If you are going out of town you might be one of the lucky few that has a trusted, responsible family member or friend that is willing to move into your home and look after your dogs and/or cats. However, like most of us, you probably don't have that luxury too often and have to make the difficult choice of choosing what you hope, is the best boarding kennel or cattery for your beloved furry friend.

So how do you choose the best boarding facilities for your cat or dog? Well, I'm sure there will be plenty of other, more experienced experts, that will be able to enlighten you, but I'm only going on my own personal experiences and what I, as a person that treats her dogs and cats as loving family members, does when having to go through this procedure. To be honest, we tend not to go away that much, only because we feel guilty about leaving our dogs or cats with others (even though they always seem to be happy for us to leave them there)!

But before you decide it might be better to 'wing it' and leave your pets at home and 'hope' the neighbor remembers to give them exercise and food, or take the dog with you on your long journey, you should remember that a boarding facility that specialises in overnight (or longer) boarding allows your pet to avoid the stress of long journeys, ensures he receives the attention and supervision he would not receive if he was 'home alone', he can be monitored by professional staff for any health or emotional problems and of course, you know your beloved pooch or moggy is staying in secure facilities to keep him safe and secure.

Yes, there are some drawbacks when it comes to using pet boarding facilities (besides your own guilt at leaving your pet there), and you need to take into consideration how your pet will handle the stress of staying in an unfamiliar environment and how he will cope with other strange pets in close proximity. Of course there is also the stress of the drive over to the boarding facilities.

So how do you find a good kennel or cattery? I don't advocate using the Yellow Pages for this, I would always ask a good friend that owns a cat or dog who they use or recommend, ask your local vet which facilities they endorse, if you take your dog to obedience or similar training you should ask your dog trainer for recommendations or you can contact your nearest animal shelter for their advice. You may choose to find a boarding facility that has the AsureQuality logo. The AsureQuality Approved Boarding Kennel and Cattery Programme is independent proof that your pet's home away from home is committed to high standards of animal welfare. In the US you might want to check if a prospective kennel belongs to The Pet Care Services Association.

Once you have selected 2 or 3 boarding facilities to check (always go for a pre-visit without your pet), there are some things you should take note of when touring the facilities, including:

• What does the place smell like? It should look AND smell clean!
  
• Is there sufficient ventilation and light?
  
• Does the place feel too cold or hot? The temperature should be comfortable for your pet.
  
• Do you feel comfortable with the staff? Do they seem to be knowledgeable and caring?
  
• Do they ask to see your pets current vaccination card from your vet? If they don't require proof of vaccination then DON'T take your pet there!
  
• Will your dog have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise?
  
• Does your cat have it's own area of will it be expected to share a communal area with other cats?
  
• Is there suitable bedding for your pet?
  
• How often do they feed the animals and will they accommodate any special diet requests and or medication that must be administered?
  
• Is there a suitable amount of space between your cats feed and water bowls and their kitty litter box?
  
• What veterinary services are available?

At the end of the day, you can ask a million questions and look at dozens of boarding facilities, but always go with your gut instinct (and the guide above). If you would be happy to stay in the facilities, then it will be suitable for your furry friend.