·         At the kennel dogs are not allowed to have anything from home since it runs the possibility of containing fleas, germs, etc. The experience from beginning to end is very stressful, their collars are removed and slip-collar leads are put on the dogs. It feels like they are being sent to prison. (They take human prisoner's belts away to prevent suicide. Did they think our dogs would use their collars for this? Maybe they would!) 

·         Dogs in kennels get little or no sleep as the place is constantly noisy. They are under tremendous stress as they have no idea what's going on or if their people will ever return. There is no way of knowing how many dogs are in the same run with your dog - maybe they had one to themselves, maybe not.   

·         When you choose to board your pets, you must adhere to the posted check-in and check-out times.  If you check-in or check-out before or after those times, you could be charged for up to an extra day of service; service you never actually received! 

·         A boarding kennel, on the other hand, simply provides the services of housing your pet while you are away.  To be fair, kennels provide good, loving care for your pet.  Want medication administered?  There’s an extra fee.  Desire extra play time for Spot?  Add another additional fee.  

·         DOG AGGRESSION - The Danger: Your dog will literally be surrounded by other dogs. A dog that's aggressive with other dogs can injure themselves by trying to get through bars, by going after another dog being exercised, or by escaping to attack another animal. Little dogs have no fear of attaching larger dogs, who may take offense. Even through bars, a small dog can be injured if two dogs decided to go at it.

·         SEPARATION ANXIETY - The Problem: A dog who suffers separation anxiety may harm themselves by chewing on metal bars or 'digging' cement. They may howl or cry themselves in to a bad cough or a sore throat. I've even seen a dog develop laryngitis! 

·         BEING CRATED - The Danger: Your dog may injure themselves trying to escape confinement, or injure themselves or kennel staff when being placed in a crate or run.