When you go on vacation the first thing you think about is your dog. You are asking yourself can you afford to take the dog with you, will they travel well, or should you place them in a dog kennel? There are many reasons that dog kennels exist and it is important to make sure you are making the right decision as it relates to your dog. Many dogs have issues when they are left by their owners, no matter where they have been left. This is definitely a consideration. Most often a kennel is going to be impersonal. The dog kennel is going to offer the daily exercise your dog needs, the basic care in food and water, and even brushing during the stay. However they can't always provide the best in affection for your dog. This is why it is important to read the tips below for choosing a dog kennel and making sure your dog is content.

When you have decided to leave your dog in a kennel you should check the size of the kennel and how many boarders they will have. First of all you don't want to go with a kennel that is attached to a vet office. In many cases these are impersonal and over crowded.

A kennel needs to be on the small side and preferably privately owned by a fellow dog lover. The kennel should only have about five to ten boarders at a time. This enables the person in charge and of course any staff plenty of time throughout the day to spend with your dog. This is important because most dogs are going to feel the separation anxiety of having you abandon them. They often don't understand that you will be coming back, until you show up.

Stress on a dog is very harsh. In some cases it does need to happen that they need to be placed in a kennel at these times you should place them in a familiar kennel if you have chosen one in the past. If you are still looking for the right kennel to board your dog consider this: Take a trip each day to the kennel a week before you leave. This will give the dog a chance to meet everyone at the kennel and make new friends. This can alleviate some of the stress that they will experience.

You may even try to socialize them with the dogs currently boarding there to make sure they are happy and that they have a friend to play with while you are gone.

Questions should be asked of the kennel. For instance how often to they walk the dogs? How long are the walks? Do they mind if you bring some of your dog's favorite toys? Will they be willing to play your dog's favorite games?

Above all you need to make sure the kennel you chose is very clean and well taken care of. Most kennels are supposed to be licensed in the state to make sure they are checked frequently for proper procedures. You may want to double check with the better business bureau that your kennel choice has not had any complaints. Basically you are interviewing the place like you would for child.

Once you have asked the appropriate questions and made sure your dog is going to be happy in the kennel you will be happier on your vacation. It is important that you provide yourself with a less stressful time as it is important for your dog. To make sure you have the right kennel follow the above tips.