Bulldogs World

Jax's breeder.  When we just had Ozzy we didn't go on vacation unless we could take him.  I am so thankful that we can use the breeder because I can trust her.  We left Jax with her in Sept and it was nice not to have to worry about him.  She has a few other bullys and Jax's sister and mom so he was right at home.

Lyn

There used to be a link from the main page that listed facilities by state that were recommended by members of this board.  I don't see it any longer (though, I may be looking in the wrong place?).  I was fortunate enough to work in a boarding/training facility, so I made sure the staff was well educated about the particular needs of a bulldog!  lol

However, there are a few things to ask/look for in a facility.

First off, are they a certified facility?  Pet Care Associates, or some other boarding board?  Facilities that have certification must meet certain standards and are inspected on a yearly basis. 

Does the staff have certification?  We had to study and take tests to become certified Pet Care Technicians. 

Is there environmental control? (air conditioning, heat, air filtration). 

How do the dogs get exercise? If it's a "group" thing, how many staff are in attendance (in case a dog fight breaks out).  My personal preference was for individual runs vs a free-for-all. 

What is their protocol in a vet emergency?   Will they transport to your vet, or do they use a different facility? 

Do they have brachycephalic breeds as regular clients? (as an indication as to how "up" they are on the needs)

Look at the facility.  You should be able to show up and get a tour.  Does the place look/smell clean?  Yes, you have to take into account that a dog may just have pooped or dumped his water, but you sure shouldn't see dry bowls or poop that looks like it's been lying around for days! And, the place should not stink.  The Dog Warden used to always comment on how the kennel didn't smell "like dog" when he would drop by for his inspections. :)

Our protocol was to check the dogs every 15-20 minutes (if we were cleaning inside). Obviously, if we were outside, we were checking the dogs constantly.  Everything was disinfected and cleaned and/or changed a few times thru the day.  We had music playing for the dogs 24/7.  We also fed the dogs whatever the owner's wanted (raw, cooked, etc) and administered meds at no extra charge.  Most facilities will charge you extra for those services. 

Maude and Gus have a fairy dogmother (my BFF) who stays at our house with them when we go on vacation.  Honestly, I don't know who enjoys us being gone more -- M&G or their babysitter!

she just loves bulldogs and really enjoys spending time with them.  She was a vet tech where we used to take the boys so she's knowledgable about what to do in an emergency and she stays with them all day and sleeps over.  Anyone looking for a sitter should check with their vet and see if anyone there does it.

If we couldn't find a dog loving friend, we found a pet sitter who would take care of Maybull in their home. We used to take 2-week vacations and we know Maybull missed us, but she was well taken care of. She often ended up sleeping in the sitter's bed and begging at the table, just like when she was with us.

contacted.  I was worried because "were" going to go to disney in august but it didn't happen. But she told me she would be available anytime! I wanted someone that I could trust with a "bulldog" and all their issues!!!! lol

Our vet is VERY bully-knowledga-bull and he gave me the business card of some trustworthy people he's known for YEARS that

are pet-sitters.  The plus side is, this couple is also VERY bully knowedgea-BULL.   We have not used them yet, but might in the future.

And, although we HATE kenneling them, we decided after looking into LOTS of kennels that we'd use PetSmart "Hotel"--and there are

two HUGE reasons we decided to ONLY use them.  The dogs don't go outside----EVER!   We did not want to risk some uncaring or

unknowledgeable employee at other kennels to accidentally let them outside when it's safe for the OTHER dogs there, but not a bully!

(Example, I know many people whose doggies can be outside when it's 80, 85, etc......but as we all know, 80 is the beginning of trouble

for our cuties! )  sooo, at a big, busy kennel with overworked staff, they could EASILY accidentally let the brachycephalic doggies

out with all the rest of them.  NO WAY!  SO, like I said, we love that at PetSmart, there is NO DOUBT because NONE of them go outside!

Also, there is staff at the PetSmart "hotel"  24- 7 and they will call a vet for emergencies .....mind you, we don't have tons of faith that the overnight employees make rounds as

often as they might SAY they do, but .....at least we have peace of mind that if they started showing signs of distress, or crying, or 

barking excessively because something was wrong, someone would check on them.

I've seen them cleaning the PetSmart "Hotel" kenneling area very often, and we go and check on Meaty at all different times of day/evening.

It never smells bad.  In the *indoor* play area, the staff are constantly cleaning, too.  Oh, by the way, you can see the play area of the one

we've taken Meaty to several times, so it's fun to watch them play. The potty room where they are taken twice a day is not visible

to the public.  In the doggie's actual cage area, (oh, and you can choose the size of their cage)......they have a cot that is off the floor---we

like that, too!  We haven't had to kennel Sophie yet, but not looking fwd to it!

Our situation has been unique---since we've had Meaty, our only trips have been by car, to visit family.  We decided we didn't like him being kenneled

far from us, so we started taking him with us and kenneling him nearby.  PetSmart also allows you to come visit your sweetie during

their regular hours, and we visited him usually every day, sometimes even twice.  Sometimes some of our family comes along and

it's a blast for Meaty to have all those visitors!  :-)    One time we noticed his urine was too dark and had sediment in it, so I asked

 them to please be sure he always had enough water!!!!  

Recently we have discussed going on a cruise or some other vacay that requires flying.  We are already sad about leaving them

and not being able to check on them daily like we are used to!  We are considering using the trusted pet sitters that our vet

recommends.......Ugh, how I wish bullies could fly easily AND go on the cruise with us!!!  how FUN that would be!!!!  :-)

nm

if i can't take them with me then i don't go. I trust no one with my dogs.

ever we go.  I don't trust anyone with my sweetpea Sadie.