Great dog boarding facilities can be hard to find and leaving your dog (or cat) in someone else’s care can be nerve-racking, especially when you’re not sure what goes on behind those kennel doors. In this episode, Amy sits down with Carmen Rustenbeck, Founder & CEO of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), to talk about what safe, professional pet care really looks like and how to choose a boarding facility (for your dog OR cat) that meets your standards for quality and compassion.
Whether you’re boarding for a day or a week, this episode will help you feel confident, prepared, and in control of your pet’s well-being.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• The biggest mistakes pet parents make when choosing a dog boarding facility
• What separates a safe, professional dog boarding from one that could put your pet’s health or happiness at risk
• How to assess pet care, pet safety, staff training, and cleanliness before you book
BONUS RESOURCE:
Visit https://www.ibpsa.com/for-consumers/
to download a free pet care checklist you can use while evaluating dog boarding or cat boarding facilities or other pet professional services.
CONNECT WITH CARMEN RUSTENBECK
Website: ibpsa.com
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
• Fear Free Pet Program: fearfree.com
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents!
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Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats.
From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions.
No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again.
Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
