Do your homework before boarding your dog

Spring break is coming, which means making plans for travel. Unless you're lucky enough to take your dog with you, you have to make plans for someone to take care of him while you're out of town.

You can leave him with a relative, hire a pet sitter to stay in your home or board him in a kennel. I've done all three with my dogs.

If you decide to board him in a kennel, the HSUS offers suggestions for finding a quality place so you can leave town knowing your dog is safe and getting good care.

First, do your research. Ask your veterinarian, friends, dog trainer or animal shelter for a recommendation. Once you have names, do some background checking. Find out if the kennel meets state mandated standards, if they exist, and are a member of The Pet Care Services Association.

This trade association was founded by kennel operators to promote professional standards for pet care. Association members subscribe to a code of ethics and offer voluntary facility accreditation that indicates the facility has been inspected and meets association standards of professionalism, safety and quality care.

Also, check with the Better Business Bureau to see whether any complaints have been lodged against the kennel you are considering.

After confirming dates with the kennel, and that they can address your dog's special needs, schedule a visit. During your visit, ask to see any places your dog will be taken and pay attention to the following:

• Does the kennel look and smell clean?

• Is there sufficient ventilation and light?

• Is a comfortable temperature maintained?

• Is the staff knowledgeable and caring?

• Are boarded animals required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? This requirement helps protect your dog and other dogs.

Also, pay attention to the following:

• Does your dog have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise?

• Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from wind, rain, and snow?

• Are resting boards and bedding provided to allow your dog to rest off the concrete floor?

• How often is your dog fed?

• Can you bring your dog's special food?

• Are other services available such as grooming, training, bathing?

• What veterinary services are available?

• How are rates calculated?

After visiting the kennels, make sure he is prepared for his stay. Before leaving him, make sure your dog knows basic commands and is well socialized around people and other dogs. If your dog has an aggression problem, boarding in a kennel may not be an option for him. Make sure your dog is current on all of his vaccinations.

When you drop your dog off, make sure you give the kennel staff any medications he is taking and special food, your veterinarian's phone number, contact information for you and a local backup.

During the drop off, remind the staff about any medical problems or behavior problems your pet may have, like epilepsy or a fear of thunder.

After checking in, hand your dog to a staff member, say goodbye and leave. Avoid a long, emotional goodbye, which may upset your pet.

Do your research. You can then have a good trip knowing your dog is safe.

To all of you leaving town this spring break, travel safely. To those of us staying home, maybe we'll meet up walking our dogs in the neighborhood.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.