Your canine friend is the first thing that you should think about before you go on vacation. It is important that you ask yourself whether if it is possible to take your dog with you, will they travel well, or should you place them into a dog kennel?

There are various reasons why dog kennels are in existence today, and it is vital to ensure that you are making the right decision of placing your dog into one. There are many dogs that have issues when their owners leave them, regardless of where they have been left. This is something that needs to be taken into consideration. Kennels are very often impersonal. Even though they will provide your dog with exercise, food and water, and even brushing during their stay, they cannot always provide the dog with the best affection. Therefore, it is important to read the tips below when it comes to choosing a dog kennel in order to ensure that your dog will be content during his stay.

The size of the kennel along with the number of boarders should be looked at before you make your final decision. You do not want to select a kennel that is attached to a vet office as these are impersonal and over crowded.

It is better to have a small sized kennel which is preferably privately owned by a fellow dog lover. The kennel should only have approximately five to ten boarders at one time. This enables the person in charge of the animals to spend plenty of time with your dog. This is of great importance because a majority of dogs are going to feel the separation anxiety when you leave them in kennels because they think that you have abandoned them.

It is a very difficult thing to cope with, knowing that you are putting stress on your dog. If your dog has been in a kennel in the past, then it is advised to stick to that same kennel, provided that it was suitable. However, if it your dogs first time in a kennel then the following needs to be taken into consideration.

Visit the kennel with your dog every day for one week before you leave. This will give your dog the opportunity to meet everyone at the kennel and make new friends before entering the kennel for his stay. This can alleviate some of the stresses that the dog will experience.

Try to socialize your dog with the others that are currently boarding in the kennels to ensure that they will be happy and have new friends to play with during their stay.

Ask questions about the kennel. For instance, how often will your dog be walked? Can your dog have his favorite toys with him? Will the kennel staff play your dogs favorite games?

However, the most important thing that you need to ensure is that the kennel is clean and well taken care of. Most kennels are licensed in the state to ensure that they are frequently checked for proper procedures. It is also important that you check with the better business bureau that the kennel of your choice has not received any complaints.

Once you are certain that your dog will be happy in the kennel, you will have a happier vacation. It is important that you are not stressed about leaving your dog in a kennel, as the dog will feel this and be extremely unhappy during his stay.