CHICAGO, IL-December 23, 2010 - As much as pet owners may want to take their furry or feathered friends with them wherever they go over the holidays, sometimes they cannot come along and finding a trustworthy kennel or pet care service is paramount. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has created a checklist to help pet owners choose a safe and reliable home-away-from-home for their pets.
Consumers are being proactive in researching boarding facilities for their pets; in the past twelve months, over 1,400 consumers have inquired with the BBB about Kennels & Pet Boarding companies in northern Illinois.
“For many of us, our pets are like family and leaving them in the care of someone else can be nerve-racking and the stress can overshadow your whole trip,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Taking a few moments to do your research and find a kennel you can trust will make your time out of town much easier for you and your pet.”
When looking for a reliable kennel, the BBB recommends the following checklist:
- Check the kennel out with the BBB first to make sure they have a good track record for keeping customers satisfied at www.bbb.org
- Consult friends, neighbors, veterinarian or local animal shelters for recommendations.
- Personally visit the facilities. Check for cleanliness and offensive odors, and note the overall safety of the kennel and cages.
- If your pet is prone to running away, ask about steps the kennel has taken to make their facilities escape-proof.
- Ask about how your pet may come in contact with other animals. Some kennels let animals play together while others keep them separate at all times.
- Ask about the feeding schedule, water accessibility and frequency of – or fees related to – exercise.
- Note the friendliness of staff members and how they interact with the other boarding pets. Ask about their background and experience.
- Make sure the facility requires that all entering pets have proof of immunization and ask about their policies regarding flea and tick control.
- Ask about the hours for drop off and pick up and make sure you understand their billing policy.
- Ask what happens in the case of a medical emergency or other unexpected situation.
“Remember that pets are as important as family members during the holidays. Ensuring that they are safe and comfortable while visiting loved ones brings good tidings to all involved,” said Bernas.
For more advice on finding reputable businesses around the holidays, visit www.bbb.org
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As a private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reviews on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.
