After locating the facilities in your area we suggest you call to gather information. Ask about the rates and specify the dates your pet is staying. Some facilities charge different fees at different times of the year. If your stay starts on a higher rate date but continues into a lower rate schedule, will your pet's stay be pro-rated to reflect the rate change? The Animal Den ALWAYS pro-rates your pet's stay. We are very careful to charge the correct fees for each day of boarding. Remember to ask about the availability for the dates you're interested in. The Animal Den, for instance, usually schedules 6 months in advance. We know it may seem like a long way off, but holidays and busy seasons are always just around the corner so try to plan ahead.

Next, check the facility's policy on special needs. Does the facility offer to administer medications? Will they feed special diets? Do they charge extra for these services? The Animal Den always accommodates any pet's special needs including diets, medications, disabilities, and companionship. Our Kennel Associates are trained to administer all medications including injections. We cater to your pet's individual diet insisting that you bring your pet's food from home so we can serve them just like you do. We strongly believe this will keep your pet in their regular routine and help their digestive system run smoothly. We maintain strict logs and follow your instructions to the letter. All food intake is recorded as well as their potty results and all this information is included in the report card you receive at check out. We do this for each and every pet at no additional charge.

Now, you should have your choices narrowed down a bit. The next step is to actually tour the facility. Call and ask about a tour. Some facilities require you to make an appointment. The Animal Den prefers that you show up unannounced. We pride ourselves at being the cleanest facility in the area and would love the opportunity to prove it. Obviously any facility should try to accommodate an unannounced tour request. If they refuse that should be a red flag and you should probably cross them off your list. We suggest you take your time with the tour. Bring a list of questions so you don't forget anything. Look to see if they are PCSA (Pet Care Services Association) Members. Does the facility look to be tidy and organized? Are the Associates busy with the care of the animals? Is there a good ventilation system? Are there signs of feces or offensive odors? Ask how often they clean. Do the animals being boarded look like they are being well cared for and in a relaxed happy state of mind? Are the Kennel Associates taking their time with the animals? Are they answering all your questions in a courteous manner and to your satisfaction? A negative answer to any of the above questions should also raise a red flag. Finally, check the play areas and the walking trails. Are those areas clean and orderly? We are confident your tour of The Animal Den will be very worthwhile and you will be pleased with our answers to your questions and all the sights, sounds, and smells at our place.

Once you're finished with the tour remember to ask about personalized services. What kind of exercise programs do they have? Do they have trails? Do they have playgrounds where your pet can play off leash? What is the policy on pet interaction? How much one-on-one time will they give your pet? What about the pet that just likes to be held and cuddled or is too old for the trails and playgrounds? And lastly, are these services included in the boarding fees or are they an additional fee? We believe what sets The Animal Den apart from others is the one on one attention every pet enjoys during their stay. When you schedule additional services such as walks, cuddle breaks, and playground time you can be assured this time will be spent one on one with our staff. We believe it is potentially dangerous to group together dogs that have not been previously socialized together. This is why we will never walk your pet with other pets and why it is strictly one on one time in the playgrounds. Your pet's safety, well being, and happiness are top priority with us.