Introduction
There are many reasons why pet owners may choose to take their dog to dog hotels. They may work long hours and do not want their dogs to be stuck in the house all day with no human contact or nowhere to relieve themselves. Some may not work outside of the home, but they drop their pets off at kennels and hotels so they can get some work done around the house without having four furry feet in the way. Pet owners may use dog hotels or kennels when they go on vacation and can't take the family pet with them. and in some cases, an emergency situation such as a death in the family or a hospital stay may drive pet owners to take advantage of the services offered at dog hotels and kennels.
The most obvious advantage to using dog hotels or kennels is knowing your pet is somewhere safe when you cannot tend to them. If the facility is being run properly by its staff, your dog will get treats, a place to play, potty breaks and human attention when you can't be there to do it yourself.
Another advantage is the opportunity for socialization. If your dog is the only dog in your home, he or she may not get the opportunity to be around other animals. Dogs are pack animals and need to be with other similar creatures. If they are not properly socialized when they are young, it can lead to a number of problems when they are older.
This type of environment can also help your dog with some of its less than desirable behaviors. If your pup is aggressive or shows signs of other behaviors that are based in fear, going to one of the many dog hotels or kennels in your area may help reduce those issues. They can also help with anxiety and neurotic behaviors.
While all of those things are great, there are also reasons why you may choose not to use dog hotels or kennels. Dogs who have never spent much time outside of their homes or away from their families can become nervous or anxious when left in a strange place. Some dogs may get used to it over time, but many will become lethargic and refuse to eat.
Most dog hotels and kennels will require any pets they take in to have a number of current vaccinations. While this may prevent the spread of serious disease, several health issues can still arise, especially if the facility is not kept clean and regularly sanitized. If your pet is stressed or anxious, they are also more likely to get sick.
Finally, while most facility employees are probably good people who do a good job with your pets, there is always a bad apple in every group. If you are taking care of your own pets, you know exactly what kind of care they are receiving. There is never a chance for neglect or abuse as there may be in dog hotels and kennels.
Tips and comments
Remember, ultimately whether or not you put your dog in a daycare or hotel facility is up to you. Some people may have no choice, and if this is the case, ask questions and tour the facility before you use it. If you do have a choice, weigh the risks and benefits based on what's right for your pet.
