Q: my family and I are taking a vacation and we are thinking of using a boarding facility, for the first time, for our dog. I just called a place I found on Yelp, but I’m not sure if they are the best. also, they wanted different vaccines than what my vet suggested. Why is that?

A: If you have decided to board your dog, make sure you feel comfortable at the boarding facility, and that the environment is welcoming, before you consider boarding her there.

A few things to consider are cleanliness, attentiveness to you and your dog, and the willingness to give you a tour. They should be proud of their facility.

Vaccine requirements are another aspect of boarding. when making your reservation, ask the facility about its vaccination protocol. A Distemper/Parvovirus combination vaccination is a priority, and is administered every three years. Rabies vaccinations are another priority, and should be given to an adult canine every three years.

Boarding kennels worry about kennel cough, a highly contagious airborne bronchitis caused by an inflammation of the upper airway. your dog may sound like it is honking, and try to vomit, producing a white, foamy phlegm. it is usually self-limiting, but can turn into pneumonia. If your pet exhibits loss of appetite, fever, lethargy or the coughing keeps you and your dog awake at night, contact your veterinarian.

Stress colitis is a form of diarrhea, also commonly found in boarded dogs. Symptoms can include straining to defecate, urgency, and occasional blood and mucous in the stool. Pet owners can bring the dog’s food to the facility or put the dog on the facility’s sensitive stomach diet to prevent stress colitis.

Boarding facilities require vaccines and stress prevention so pets can have a safe and enjoyable stay while their owners are away.

Melissa Ribeiro is a technician at Adobe Animal Hospital. Visit adobe-animal.com.

If you have pets, you probably have questions. the Daily News would like to answer them, with help from the experts at Adobe Animal Hospital in Los Altos and other Peninsula vets. In this new feature, which will run on Saturdays as space permits, we’ll do our best to put your mind at ease. Write to and our experts will do the rest.