience with boarding kennels in your area, of course, but man, that would make me awfully nervous, too! Generally, kennels seem more than happy to introduce their staff!

ancientgirl
December 2nd, 2009, 03:22 PM
I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my babies with someone who refused to give me their name after I asked them twice. Heck, if it were me, I'd flat out ask that person why they didn't want to tell me their name.

friend2animals
December 2nd, 2009, 03:27 PM
Yeah...I wouldn't expect Boarding Kennel (business) protocol to be any different in the US, than in Canada. It's pretty straight forward stuff.

I have always made it rule of thumb to check out kennel facilities - nothing personal, it just makes sense to me..This, on the other hand, does not!!:eek:

I'm still trying to contact additional kennels.

hazelrunpack
December 2nd, 2009, 03:31 PM
We've had good luck boarding with our vet those few occasions when we're both going to be gone. They don't have all the play facilities that a regular boarding kennel might, but there's plenty of staff and the dogs get a lot of attention, walks, and access to an outdoor run. :shrug: Might be worth checking into whether your vet offers such a service.

ancientgirl
December 2nd, 2009, 03:34 PM
My vet boards too and I like knowing that there is always someone there. They are a 24 hour clinic, heaven forbid any of my gang gets ill while there, there is someone attending to them medically.

14+kitties
December 2nd, 2009, 03:36 PM
Go with your gut. If it's telling you something's not right believe it.

friend2animals
December 2nd, 2009, 04:39 PM
Thanx everyone, for your support and suggestions!::)

This kennel does provide 2 walks/day, and one-on-one attention (as it should be). Aggggh! I am just not comfortable with this name nonsense! What is their glitch???!!!
When I check out facilities, I also pay close attention to the dogs and their kennel space. These dogs appeared healthy, and their kennels were well sanitized. Their food and water bowls were shiny clean, and their beds/blankets were clean as well!

Ahhh, I want to keep this G-Rated, so I will say that there were other subtleties that I detected that made me uncomfortable/nervous - not with the kennel set up or schedule, but the caregiver.

I'm stressed enough about having to leave my girl (even if it's for a few days), but this is making things way more difficult for me!

Chris21711
December 3rd, 2009, 10:42 AM
I don't know what part of Ontario you live f2a, but this facility is very good, I have friends that have boarded their dogs there.

http://www.petcottages.com/

friend2animals
December 3rd, 2009, 10:57 AM
Hi Chris,

Just checked out your link - very impressive:thumbs up

Thanks for the tip:)

Chris21711
December 3rd, 2009, 11:25 AM
Your welcome, if you do consider them, they do get booked quite quickly.

friend2animals
December 3rd, 2009, 11:35 AM
Hey Chris, I am seriously considering them...:thumbs up
I am not surprised at all that this kennel would fill up quickly:cool:

Thanks again from me and my girl:goodvibes::dog:

Chris21711
December 3rd, 2009, 11:49 AM
Tell your Girl she is welcome............have we seen pics of her :confused:

friend2animals
December 3rd, 2009, 12:08 PM
Thanks for the welcome:)

I have not yet posted any pics, only because I am in the process of finding a compatible, user friendly peripheral for my Mac OS. I think I am getting close...:cool:

Of course, when I do finally set up everything, I look forward to the task of uploading pics from my cell - :confused::laughing:

Bearsmom
December 12th, 2009, 03:17 PM
If need be, I've got some names for you.(depending on your area)..I avoid kennels like the plague due to one of our dogs coming back with wounds...trust your guts and go with recommended kennels.