Not every trip will be appropriate for your Yorkie to accompany you. Cruises are definite downers for dogs. A two-week jaunt to Hawaii will mean your dog spends almost half that time in quarantine. A spa vacation may pamper you but have no amenities for your dog. And foreign countries with longer quarantines are out unless you're taking a year's sabbatical.

Some people choose to arrange vacations and select places to visit based on their dog-friendly aspects. But many want to see and do specific things, which may mean leaving the dog behind. In that case, you'll need somewhere to leave your dog where someone can tend to your Yorkie while you're gone.

What a Boarding Kennel Can Offer

Good boarding kennels can actually be a welcome destination for your dog. They offer fresh sights and sounds, the opportunity to meet new canine friends, perhaps a romp in the country, and humans who delight in playing daily with dogs. Some also have groomers, nutritionists, or veterinarians as part of their staff.

At a boarding kennel, your Yorkie should be kept safe at all times, either in a kennel, in a securely fenced area, or on a leash. Playgroups should be carefully selected and fully supervised.

Finding a Boarding Kennel

The best way to find a boarding kennel is through personal recommendations. Ask your veterinarian, your trainer, your groomer, or friends with dogs. If you can't find a kennel through word of mouth, you can check your local Yellow Pages. You can also contact the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA). They can provide a list of any member kennels in your area. Once you've gathered a list of boarding kennels, however long or short, contact each to set up a time for you to visit and inspect the premises.

Don't narrow your search unnecessarily. If you live in the city, a boarding kennel out in the country might be a fun change of pace for your Yorkie while you're gone.

Evaluating a Boarding Kennel

Before you even leave home, you can contact the Better Business Bureau and find out if any complaints have been lodged against the kennels you're considering. On your tour of each boarding kennel, keep your eyes, ears, and nose open. The premises should look and smell clean, and dogs shouldn't be barking constantly. (All that barking will stress the other dogs in the facility.)

Pay close attention to the runs. If they're indoor/outdoor, you know your Yorkie can choose to go outside if the weather is fine or stay warm and dry inside if the weather is bad. See that the runs are well ventilated and lighted, and that they're kept at a comfortable temperature. Ask if bedding is provided (and scrupulously cleaned between occupants) or if you should bring your own. If the runs are indoors only, ask how and how often dogs are exercised. If runs are outdoors only, this probably isn't the right place for your Yorkie.

Observe the demeanor of any employees and how they interact with the dogs. You want the people who will be tending to your Yorkie to like being around dogs, not just doing a job for money. Also ask if the kennel is a member of the ABKA. Members commit to following the organization's code of ethics. Member kennels can also request an inspection, allowing them to be accredited.

Inquire about any paperwork you will have to supply to board your dog. Proof of vaccinations, including for bordetella (kennel cough), should be required. With vaccination schedules changing from annual to every three years or even less frequently, ask how they respond to dogs that have not been vaccinated in the last year. Do they accept veterinary health certificates, or blood titer levels?

Find out if they will feed the food your Yorkie is accustomed to and if you should provide a supply. Also inquire if they have a veterinarian on call in the event of unforeseen problems.