Whether you're considering opening a kennel to take dogs while their owners are away, or realizing that you need a place for your own pet, there are lots of things to do, a lot of questions to answer. Do you know what makes a good kennel and will give pets a good experience? Do you have to open a licensed facility - or look for one? Getting the answers before you go into business boarding dogs Houston way, or drop your pet off with strangers, is as important as choosing a daycare for your kids.
In Texas, there is no agency overseeing boarding kennels, so there are no regulations to enforce standards. This makes opening a facility easy for those who have the experience and equipment to do it right. Unfortunately, it's also easy for people who don't really qualify. You, as owner and responsibility-bearer for your pet, have to make sure you choose a reputable, dependable kennel.
Anyone who wants to start a kennel operation should know what clients want, so that they can provide satisfactory service and be prepared for routine questions. It's best to establish policies, which reassure owners and direct any staff you might employ as to proper procedures. The policies can be part of your advertising or presentation when you're hoping to attract business.
Owners will want to know how big the runs are, if animals are allowed out of the run at all, and if there is a flea control procedure. No one wants to leave a dog in close confinement for any length of time, but many pet owners don't want their dog turned out with others, for instance, or 'trained' to conform with a kennel owner's idea of behavior. A kennel might be able to offer indoor and outdoor runs (for shelter from the midday sun) as well as an exercise yard where a boarder might be able to run free for an hour or so.
It's good for a facility to 'toot it's own horn', but owners need to make sure this isn't false advertising. An owner might want to drop in unexpectedly to see how things are really run, or leave the animal overnight to see how it seems to adjust to being away from you and to the new place and people. This will be reassuring if you need to leave your pet for a longer period.
It's a good idea to ask friends, groomers, and vets for recommendations, rather than relying on advertising or brief inspections. The best case is when someone tells you of a place they've been happy with for years. Experience helps when dealing with unfamiliar animals and their owners. You alone will know if you want a place where your dog will be treated like family or one with a more impersonal approach.
You can always ask for references, if you don't get a recommendation that satisfies you. This lets you know that the kennel has been in business for a while, for example, and that it does have satisfied customers. You might start with the phone book or online sites that list kennels. There is sure to be several in your part of Houston.
Leaving a loved companion is stressful enough without making sure that the 'babysitter' is competent, caring, and reliable. You won't want to come home to a dog that smells like an uncleaned pen, or one who has fleas, or one that seems unhappy with the recent experience. If you do the research, you should find a place both of you can be happy with.
In Texas, there is no agency overseeing boarding kennels, so there are no regulations to enforce standards. This makes opening a facility easy for those who have the experience and equipment to do it right. Unfortunately, it's also easy for people who don't really qualify. You, as owner and responsibility-bearer for your pet, have to make sure you choose a reputable, dependable kennel.
Anyone who wants to start a kennel operation should know what clients want, so that they can provide satisfactory service and be prepared for routine questions. It's best to establish policies, which reassure owners and direct any staff you might employ as to proper procedures. The policies can be part of your advertising or presentation when you're hoping to attract business.
Owners will want to know how big the runs are, if animals are allowed out of the run at all, and if there is a flea control procedure. No one wants to leave a dog in close confinement for any length of time, but many pet owners don't want their dog turned out with others, for instance, or 'trained' to conform with a kennel owner's idea of behavior. A kennel might be able to offer indoor and outdoor runs (for shelter from the midday sun) as well as an exercise yard where a boarder might be able to run free for an hour or so.
It's good for a facility to 'toot it's own horn', but owners need to make sure this isn't false advertising. An owner might want to drop in unexpectedly to see how things are really run, or leave the animal overnight to see how it seems to adjust to being away from you and to the new place and people. This will be reassuring if you need to leave your pet for a longer period.
It's a good idea to ask friends, groomers, and vets for recommendations, rather than relying on advertising or brief inspections. The best case is when someone tells you of a place they've been happy with for years. Experience helps when dealing with unfamiliar animals and their owners. You alone will know if you want a place where your dog will be treated like family or one with a more impersonal approach.
You can always ask for references, if you don't get a recommendation that satisfies you. This lets you know that the kennel has been in business for a while, for example, and that it does have satisfied customers. You might start with the phone book or online sites that list kennels. There is sure to be several in your part of Houston.
Leaving a loved companion is stressful enough without making sure that the 'babysitter' is competent, caring, and reliable. You won't want to come home to a dog that smells like an uncleaned pen, or one who has fleas, or one that seems unhappy with the recent experience. If you do the research, you should find a place both of you can be happy with.
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