Question:
Our family is planning a 2 day trip to the 6 Flags Great America theme park north of Chicago. We`ve found a place to stay that allows pets and are planning on having Lola (6 month old chowX) stay at the on-site kennel. I`d like suggestions on what questions to ask before we go and any thing you can think of to make it easier/less stressful for her. If anyone knows anything about this place I`d love to hear it. I don`t know what we`d do if we got there and found it unacceptable! The second day is likely to be really hard to leave her unless somehow the first day is great. We`ve never used a kennel before so I`m not sure what to expect.

We have family taking care of the other pets, but Lola would have to go to someone`s home if we don`t take her and since she has a history of having potty accidents in other homes I don`t want to put that on anyone nor do we have any volunteers.

Any advice?

Answer:
i woudl suggest apart from a thorough inspection of the place before you book, do a surprise visit, jsut pop in and ask to check it out. that way their not expecting you and you can often see the real operation...

also i woudl suggest making sure that his place has a defined time in which they play with the dogs nad have human interaction with your dog, you want somewhere thatwill give your pup a bit of one on one each day. also check out the diet they feed, and if yo udont like it i would suggest giving them your own feed and strict instructions, if you do give yoru own food ask if you get a discount....

but check it out totally, and meet the ppl that will deal with your dog, any problems you may have discuss openly before you drop of your dog and check they will deal with it as you so desire.

there are some wonderful borders out there, over here we have some boarding kennels called pet resorts which is the ultimate care for your animal, its amazing and comfy, 24 hour classical music and heated floors etc (not bad price either, about $ 15-30AU for a day depending on length etc), and i would be happy if my family dropped me of to some of them myself actually ..

Answer:
make sure she got her shots for kemmel cough.

Answer:
The best thing is definately to visit kennel before leaving your dog,ask when visiting hours are.I know with us we have set hours(10 am to 3pm)when people are welcome to drop in to check us out,it's not because we prepare for visitors it's because if I'm in the middle of grooming a dog,feeding etc I do not have time to show people around and explain our policies.As far as diet you should bring your own,the only reason a kennel supplies food is because it's easier for them if everyone is the same diet,not good for the dogs as between the stress of being boarded and changing diet you will a pet with a very upset tummy!Of course all vacc should be up to date incl bordettella and the kennel should ask for proof.Find out what vet arrangements they have,here we have a vet on call,but if we can use clients regular vet we will.All clients sign a contract allowing us to vet thier pet in case of emergency and we are unable to contact them.Also ask if you can bring your pets toys etc,we allow it but some kennels prefer to use thier own in case they get lost.You should also ask if kennel is a member of the ABKA ,since they have a strict set of guidelines for the care your pet receives.Also find out how much time play with people your pet will have,that does not mean being put in a larger enclosure alone or with other pets human interaction is really important when a pet is away from home.Finally make sure the facilities are secure and escape proof and that your pet has current tags.

Answer:
The thing is we can`t visit it before we go. Its a pretty long trip. I was hoping to find someone who lived nearby who could check it out for me, but no luck. She`s going to need to be there about 10 hours for 2 days. I`m planning to call and ask more questions this week so I can get an idea how they run things. The kennel is more of a convienience for people visiting the park than anything so I don`t expect it to be fantastic, but want to make sure the dogs get at least adequate care and attention. I do plan to bring her own food & an old towel or something at least. I need to check the shot record & get her the kennel cough shot, I don`t think she has had it. We`re going have a cell phone so they can contact us in the park. I think that`s the best we can do this time.

I though about using a local kennel that we could visit ahead of time, but we`re going to be gone at least 5 days. This way at least she`ll be with us most of the time. We rarely take trips where we can`t bring her, so next time she should be ready to stay with grandma.

Thanks for your ideas

Answer:
Ask for references and about vet care if needed as well as do they have walkers that are responsible..if so...how many dogs do they take out at at time on walks...if more then 2 I'd say noooo, seen too many dogs get lost that way.

Are there pics of the kennels? Do they disinfect between dogs, what do they use?

You may want to research doggy day cares in the same vacinity, they may be more friendly...open concept and your dog can 'play' instead of being locked in a kennel.

Just a little advise, thats what I would do.

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