If you've got a pet, going on vacation adds an extra layer of stress—namely, finding a place to take care of your dog while you're away. Dog kennels are a logical choice, but if you've never used one, all the options can be overwhelming. But by doing some homework, asking questions, and being observant, you'll likely find the best choice for your pet when you're away from home.

Ask Around
Ask friends, family and neighbors for kennel recommendations. If they don't have pets, chances are they know someone who does. Check with your vet, too, who might have specific boarding suggestions that would be best suited to your pet. The American Kennel Boarding Association is a good resource, as is the Better Business Bureau. Next, decide what type of pet kennel you'd prefer for Fido—one that provides basic care including feeding, exercise via indoor and outdoor dog runs, and clean bedding, or one that's more like a doggie spa, offering the basics plus amenities such as grooming, pick-up and drop-off services, plush bedding, piped-in music, and daily individual walks. Once you've compiled a list of your top three to five choices, make an appointment to tour each pet kennel facility.

Pop in for a Visit
When you get to the kennel, sniff the air. It should smell clean, not like stale dog waste. It's not hard to tell the difference between a kennel that's been dirty for decades and one that's got fresh mud stains on the dog run from a morning romp. Good kennels are clean and well ventilated, offer protection from bad weather, provide adequate space for the size of the dog, have a caring staff and deliver medical care. Many pet kennels have a live-in vet on the property that can provide care 24/7. Make sure that the kitchen where staff prepares the meals is clean and food is stored in dog-proof containers.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about the care your pet will receive at the kennel, including feeding and exercise schedules (walks versus just outside time), how the kennel staff determines what pets are safe for your dog to socialize with, extra charges to give medication, if and how long your dog will be in a crate during the day, and whether or not your dog can have its own private dog run. It's also your responsibility to provide the kennel with important information about your dog, such as behavior quirks (biting, digging), current medical history, and any special needs. Many pet kennels will require a list of vaccinations and that your dog receives a Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine prior to staying at the kennel.

Pet Kennel Costs
While boarding rates will vary from kennel to kennel and the type of package you choose, there are some general cost guidelines. For basic boarding, which includes indoor, cement-floor kennels attached to outside dog runs and fenced areas, expect to pay $12 to $26 per day. For a more plush boarding environment that offers heated floors and music and TV wired for individual dog spaces, you're looking at daily rates of $22 to $55. At the high end of the spectrum are dog retreats and hotels that feature private rooms and the amenities of home, such as real furniture, rugs, plasma TVs and artwork—these environments will set you back $40 to $110 per day. Some dog kennels charge by weight or size; sometimes even twice as much for dogs more than 80 pounds. At some kennels, you can pay extra for additional services, including about $5 per day for one-on-one walks or playtime with a staff member, $25 and up for spa treatments and steak dinners, and an extra $7 to $10 to have him bathed before you pick him up.

More Homework
Provide the kennel with your vet's name and contact information and tell your vet where Fido will be while you're gone. It's also good to arrange payment instructions with the kennel and your vet should an emergency arise. To ensure Fido doesn't get fat while you're away, provide the kennel with individual-portion-sized meals of his regular dog food and communicate diet and feeding schedules in advance. If Fido is on meds, be sure the kennel staff has clear instructions on dosages and intake frequency. To keep your dog's schedule as close to normal as possible, let the kennel know walking and exercise routines. Find out if it's OK to send Fido with his favorite toy, blanket, treats and bedding.

The Drop Off
Your mission on arrival day is to keep things low key. Exercise Fido before you turn him over to the kennel. If possible, drive your dog to the kennel alone or with a limited number of passengers who won't make a big deal about the drop off. When you arrive, walk into the kennel, give Fido a quick pat on the head and tell him you'll see him later. Extra drama, such as tearful goodbyes, will just make your pet uncomfortable and stressed out.

When you're prepared and informed about choosing a kennel for your dog, both of you will have more relaxing and fun vacations. And remember, if you have a good experience with a kennel, tell the staff and tell your friends so they can enjoy their vacations as much as you did.