You, travel, and your furry friend

Many modern women (and men) spend time traveling. It's a fact that our generation is more global than any other generation before us, and our jobs require us to to travel from time to time and our friends span the globe. So when travel calls or its time for a reunion with some college friends, finding a kennel for your furry friend, whether a dog or cat, can be a process.

Over the years, the trend in pet care has been not a kennel concept, but a "pet resort." More and more kennels are offering detailed "menus" of options for your pet's activities while in the kennel's care. These can include supervised play-time for your pet, long walks, specific treats at bed time, or even (and this may be extreme for some pet owners) a bed-time story and a tuck-in every night. So how do you decide where to go?

You must first start with a thororugh knowledge of your pet. Does your pet play well with others? If so, then maybe a kennel that offers supervised play groups is the one for you. If not, then you may want to look at a kennel that offers individual care without interaction with other animals. Does your pet need plenty of excercise? If you answered yes, then you will need to ensure that your dog is signed up for some long walks and some playtime.

The most important point here is to ask the right questions and actually VISIT the kennel before you drop off your pet. Perhaps, even show up unannounced. That way you get a chance to check out the kennel in its "natural habitat." Ask these questions: "How often will my pet get exercise? What exercise options are available? Will it cost extra? Do I need to bring my pet's food? (If they offer food - make sure that your pet doesn't have a sensitive stomach - if you don't know this answer - bring your pet's food!) Do I need to outline my pet's feeding schedule and rations? Do I need to bring bedding for my pet? Where will my pet sleep? (Ask if you can see the place where your pet will stay,  If you can't - then I would not be as keen to stay at that kennel - any good kennel will give you a tour).

These are just some of the basic questions, but any good kennel will walk you through the steps if it's your first time. Regardless, there are many options in most areas, so take the time to check them all out. For me, when my puppy needed to stay in a kennel for the first time (in her four years of life), I called three different kennels in the area and canceled on a few places until I found the place I liked the best. Now she can't wait to hop out the car when she gets there. I drive 25 minutes, granted, to get there. But it's all worth it to go to a place where I know my pet will be well taken care of and that gives me the piece of mind when I'm away.