The American Boarding Kennel Association has about 1,200 members. While these boarding kennels are not actually rated, you can be confident when leaving your dogs in a facility certified by ABKA. Certified kennels have stringent rules regarding the maintenance of cleanliness, housing and exercise areas, food preparation, treatment of dogs and qualifications of employees, and their seal of approval carries considerable weight. Look for ABKA certification prominently displayed on the premises.

A list of ABKA member kennels is available for $5 from the American Boarding Kennel Association, Dept. DF, 4575 Galley Rd., Ste. 400-A, Colorado Springs, CO 80915.

For its members, the Automobile Associaiton of America can provide information about motels that will accommodate dogs. Other may want to get a copy of Touring With Towser, a directory of more than 7,000 nationwide chains, independently-owned motels, hotels and bed & breakfast inns that accept pets. The booklet also offers sensible advice for making travel plans, tips on pet etiquette and care away from home. It does not rate the facilities but does indicate things you need to know, such as whether there are any restrictions on the size of the dog or the length of your stay, if a refundable deposit is required, if there is an extra charge for pets, and so forth.

To get the booklet, write to Touring With Towser, Dept. DF, 585 Hawthome Ct., Galesburg, IL 61401.

Author(s): McLennan, Bardi
Publication: Dog Fancy
Issue Date: August 1994