One of the goals of our section is to be an educational center and forum for dog boarding operators, other PCSA members and non-members interested in learning about the operation of a dog boarding facility. We want to continue to ensure high standards of care for all our dog boarding guests, clients and operators.

For the purposes of our section we define dog boarding as an organized, controlled and monitored environment in which individual dogs, or dogs living in the same family, may safely stay in an enclosed building or yard. The dogs will be cared for according to the PCSA Code of Ethics and Pet Owner's Bill of Rights. Boarding operations may be cage-free, use indoor, outdoor or indoor/outdoor runs, separate enclosures, or even in-home boarding.

Boarding operations will always offer food and water, administer medication as requested, and maintain sanitization through prompt waste removal. Exercise, additional services, and other scheduled activities will be offered depending on the individual boarding operation.

The current goals of the Dog Boarding Section are:

• Serve as a resource for PCSA members on specific topics and issues related to dog boarding.
• Serve as a resource for the dog owning public on dog boarding selection.
• Continue to maintain high standards for dog boarding facilities through the Voluntary Facilities Accreditation (VFA) Program and increase the number of facilities that become VFA Accredited.
• Serve as the "go to" resource on dog boarding information within the industry and public sector.

Resources on Dog Boarding

There is an abundance of educational, operational and management tools available to members of PCSA. These include books, pamphlets, seminars and videos located in the PCSA General Store. PCSA members have access to the Pet Services Journal Online for articles on dog boarding. This year there will be an article in every issue that focuses on dog boarding topics. The Dog Boarding Forum of the PCSA members' Bulletin Board on this Web site allows members to network among fellow members and ask any questions related to dog boarding.

Members and non-members are invited to submit their questions and comments on dog boarding issues via email to Jaime Van Wye and on cat boarding issues via email to Jim Williams.

Help Wanted

Pet boarding has a long history, yet it is growing and changing with new ideas coming up all the time. We enthusiastically look toward the future and know that others share our passion for boarding dogs and cats. Working together, we will continue to keep high standards for boarding operations. Your ideas are encouraged and volunteers are needed. It takes involvement to keep this organization going.

Please e-mail your comments and areas of expertise to the Dog Boarding Section Chair, Jaime Van Wye, at info@kennelstart.com, or the Cat Boarding Section Chair, Jim Williams, at jim@catsinn.com.