You've planned the perfect vacation for the family or you've been called out of town suddenly for work or an emergency.  All the arrangements have been made except for boarding the family pet.  Unfortunately, this is often the last thing people consider when traveling. 

  The pet boarding industry is booming due to the increase of pet ownership.  Most of these places fill up rapidly for holidays and during the summer months.  Don't wait until the last minute and hope for the best.  When you make your own reservations, you also need to make your pet's arrangements.

  Check all of the available boarding in your area whether a free standing facility or your personal veterinarian.  Go for a tour.  This is important!  You want a place with an open door policy.  If the staff isn't willing to take you beyond a certain point, red flags should go up immediately.  There are places that have show rooms that are advertised.  In reality, your precious fur family member could be placed in a stack of crates in a back room. 

  How does the place smell?  Does it smell clean and fresh or nasty?  This is key to the cleaning standards used.  Several diseases can be passed from pet to pet very easily depending on the cleaning methods used.

  Will your pet receive frequent walks and exercise?  Some places walk two times a day.  Others walk far more which may include an additional fee.  Are they willing to feed your pet's own food or offer a quality alternative?  Are they qualified to give any medications your pet may need during their stay?  Is comfortable bedding available or will your pet be sleeping on a grate or a cold cement floor?

  When is the staff actually on the premises?  Are they there until early evening or all night?  Most pets are walked before bed when at home.  A walk at five in the evening and then waiting to go out again the next morning leads to accidents.  There are also medical conditions such as bloat or seizures that may occur overnight.  If no staff is there, the issue will not be discovered until the next morning.  This can be deadly.

  If you aren't happy with any of the kennels in your area, a pet sitter may be a better option.  Check with family and friends who are familiar with your pet for availability.  Also, ask for names of individuals in your area who offer pet sitting.Your veterinarian may keep a file of recommended pet sitters.  Search the web for listings if all else fails.

  Once you've made the perfect arrangements for your furry family member, it will be much easier to enjoy your own trip.