Most families truly think of their pets as members of the family and this is why it really matters who they choose to care for their pets when they are away. Although it’s estimated that 78% of dog owners do have a fenced-in backyard where their dogs can run, according to Companion Animal Psychology, an online resource for pet owners, there are still times when an owner may need pet accommodations. Pet accommodations usually fall into two categories: pet boarding and kennels. Although these two services are similar, there are also some important differences. Let’s look at pet boarding versus kennels.

Pet Kennels

A pet kennel is a safe space where an animal can be kept for a very short amount of time. These are used at the vet office, groomers, pet stores, and other locations where an animal might get into trouble if they were not put up. Kennels are not considered healthy for a long-term stay. Most kennel stays would only last a few hours, or possibly up to 24 hours in a vet's office if the animal needed to be kept for observation. Kennels are often very small and only intended for short periods of time. A kennel area also would not provide as much care and supervision as dog boarding services would.

Pet Boarding

Pet boarding facilities are stand-alone facilities that are specially designed for keeping animals for an extended stay. These are often large spaces that offer special amenities for the animals. The facility may offer bedding, outdoor play areas, human caregivers, toys, and more. While kennels are intended to hold an animal for a short amount of time while another type of service is being performed, a dog boarding service is intended to be a home away from home for your pet. The staff at boarding services are trained in animal care and interaction. Their number-one duty is to keep your animal comfortable and happy during its stay.

You might need to consider dog boarding services for a few different reasons. Most often, people use boarding if they are traveling away from home and can't take their pets with them. It might also be helpful to use boarding if your home will not be accommodating to your dog for a while due to renovation or a visitor.

If you would like to learn more about dog boarding services, please contact us today. At A Crate Escape, we are here for your boarding needs.