When it comes to the family holiday the inevitable question arises "what will we do with the dog?" 

There are various options open to you; you can ask family or friends to take care of your dog, hire a HOME SITTERS

There are several questions that you can, and must, ask when you approach a boarding kennel. It is an idea to check the kennels out yourself, unless it is highly recommended by friends and family. Responsible kennels will only take fully vaccinated and healthy dogs. Remember to book well in advance of your holiday as kennels can be, and usually are, fully booked at the popular holiday times, especially during the school holidays. All kennels should be licensed by their local authority and this license should be on display at the kennels. You can get in touch with the environmental health department of your local council who can confirm the license. 

When you have a list of appropriate kennels, make an appointment to visit them to check them out. Most places will happily let you do this. Do try to phone in advance so you don't turn up at cleaning and feeding times when everybody is busy.

Obviously the first impression you get of the kennels is the lasting one that you will take with you. There should be ample staff to cope with the kennels being full, especially if the dogs are walked under supervision twice every day. The staff should be friendly and make you feel welcome. There may even be a radio playing, this can help to make the dog feel more settled as it hears noises it associates with being at home. The kennels should be clean and dry, with adequate water supplied. There will be a lot of noise. Dogs can be very noisy in kennels. The kennels themselves should be clean and tidy with no old food and no overly wet and dirty floors. They should be escape proof and have good ventilation. If there are windows they should be non-opening and the wire of the units should be unbroken and have no rust. 

Check with the kennels that they only accept dogs that are vaccinated, and that the certificates are shown when the dog is handed in for boarding. All kennels will require that the dogs boarding there have been vaccinated. In the busier months they may also ask for the kennel cough vaccine to be given.

Check on the veterinary cover that the kennel has. Which company do they use and if your dog falls ill will the insurance cover the veterinary bills or will you have to pay on your return.

There are two main types of kennel accommodation, indoor and outdoor.         

Indoor kennels are individual units, opening off a central corridor, within an enclosed building. With this type of accommodation there should be an enclosed compound where the dogs can be exercised for a sufficient time each day. The units should have separate areas for sleeping and eating. There should be ample dry clean bedding, which should be renewed if at all soiled. Access to daylight and fresh air are also factors which should be looked at when choosing this type of kennel.   

Outdoor kennels are also individual units but they are much larger. The units are usually built on a concrete base, for ease of cleaning and also less risk of infection being left by the previous dog. The unit will be in two parts, an outside run and an enclosed sleeping area which may or may not be heated. There should be some heated kennels available at most boarding establishments. The run part is for the dog to be able to relieve itself. The dogs will probably be shut in the sleeping area at night, with water, and maybe a meal if this is the dogs' preferred time for eating. If your dog is elderly check that it will be in a heated kennel, which will be left on especially in the colder months and  always at night.   

When you have picked the kennels you want to board your dog in, remember to take your vaccination certificate with you. It is a good idea to put you dog into the kennels a day or even two days before you leave on your holiday. Some people will have a trial run and put the dog into kennels for a weekend. This allows you to know if the dog settles easily and quickly. It also helps to put your mind at ease when leaving your faithful friend. 

When you go with your dog to the kennels make sure you are not rushing at the last minute, you will more than likely have to fill in a form with the details of your dog. The question asked will be name, age, eating habits, special prescription diet, medication, medical history, your veterinary surgeons name and number and grooming requirements. The kennels may charge extra for giving medication and grooming over and above the normal daily groom. If your dog is on a special diet, you should provide the kennels with that diet. It would be worth leaving a contact number for yourself or a friend or relative who can make a decision on your behalf should your dog fall ill and have to attend the vet.

When choosing kennels remember do not accept second best, you want your pet to be as well looked after and as happy as possible. When you are satisfied you have found the perfect place then go off and enjoy your holiday. Your dog will probably enjoy the holiday too.