At Cascade Kennels, we’re here to provide a safe, clean, positive environment and experience for all of our guests, but the journey to feeling good about where you board begins before your pet checks in. Because pets are like family, it’s important to do your research ahead of time and figure out what the best fit is for you and your pet. This is why we encourage all prospective clients to drop in for a tour, no appointment needed. There are four key things to spot when checking out facilities: an open-door tour policy, happy animals, happy staff and minimal odor.
Open Door Tour Policies
When shopping around for a kennel,” tour hours” or “tours by appointment only“ should raise a red flag. If the facility isn’t clean enough to show prospective clients at any given time, it probably isn’t clean enough for your pet to live in. Any place you walk into should be more than happy to show you around, and have nothing to hide. You know you’ve found the right place when the more you know about it, the better you feel about it!
Happy Animals
This one may seem self-explanatory, but there are certain things to watch out for that will give you the animal’s take on things. Sure, dogs usually have big smiles on when they’re just hanging out, but that doesn’t reliably reflect how they’re feeling. One thing that you want to see is that each dog is able to do his or her own thing. Just because one is excited shouldn’t mean that another can’t take a nap if they’re tired. Relaxed body language is also important to note. This means no frantic pacing, panting, or jumping up and down.
For cats, it’s pretty simple: they should look as if they own the place. Napping, stretching, demanding (and getting) affection from everyone who passes by, etc. They should have their condos neat and tidy with comfortable bedding to snooze on.
Happy Staff
The people caring for your pets should be friendly, kind and caring. That should come across from the moment you walk in. If the staff seems overburdened or unfriendly, it’s hard to imagine that they are able to give the quality of care to your pet that should be expected. Communication with you, the owner, is essential to coordinating a good experience for your pet. If they can’t carry on a great conversation about your pet and his or her needs, that’s a problem!
Minimal Odors
There is no excuse for a place to reek of anything, be it cleaning products or pet waste. If things are getting cleaned thoroughly and consistently throughout the day, there should be no reason for any residual odors to develop. There also shouldn’t be a strong odor of cleaning products to cover things up. Any kennel you walk into should be fresh, clean, open, well-lit and well-ventilated.
When it comes to leaving your pet in someone else’s care, you should feel confident about your choice. Making an informed decision is the first step, so be sure to get out there and tour any place you consider. Drop by Cascade Kennels any time that our office is open, and we’ll be glad to show you around!
