Connecticut Better Business Bureau’s Tips for Finding a Trustworthy Kennel

June 11, 2012 - PRLog -- Keep your Pets Happy and Safe When Boarding When You are on Vacation

If you are heading out of town for a mid-winter break, Connecticut BBB has some tips to select a trustworthy home-away-from-home for your pets.  

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, says consumers should feel comfortable with a kennel’s operations before dropping off a pet.

“Pet owners should use the same caution when looking for a place to board their pets as they would when selecting any kind of service where health and safety are priorities.”

Every year, BBB receives hundreds of complaints from pet owners about kennels. In 2011, BBB received more than 400 complaints nationally over billing or treatment of pets, up from the 273 complaints filed in 2010.  Consumers claimed their pets came back from boarding kennels severely dehydrated and malnourished or rife with fleas, ticks, and even maggots.  Worst-case scenarios include pets that became extremely ill while boarding at sub-standard facilities, which resulted in lengthy stays at the animal hospital and associated costs.

If you are looking for a reliable kennel, BBB recommends:

Check it out and get recommendations - Always check out a kennel at http://www.bbb.org to make sure it has a good track record for keeping customers satisfied. Also ask your friends, neighbors, veterinarians or local animal shelters for recommendations.

Make a visit - Personally inspect the facilities you are considering before scheduling the boarding. Check for cleanliness and odors, and note the overall safety of the kennel and cages.

Ask lots of questions - If your pet is prone to running away, ask about steps the kennel has taken to make their facilities secure.  Ask about how your pet may come in contact with other animals.  Some kennels let animals play together while others keep them separate at all times.  Inquire about the feeding schedule, water accessibility and exercise.  Ask about the hours for drop off and pick up and make sure you understand their billing policy terms and conditions and whether any extra fees may be imposed.  Finally, ask about procedures in case of a medical emergency or other unexpected situation.

Go with your gut - Note the friendliness of staff members and how they interact with the boarded pets. Ask about their background and experience.  Make sure the facility requires that all entering pets have proof of immunization, and ask about their policies regarding flea and tick control.

For more helpful tips, visit http://ct.bbb.org/consumers.