The Code of Ethics of The American Boarding Kennels Association is a model of best practices for dog boarding facilities. It was created to ensure that kennels adhere to high standards of care for their animals and the public. The code outlines principles such as treating all animals with respect, providing adequate food and water, providing appropriate shelter and exercise, and preventing cruelty to animals. The code also includes guidelines for handling and training animals, as well as information on responsible breeding and ownership.
American Boarding Kennels Association
As a member of The American Boarding Kennels Association, I recognize that, in order to fulfill my obligations to the animals in my care, to my customers, to the boarding kennel industry, and to my community, both my business and my personal life must be governed by honorable standards, therefore, I solemnly pledge:
1. To provide conscientious care for the animals entrusted to me, being constantly attentive to their security, safety and well-being, and to place their welfare above all other business considerations.
2. To take every opportunity to learn more about my profession and to improve my services.
3. To deal honestly and fairly with the public, and to avoid misrepresentation of my services.
4. To respect the confidence of every customer served.
5. To place service to my customers and to the boarding kennel industry above personal gain.
6. To avoid unfair competitive practices, any slander or defamation of my competitors, and actions or business practices which would result in dishonor upon or distrust of my competitors or of the boarding kennel industry in general.
7. To support my association, its policies and programs, and to participate as fully as possible in its activities.
8. To be respectful of, and to cooperate with the other professions and trades which operate within the pet industry, in every way consistent with my other responsibilities.
9. To obey all applicable Federal, State and local laws governing animal care.
10. To operate my business in such a manner as to reflect honor upon the boarding kennel industry within my local community.
11. To encourage responsible pet ownership, and to promote, especially through the charitable programs of ABKA, an increase public awareness and acceptance of humane and noble animal programs.
 | A Bill Of Rights For Boarded Pets |  |
As a member of the American Boarding Kennels Association, this kennel freely acknowledges and willingly accepts the serious responsibility involved in the care of your beloved pets. As a part of that responsibility, we maintain membership in ABKA and are committed to operate our kennel in accordance with the ABKA code of ethical conduct. Implicit in that code are the following pledges:
OUR PLEDGE TO YOUR PET
1. We will care for all boarded pets with kindness and will place their welfare above all other business considerations.
2. We will provide Security and Safety for all boarded pets by means of proper kennel design, good animal handling procedures, adequate separation between animals, and by keeping all pet boarding areas free of potential hazards.
3. We will maintain a sanitary environment for all boarded pets.
4. We will provide vigilant supervision of all boarded pets by competent, conscientious personnel and will respond appropriately to any sign of distress or emergency.
5. We will provide individual water containers and clean water to each boarded pet.
6. We will provide an adequate and proper diet to each boarded pet.
7. We will seek veterinary assistance whenever appropriate, the choice of veterinarian to be governed by kennel policy, as explained during check-in.
8. We will require proper immunizations for all boarders, as specified in our pre-entry procedures.
9. We will administer owner-provided or veterinary-prescribed medication in accordance with instructions.
10. We will take appropriate measures to control parasites within the kennel environment.
11. We will maintain temperatures within healthful limits, and will take appropriate precautions to protect animals which have special temperature requirements.
12. We will provide protection from the elements and from excessive exposure to the sun to all boarded pets.
13. We will provide adequate ventilation to minimize possible exposure to harmful bacteria or viruses.
14. We will provide comfortable levels of light in all boarding areas.
15. We will provide individual sleeping areas which are large enough to accommodate normal postural movements.
16. We will provide adequate exercise opportunities in areas which are safe, secure, clean and large enough for each boarded pet to exercise properly.
OUR PLEDGE TO YOU
1. We will deal honestly, fairly and respectfully with the public, and will put the welfare of our boarders and service to our customers above personal gain.
2. We will honor our commitments to our customers, whether they are made in our advertising, or in person, and will avoid inaccurate or misleading claims about the care which we provide.
3. We will respect the confidential nature of our kennel/client relationship, and will not release client information to unauthorized individuals.
4. We will strive to maintain and advance the professional competence of our staff by taking advantage of the educational opportunities available to us.
5. We will endeavor to resolve any disputes which might arise in a fair, amicable and professional manner.
From the whole article, it seems that the ethics of boarding kennels are not just about treating your pets well but also ensuring their safety. With such an ethical code in place, it’s safe to say that dog boarding kennels have no room for unethical practices.
Did you know that The American Boarding Kennels Association has a Code of Ethics? Visit our website now and read what they have to say! Also, feel free to leave them your comments on how you like their ethical standards since we won’t be able to meet everyone’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two types of kennels?
Various Forms of Boarding Kennels Standard kennels. Your dog will be housed and cared for in a traditional kennel. Individual kennels. Less dogs reside in private kennels than in conventional kennels.
What happens when a dog comes home from boarding?
Most likely, when your dog gets home, he or she will spend a day or two sleeping peacefully. They have every right to be exhausted if they had extra playtime or daycare and spent hours more than normal running in a new environment with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and people.
What is the purpose of kennels?
A kennel is a building or shelter for canines or felines. The phrase “kennels,” when used in the plural, refers to any structure, group of structures, or piece of land where dogs or cats are kept, cared for, and occasionally even bred.
