Boarding your dog: a checklist for the concerned pet owner

The last time I boarded my dog, she was overfed and ended up very unpleasantly sick to her stomach. There is nothing worse than coming home to a sick pet. I already felt guilty enough to have left her while I was off frolicking on vacation; I managed to assuage my guilt by telling myself that she loved her cage free puppy playland, and staying overnight would be great fun for her. That did not turn out to be the case, clearly, and I haven't' boarded her (or traveled without her) since.

However, this week I am obligated to attend a work conference, and although I have the luxury of bringing Angel to the office with me every day, I doubt she would be a welcomed guest at a large conference. So, back to boarding we go, and I've tried to find ways not to obsess about her wellbeing while I'm gone. I've compiled the following checklist, from the wise words of my friends and actual experts, to help with the pet boarding experience:

1) Interview the boarding facility you plan to use. Make a drop by visit, and check the place out. Ask for references, and follow up on those references. Does the place seem clean? Do the other dogs seem healthy and cared for?

2) Ask around, and find a pet boarding facility that is vouched for by friends or relatives. If you trust their judgment, they probably can guide you to a great place which will treat your pet right.

3) Make sure to find out the boarding facilities requirements well before you travel. Is your dog up to date with shots? Do they have their tags? Some facilities want to "interview" your dog to see how he or she will get along with the other pets at the facility. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to meet these requirements so you don't stress yourself (and, in turn, your pet) prior to travel.

4) Communicate! Make sure the boarding facility knows your pet's feeding schedule and any special dietary needs. Some dogs have allergies which can be very problematic if even a small treat is given. My dog won't eat unless a human is nearby praising her. Seriously, my dog has an eating disorder.

5) Contact information - make sure your contact information, and the vet's information, is on record with the boarding facility just in case. Nothing bad will happen to your pet if your information is on record and current. It's just the way the world works.

6) Keep a positive attitude! I got emotional and had separation anxiety from Angel when I dropped her off at the kennel last time, and I just know that didn't help anyone - not her, not me - I really do believe your pet can read your emotions and state of mind. My emotional goofiness didn't help my pet feel loved, cared for, and calm going into the boarding experience. I won't be doing that again!

As always, it's nice to leave your pet in a friend's care while you travel, but sometimes that's just not feasible.  So find a great kennel, and tell your friends (and me!) so we can all support quality pet care providers.