Sometimes you need someone else to care for you dog. You may be going on a vacation, be too sick to care for anyone else or simply need time out while you are remodeling your home or resting. For help caring for your pet, choose a good kennel. And for help choosing, here are some tips.

1) Call your vet first to see which shots your dog may need and if your pet is current with licenses, rabies, etc. This is a must, as without the proper paper work receipts, pet tags and licensing for these items, your pet will more than likely not be accepted anywhere. For your dog's safety and that of everyone else (human and canine), your dog needs updates that include heartworm treatment, rabies shot, plus annual boosters and flea treatment, if applicable and in season.

Make sure to plan ahead with this step. Because some kennels will not accept your dog if shots were just completed within the past two weeks.

2) Next, ask for kennel and dog sitter recommendations from your vet, neighbors, family, friends, fellow church members, business associates and others. Keep a log or journal going and do some research on each place and person referred. Look up their names in the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints on file, or at least if there are a couple, that they were resolved.

3) As you call around and visit places and sitters' homes in step #2 above, find out basic info like how long have they been in operation, how much experience do they have with your breed(s) of dog, and how would they handle their daily operations with your dog. You obviously want to make sure the animals are fed regularly and get fresh water and some exercise out of their caged or otherwise confined areas.

4) Ask about what comes with the price. For example, some places include dog food , treats, a grooming session with bath and nail trimming, toys like kongs filled with peanut butter, and other amenities. Other places want you to b.y.o.b. (bring your own biscuits) and other extras.

Once your research is done, look over all the facts. You don't want to just look at price, but value and how well your dog(s) will get along with their temporary family. Give a couple of the best choices a try and see what you think. It never hurts to have a couple places or people lined up, especially when a holiday season comes up and spots fill up fast.