How do you choose your Boarding Facility

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

We are thinking of a trip to England in the Summer. My Parents are British and I have family there.

We decided that Chester is a bit too much for a friend to look after for 10 days. Not that he is misbehaved but it is a lot to ask of your friends. He will likely be weighing 90 ish Lbs at be a year.

My family aren't really dog people and DH's let their dogs run off leash and think we are crazy for the way we are feeding Chester.

So we are looking into boarding facilities. We don't crate Chester at night so I want a place that doesn't insist on this. I also want a place that supervises the play and will be there for all Chester's needs. Is this too much to ask? He really isn't that needy..but I don't want him to be upset or anxious.

We checked out a place that I had been somewhat excited about and I was kind of nonplussed..

They also do a daycare during the week. They kept dogs of similar temperaments together. Their website and facebook page looked so good. I just didn't get the warm and fuzzies when I was there.

Chester is such a people dog that I don't know if he would get the attention he needs.

It is so hard to decide what to do.

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

Wow .. that would be so Amazing. I think Chester would love Cooper.

I hope everything works out for your career wise. Not sure if you have ever been to Halifax but it is a great city. I have always wanted to go to Nfld..someday.

Even if the dog sitting thing doesn't pan out- If you are ever in Halifax let me know.

That is a really nice offer - so sweet.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

My DH and I toured about 5 different facilities and smell was a big factor for me.  If it smelled like urine when we walked in, that place was immediately off the list.  The one that we use is a little posh (it is a 5 star doggie hotel as my husband likes to call it).  They play in daycare during the day (you can check in on them using their webcams).  They are in room a "Suite" at night that has beds, water/food bowls, a tv, and a doggie door with an outside patio.  This place isn't cheap, but I am paying for peace of mind too.  Someone is there on staff 24-7 which is very important for me.  In an emergency we will use the doggie daycare near us for overnight boarding but they don't have someone stay with the dogs overnight which tends to worry me a bit. 

I would suggest that you tour a couple of places and see which one gives you the best feeling.  Then pick one or 2 and take Chester there for a couple of trial runs (either just during the day or for a 1 night overnight period).  Most "responsible" places will require at least 1 daycare session before overnight boarding anyway just to make sure that your dog will be comfortable.  Good luck!