Kennel spots in short supply over Xmas

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Pet owners need to book now if they're to have a dog's chance of finding kennels or a cattery for their animal over the Christmas break.

Sunday News went on a nationwide search to find what it costs to have your dog or cat cared for and what owners should look for when checking out boarding facilities.

Auckland is the most expensive places to house your animal. At the top end of the market, Pets In The City in Mt Wellington, Auckland, has vista executive suites from $46.50 a day. Your pampered pooch will have a super king bed, duvet and pillow and a flat screen LCD TV tuned to Animal Planet or Nickelodeon with cookies to snack on. Critter Creek in Kumeu, Auckland, charges up to $33 a night for large dogs and $16 for cats. Paws Inn, Dunedin, charges $15 for any sized dog and $10 for cats.

At Shado-Lans Quarantine facility in Levin, near Palmerston North, you will pay $15 for a large dog, $12.50 for a small dog and $8 for a cat.

Critter Creek also provides individual dog suites for $42, offering an enclosed deck area and radio. A paddock run for dogs in these suites costs an extra $3. Spokeswoman Roxane Sefonte said: "These rooms are usually for indoor dogs to provide a home away from home atmosphere. If they are used to sleeping on a bed or in a lounger, it's better than being put into a kennel. It reduces their stress levels."

There is heating in winter and cooling fans in summer, and there is a television on 24 hours a day. "It's more for the pampered pooches," Sefonte said.

Robyn Kippenberger, national CEO of the SPCA, said before you enrol your pet in any boarding facility regardless of the price, you should first inspect the premises.

Rooms should be clean, with bedding, and draft-free. It is important when you speak to the owner to ensure the accommodation you are viewing is the same as your pet will be in.

One tip is to always check what other animals look like, Kippenberger said. If they look relaxed and happy, chances are the facilities are adequate.

Kippenberger also suggests speaking to the kennels or cattery owners to discuss your pet's diet needs.

"This is especially important for cats, because if fed something unfamiliar they can develop upset stomachs. It is advisable to keep pets on their current diet wherever possible," she said.

It was also advisable to take something to the facilities the pet could connect with home, to help ease them into their new surroundings.

All boarding facilities should ensure there is clean water available at all times.

There should also be enough to occupy the animals when they were in confined spaces.

Cats are much more comfortable in smaller areas but dogs need a roaming area to get exercise. Kippenberger said it is important to check around kennels now, because the SPCA strongly advises against leaving dogs at home while you go away.

"They are too dependent on the socialisation they have. We often get animals that have been put in the care of other people and have gone missing in their care." Kippenberger suggests micro-chipping pets as "the most effective way of getting your animal back reliably and fast".