TO BOARD OR NOT TO BOARD.



Linda Benish of Fontana, CA, shares some insight on what we should 

be on the look out for if we decide to board a member of our Rott 

N Family.



Well folks, Summer is almost upon us, and our thoughts turn to fun 

in the sun.  Our thoughts also turn to when to when are we going 

and where are we going to go on vacaion.  Many of us don’t give 

much thought as to what we are going to do with our Rottweiler 

until we are almost ready to walk out the door, and then we go to 

the phone book and look up a Boarding Eennel, Call for directions, 

put our Rott N Kid in the car and off we go. (Linda knows this 

really isn't true for the Chatter readers, but lot of folks out 

thsre do just that).



These are our loving pets, they deserve as much consideration as 

we would give when choosing a baby-sitter for our children.  The 

following are some things to look for when choosing the right 

place to take your care of our four legged friend.



1. Call for directions and ask for hours of operation. (when you 

can drop your Rottweiler off).



2. Drop in during those hours and ask to see the facilities right 

now, on the spot. (Unannounced of course!)



3. Are the people friendly? Are the kennel runs clean and well 

maintained and do they have enough for each dog? (Or would your 

Rott N Kid be kept in a crate most of the time...)?  Are the 

kennel runs large enouqh for your Rott N Kid?  Are they 

indoor/outdoor runs?  Are the dogs kept inside in the evening?  

Are the floors of the run heated?  Is the building air 

conditioned?  Do the dogs there look like they're being well taken 

care of and are relatively playful and happy?  (Under the 

circumstances of being away from their families).



4. Ask to see their current kennel license.  How many animals are 

they allowed to have on the premises at one time. (This is an 

EXCELLENT suggestion...you just might be surprised).



5. Ask lots of questions.  Is there a caretaker on the premises at 

all times?  Is that caretaker trained for emergency situations 

regarding animals?  What do they require in tne way of current 

inoculations for the dogs they board?"  Who is the vetrinarian 

they would call in an emergency?  Will they call and take your pet 

to your own Vet?  What do they feed?  Can you bring your own food 

and/or supplements?   Will they cook individual meals for your 

Rottweiler?  Can you bring your Rott N Kid's blanket and favorite 

toys?  Do these dogs ever get time exercise area?  Is the area 

fenced in, with shade and water?  How long is each animal 

exercised each day?  Can you appoint a friend or relative to come 

in and take your Rottweiler for a walk or at least visit?   Can 

you call to find out how your Rott N Kid is doing?  Whould they 

release your Rottweiler to anyone other than you and how do they 

verify ownership before release?



If all these questions can be answered to your satisfaction, and 

you feel comfortable with the people and facilities, then your 

Rott N Kid will probably be happy to stay here for a little while.  

Give them a Kiss (No, not the kennel fokes, your Rott N Kid), tell 

them you will be back real soon and then run like a flash so the 

people don't see you in tears.



HAVE A GREAT VACATION.