The Importance of Transparency in the Dog Boarding Industry
Leaving your dog at a boarding facility can feel like a leap of faith. You drop them off, say your goodbyes, and trust that they’re being well cared for. But do you really know what’s happening once you walk out the door?
Many boarding facilities operate with limited visibility, leaving pet owners in the dark about their dog’s experience. Is the facility truly clean? Are staff members attentive? Does your dog feel safe and comfortable? These are questions most owners don’t have answers to until pick-up day, if ever.
At Northstar Kennels, we believe transparency isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. That’s why we’ve taken an industry-first approach, equipping every boarding run with a live camera system that allows pet owners to stay connected 24/7. With real-time access, two-way audio, treat dispensing, and even emergency vet support, we’re setting a new standard for trust in the Edmonton area dog boarding industry.
The Hidden Reality of Many Boarding Facilities
At first glance, most boarding kennels appear welcoming and attractive to visitors. The lobby maintains cleanliness, staff members exhibit friendliness, and they deliver their sales pitch in a polished manner. Pet owners often leave the kennel premises assuming everything will be fine but what occurs after they exit remains a concern.
Many facilities run a tight-lipped operation, leaving dog owners to assume the best. Unfortunately, that assumption doesn’t always match reality. A number of kennels either skimp on safety standards or operate with insufficient staff which prevents them from providing dogs proper care. This section outlines the potential issues that occur inside kennel facilities that pet owners cannot see.
Overcrowding:
Some Edmonton area dog boarding facilities prioritize quantity by cramming as many dogs into cramped spaces without any regard for their comfort. The result? Stressed-out, overwhelmed dogs left to fend for themselves in tight quarters.
When space is limited, problems arise:
-
Fights break out
—Dogs in overcrowded spaces jockey for position, leading to tension and potential injury. -
Restless nights
—A dog used to a quiet home environment may struggle to sleep amid constant barking and movement. -
Heightened stress levels
—Without space to retreat, dogs experience anxiety, fear, and frustration.
Many boarding facilities won’t admit to overcrowding. Unless owners have a way to see for themselves, they have no clue whether their dog is resting peacefully or crammed in with a dozen others.
Poor Hygiene:
Any facility can talk big about cleanliness, but the real test happens when owners aren’t looking. Some kennels let cleaning slide, creating an environment ripe for bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
A few telltale signs of neglected sanitation:
-
Overpowering odors
—A kennel shouldn’t smell like an abandoned alleyway. A kennel should never have the foul smell of urine and feces which indicates inadequate maintenance. -
Filthy water bowls
— Water bowls that collect hair, food debris and standing water form perfect conditions for bacterial growth. -
Sticky or grimy floors
—A properly maintained facility doesn’t leave dogs pacing across filth-covered surfaces.
Dirty kennels aren’t just unpleasant. They are a health risk. Insufficient hygiene promotes kennel cough outbreaks and gastrointestinal infections while creating conditions for fleas and ticks to thrive. Dog owners often maintain an overly positive view about their pet’s environment but fail to notice their dog was kept in unsanitary conditions for the whole week.
Lack of Emergency Response
Many Edmonton area dog boarding facilities lack effective plans to handle medical emergencies. Some fail to watch the dogs closely so they miss illness or injury signs until it is too late. Others lack a clear protocol for getting veterinary care when it’s needed.
Key concerns include:
Delayed medical care
—Some facilities wait until the situation is critical before calling a vet.
No immediate contact with owners
—Pet owners might not even know their dog is sick until pick-up day.
Untrained staff
—Not all employees are trained to recognize early warning signs of distress, dehydration, or illness.
At Northstar Kennels, we eliminate uncertainty by offering a 24/7 emergency vet connection through our premium kennel cam subscription. Owners can see what’s happening and connect with a professional immediately if they suspect something is wrong.
Poor Hygiene:
Any facility can talk big about cleanliness, but the real test happens when owners aren’t looking. Some kennels let cleaning slide, creating an environment ripe for bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
A few telltale signs of neglected sanitation:
Overpowering odors
—A kennel shouldn’t smell like an abandoned alleyway. A kennel should never have the foul smell of urine and feces which indicates inadequate maintenance.
Filthy water bowls
— Water bowls that collect hair, food debris and standing water form perfect conditions for bacterial growth.
Sticky or grimy floors
—A properly maintained facility doesn’t leave dogs pacing across filth-covered surfaces.
Dirty kennels aren’t just unpleasant. They are a health risk. Insufficient hygiene promotes kennel cough outbreaks and gastrointestinal infections while creating conditions for fleas and ticks to thrive. Dog owners often maintain an overly positive view about their pet’s environment but fail to notice their dog was kept in unsanitary conditions for the whole week.
Why Lack of Transparency Is a Major Red Flag
The reality is that many boarding facilities aren’t upfront about what happens behind closed doors. Without direct access, pet owners are left to trust the word of the facility, rather than seeing the truth for themselves.
Facilities that resist live monitoring and owner check-ins often do so because they have something to hide.
Why Transparency Matters for Pet Owners
For most dog owners, their pet is more than just an animal, they’re family. Leaving them in someone else’s care is stressful, especially when updates are vague or nonexistent. A simple “they’re doing fine” isn’t always reassuring.
Transparency gives owners:
Peace of mind
– No more wondering. You can see your dog’s experience in real-time.
Trust
– You know exactly what’s happening, not just what a facility tells you.
Control
– If something seems off, you can take action immediately.
A lack of visibility often leads to unnecessary anxiety and second-guessing. Pet owners shouldn’t have to choose between boarding their dog and worrying about their well-being.
How Northstar Kennels Is Changing the Industry
At NorthStar Kennels, we don’t just promise transparency – we deliver it.
Every single boarding run is equipped with a Petcube Bites Lite 2 camera, allowing owners to:
- Watch their dog live, 24/7, from anywhere.
- Talk to their dog using two-way audio, providing comfort even from a distance.
- Dispense treats remotely, giving dogs a little extra love throughout the day.
- Dedicated Veterinarian available 24/7 for immediate consultation, an added safety measure that compliments Northstars first aid trained staff and partnerships with local veterinarians
This level of access is unmatched in the Edmonton area dog boarding industry. No more wondering if your dog is happy, safe, or being properly cared for, you can see it for yourself.
What True Transparency Looks Like
Most boarding facilities claim they have high standards. But without visibility, there’s no way to verify their promises.
Here’s how we do things differently:
Real-Time Monitoring: You never have to wonder because you can check on your dog anytime.
Accountability: The presence of owner supervision compels staff members to consistently provide the best possible care.
Independent Play Access: A separate door provides each dog access to their own outdoor run whenever they need fresh air and space.
Better Air Quality: Our facility operates with fresh air systems to prevent the spread of airborne illnesses unlike recycled air conditioning systems.
- In-floor heating and cooling to maintain a comfortable environment without pushing stale air through vents.
- External fans that continuously bring in fresh air during the summer months.
These steps aren’t just about comfort, they’re about health, safety, and trust.
Why More Facilities Should Adopt Transparency
If a kennel refuses to provide any form of real-time access, why not?
In an industry where pet safety should be the priority, every dog boarding facility should embrace transparency. But the reality is, many won’t. Some prefer to keep owners in the dark, avoiding accountability for their standards, care routines, or staffing levels.
Pet owners deserve better. They should never have to wonder whether their dog is receiving proper care.
Final Thoughts: Choose a Facility That Puts Your Dog First
Kennel horror stories are real, but they don’t have to be your reality. As a pet owner, you should demand more than vague updates and closed doors. You should expect transparency, accountability, and real-time access to your dog’s well-being.
At NorthStar Kennels, we’re leading the way by offering the only 24/7 kennel cam system in Edmonton. Because your peace of mind is just as important as your dog’s comfort. Ready to experience a new standard in Edmonton dog boarding? Contact us today to book a tour or learn more about our live-stream kennel cam services.
Wouldn’t you rather see your dog happy and cared for in real-time, rather than just hoping for the best?
Our PetCam allows you to stay connected
with your dog even when you are away!
Imagine how it feels to watch and talk with your beloved dog anytime, from anywhere, right from your phone.
