Consumer alert: Research pet-boarding facilities

From Arkansas Attorney General

LITTLE ROCK ­­-- Oftentimes, four-legged family members are left at home while the rest of us take a summer getaway. Some Arkansans will have friends stop by to feed, water and walk or play with these beloved animals on a regular basis, but others will opt to locally kennel or board the family pet.

While kenneling or boarding a pet can be stressful, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued this consumer alert to help Arkansans learn what to look for in a facility to ensure the animal's safety.

"There are a lot of different things to consider when dropping off an animal at a kennel for a few days," Rutledge said. "Is the facility clean? Do they have enough staff members to handle the number of animals? What is their medical care plan if necessary? These are all questions to ask when deciding the best kennel to keep your furry family member while away."

Here are some precautions for pet owners to take when considering boarding their pet.

• Ask family and friends for recommendations of facilities they have used when boarding their pets. And research online to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.

• Check out the facility on the web and on social media. Read comments by former or current customers.

• Visit the facility. Check for cleanliness and the overall safety of the kennel and cages.

• Ask about interactions between the animals. Some kennels let animals play together while others keep them separate at all times. Make sure the facility requires proof of immunizations and ask if they have any flea and tick control policies.

• Inquire about the background and experience of the staff and ask the facility for references. Take note of how they interact with other boarded pets on your visit.

• Thoroughly read the boarding agreement. Verify it includes the feeding and exercise schedule, as well as pick-up and drop-off hours. Some facilities offer bathing, nail trimming and immunizations as additional services. Make sure these and any other additional fees, like medical emergencies or other care, are included in the agreement.

Have a backup plan like a trusted friend, family member or veterinarian in case of an emergency.

Rutledge also recommends to start checking out facilities ahead of time and consider boarding your pet for a night or two as a trial run before leaving him/her for an extended period of time.

Remember that pets need adequate play time and space, and animals should not only be segregated by size but also by play styles and energy levels.

For more information about traveling and other consumer-related issues or to file a consumer complaint, contact the Attorney General's office at (800) 482-8982 or [email protected] or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.

General News on 07/20/2016