No matter how much you love your dog, unless it's a service animal, you can't take them everywhere you go. That means that sometimes you are going to have to board your dog. If you are going to have to board your dog, then there are some things that you will need to do to make sure that you can board your dog and have them be healthy and happy.
Up-to-Date Shots
One thing that you need to do is make sure that you have their shots up-to-date. There are going to be a lot of dogs there, and even at the best of times and with the best of care, there may still be times when there are dogs there that are sick. They may not have been showing signs of illness before they went into the kennel, but once they get there, they started showing their illness. The best way to make sure that your pet doesn't get sick is to make sure that they are vaccinated against everything possible. You may need to make sure that you have the shots a couple of weeks before you take them to the kennel to board them, and the kennel may ask for proof of shots.
Flea/Heartworm Medications
Another thing that you want to do is make sure that they have current flea, tick, and heartworm medication. These are usually easy to do. You can just get a topical medication from your vet and put it on your dog. You will want to do this at least a couple of days before you take your dog to the kennel because you want to make sure that the medication is fully active. Your dog may still have some problems with fleas, but the medication will be the best way to make sure that the fleas can't get a foothold.
Prescriptions
If your dog has to take medication for anything or has to take special food, you want to make sure that you are giving the kennel more than enough medication or prescription food to get them through the stay. You will want to make sure that not only do you give them enough to get them through their stay, but also give them a little extra so that the kennel is prepared if you can't make it home when you thought you could or if something happens.
If you need to go out of town, you may not be able to take your dog with you. Taking them to a dog boarding kennel is one way to make sure that they are safe.