Would it be out of line for me to keep crates on hand?
What are your thoughts on keeping a sml, med, and large crate on hand for boarders dogs? I recommend (aka strongly but politely suggest) to clients that they bring a crate for their dog at night. If the dog does not already have a designated sleeping mat or crate, eg if they sleep in the owners bed, but was previously crate trained as a puppy, I also recommend they put the dog in that crate for bedtime 5-7 nights before drop-off, just to get the dog used to that routine again in a comfortable environment before they're dropped off at a strangers house. However some people scramble and forget the crate, don't have a car big enough for it, the tools to break it down, or some have even sold it as the dog was in it as a puppy and has well outgrown it. I've had a very excited dog bust out of its crate and then noticed the owners had lost/broken a piece, and it was being held together at the corner with a zip-tie... Some never crate trained in the first place (which is fine, i prefer it but its not an absolute requirement).
Would it be unreasonable for me to keep a few crates on hand for dogs that show themselves to be untrustworthy overnight, or for dogs who's people didn't bring them a designated bedtime crate and mat for whatever reason? Obviously the crates would be brought outside and fully cleaned in-between usage with different clients, and I have "doggie-designated" blankets and bath towels that I wash (with bleach) in-between uses. The owners would be politely notified in this case. I'd either mention the lack of crate on arrival and say I have an extra, or if the dog seems ok, then proves to be active overnight (adventuring, marking, chewing, etc) simply shoot a message to the owner saying something to the effect of "hey, pups name seemed to do okay last night but it looks like s/he got up and chewed some around the house on these items. I think a crate at night would be an appropriate solution, just so s/he doesn't eat anything while I'm asleep, and I have one to lend him/her during the stay. Is that ok?"
What are you guy's ideas/thoughts/concerns on providing this?
If you can afford to have crates available, then you should definitely have them! I agree though that you should inform the client ahead of time and give them the opportunity to agree to it or not. While my own dogs are crated when I am not home, I don’t require that guest have to be also. When I
became a sitter, I would crate dogs I didn’t know, never really asking the owner if they were used to it. I assumed most dogs were used to crates. Big mistake! I crated a husky (that clearly never was) and when I got home, he had chewed several of the metal wires completely off and there was a huge
hole in the side of it. He didn’t get out, but he had cut his gums in doing so and was bleeding. I felt horrible!! The next day, I still didn’t want him just free roaming, especially after seeing what he did to the crate, so I left him free in my laundry room, which is a large room. When I got home
once again, he had freaked out and ripped the door knob off the door, chewed up the door frame and even ripped up several pieces of vinyl floor tiles. I couldn’t believe it! Next day, left him to free roam in the LR, DR and kitchen.... He did nothing! He was a perfect pup. I learned a lot about
crating and anxiety from that pup. Clearly, any kind of confinement made him nervous. My main point is that, sometimes it’s best for the pup (and you and your house) if you stick to what they are used to. Plus, I think a lot of people use Rover because they like the idea that their animals aren’t
confined all day like at the kennels. The more experience you get though, the better you will be able to handle each individual situation. Best of luck!