It's time for the obligatory pilgrimage to Great Aunt Annie's. Of course, Patches can come along, she says. Patches is welcome to stay in a cage on the back porch, where it is 90 degrees in the shade. Never mind that Patches usually sleeps in my bed on my softest down pillow. Great Aunt Annie is certain Patches will do fine on the back porch. I considered it, then decided to ask Dr. Linda Berent, veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana, for advice on selecting a boarding kennel.

"Most kennel owners love animals," she says. "That's why they are in the business. They also care about their reputation." To find one you are comfortable leaving your pet with, Dr. Berent advises asking your friends and veterinarian for recommendations. Call and visit those recommended and ask a few questions.

In Illinois, kennels are licensed by the state department of agriculture and are inspected four times each year. Look for this license on the premises. The state law requires boarding kennels to have proof of rabies and distemper vaccinations for each pet guest. Be sure you are asked for this. If you are not, then most likely other guests are not either and your pet may be exposed to these diseases. In addition, some kennels also require vaccinations for canine cough, also known as kennel cough.

Visit kennels you are considering and ask to see the area where your pet will stay. However, don't expect it to be immaculate. It may smell of urine and feces, but they should be fresh urine and feces if it is cleaned every day. Look for secure gates on runs and a security fence around the premises to prevent escape of loose animals. Each animal's living area should be cleaned and disinfected every day, which means runs should be made of concrete. Gravel and grass kennels are almost impossible to disinfect. If your pet will be kept in a crate instead of a run, ask how often it will get out and whether it will get exercise. If your pet is stressed by the presence of other species, ask if there are separate areas for dogs and cats.

You should also ask about provisions for special needs and unforeseen mishaps. Are infectious pet guests quarantined from healthy ones? If your pet falls ill, will your veterinarian or their veterinarian be called? Are there evacuation plans in case of fire? Will they feed special diets and give medications and injections? Is there an exercise and play time? Are there bathing and grooming services? Are there additional charges for these services? To prevent pet theft, ask what identification will be asked of the person who will pick up your pet.

Your pet's stay will be more comfortable and uneventful if you provide information about your pet's habits. If your pet is an escape artist and the kennel owners know this, they can take extra measures to prevent escape. Tell the owners if your pet will urinate only in the grass. Let them know if you pet is old and arthritic and requires a special bed or exercise. If your pet needs a specific diet and medications, be sure to leave a sufficient quantity as well as thorough instructions. It is important for kennel owners to know if you pet will eat toys or bedding, if it hates men, or if it will lunge at a handler or snap when its ears or feet are touched.

Once you have selected the facility that best suits your pet, call well in advance for reservations. Reputable kennels often fill up three to four weeks in advance. Allow yourself plenty of time to fulfill the vaccination requirements. Find out before you leave what times of the day you can pick up your pet upon your return.

"Your pet will tell you how it went," says Dr. Berent. "A happy pet was well treated. If it pulls at the lead to get to the kennel on the second visit, then you know you've got the right place."

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