Woodlawn Kennel Pet Care Center  

One standard of measuring the kennel owners interest in his profession is his membership in the PCSA. You can be certain members trying to keep current on the latest developments with the industry, owners keep their membership PCSA certificate  proudly displayed.

Make certain you understand the rate structure for all services and hours of operation. The fee for boarding not only includes the care of your pet but the peace of mind that goes with knowing that your pet is safe with someone you can trust.

When boarding your pet make certain all immunizations are current, including the parainfluenza vaccine  protection against tracheobronchitis. Your pet should be free of internal and external parasites and not have been exposed to any contagious diseases. Separation from master and/or being in strange surroundings can produce stress in your dog, and stress can result in lowered resistance and sometimes even temporary changes in behavior. Be sure to inform the kennel proprietor of any special needs or medical problems they may have such as a history of epilepsy or fear of thunder, ect. that may aid in keeping your pet healthy and happy.

Dogs should be prepared psychologically for boarding. It's best, of course to begin with a pup as soon as the immunization program is complete. (Puppies usually learn very quickly to enjoy boarding.) We offer day-care services, enabling you to leave your dog for a few hours at a time. This is an excellent way to introduce your dog to boarding. After just a few visits your pet accepts a kennel as a normal way of life.

The psychological preparation of a dog for boarding (and also for helping him develop a healthy personality) also includes getting him used to new people and experiences (socialization). This is probably most easily accomplished by taking him thru obedience classes and occasionally boarding him. 

The experienced personnel at our kennel are trained to recognize the warning signs of potential health problems and will contact a veterinarian if they feel it is necessary. Many times it is easier for kennel personnel to detect problems that is is for the owner of the dog e.g. blood in urine, a warning sign that deserves attention can more easily be detected in the kennel than at home because the dog is exercised in a specific area which is cleaned regularly. 

It is not part of the kennels job to diagnose or to prescribe. If your pet requires veterinary aid while he is in the kennel, you should be aware that you are financially responsible for such aid. Discuss, before boarding, any medications or special care your pet might need.

Sometimes temporary behavior changes can occur when boarded as a result of unfamiliar surroundings . Eating habits change under stress, and a dog assimilates his food differently. Some will eat like canaries at home and like vultures at a kennel. They may put on a few pounds. They may lose a few pounds. Kennel life can be very exciting and some dogs lose weight because they run the weight off as they charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time.  These dogs often go home exhausted but happy and sleep alot the first couple of days at home.

All of this preparation by the pet owner merely points out that he should recognize  that successful boarding depends not only upon the kennel, abut also upon how well the owner prepares his dog for the experience.

After you board and your pet is picked up, he will be very excited to see you. (Dogs do not have a sense of time, so that he would be as happy to see you if you had left him 5 minutes ago or 5 days ago. Do not feed him (though he will act hungry once he gets back on his familiar turf) for at least 3 hours, and then be very careful not to overfeed him. Also, excitement will cause him to pant a lot, lose body water and be thirsty. Give him a few iced cubes to tide him over until feeding time. Again, in his excited state, food and water can create problems.

Remember your kennel owner is in the business because he loves pets and is very concerned for their welfare. If you have any special concerns please be sure to voice them to the staff.