How to Choose a Pet Boarding Facility for Your Dog

The AKC says, "Choosing a trustworthy kennel is a multi-faceted process." This guide covers boarding for dogs.

How do you find the best dog or cat boarding place with the right boarding services for your furry friend? Here are some tips to help you pick the best dog daycare.

1. Take a Tour of the Boarding Facility

Visit before you book. Ask to see the room or run where your dog would stay. The AKC says "a reputable, professional organization would have no problem letting you visit the dog runs, ask questions, and meet the employees. You should be allowed to see where meals are prepared, along with the space where the dogs play."

Walk through the whole building, not only the lobby. Watch the dogs that are already there and how the staff talks to them. Pay attention to smells and sounds as well as how everything looks.

The AKC also names three warning signs: "Be wary of kennels that don’t require immunization records, seem overbooked, or appear disinterested in your pet."

Some states put space and staffing rules into law. North Carolina is one example. Its rules for boarding kennels say "Exercise areas shall be constructed to provide adequate space to allow each dog or cat to run and express natural play behaviors typical of the species." For indoor facilities, the same rules say "the ambient temperature shall not be allowed to fall below 50 degrees F or exceed 85 degrees F". When more than four dogs share an exercise area or enclosure, the rules say "there shall be at least one person constantly supervising each 10 dogs housed or confined within each primary enclosure or exercise area."

Use those lines as a model for your questions. How many dogs share a play area at one time? How many staff members are in the yard with them? What temperature does the indoor area stay at? Rules in your state may be different, so check with your state agency, as section 6 explains.

2. Learn How the Facility Will Update You

Find out how the staff will update you on your dog while you are away. Do they send photos, write daily emails, or take phone calls whenever you want to check in? Ask who sends the updates and how often.

Ask what each update covers. A useful one names the feeding schedule, the activities your dog did that day, the exercise your dog got, and any special care your dog needs. Updates that arrive on a set schedule make it easier to spot a change in your dog’s behavior, and they give you a record of the stay. For more on planning ahead for emergencies, read about pet disaster preparedness.

North Carolina shows what a written record can look like. Its rules say boarding kennel operators must keep records of "veterinary care provided while boarded, which shall include date, times of administration, description of medication and initials of person administering product or procedure." The rules also require that "an incident file shall be kept within each facility for animals sustaining injury or illness requiring veterinary care; animal death; and/or any animal escape."

That same rule set adds a deadline: "in the event of either an animal death or escape, the licensee shall notify the Animal Welfare Section within 48 hours."

Whatever your state requires, ask the facility how it records incidents and how fast it will call you. Read the contract to see how the staff will notify you in an emergency, and write down the phone number you will answer while you travel.

3. Learn About the Activities Your Dog Can Get

Ask what kind of play and exercise your dog will get while boarding. The AKC puts the standard this way: "Campers should have frequent playtimes, face-to-face contact with the staff, and interact regularly with other dogs (unless your dog prefers being alone)." It adds that "dogs should be fed on a regular schedule with portions appropriate for their size and weight."

Do they have toys, or can you bring your dog’s toys? Check the fee for how many play/exercise times are included.

You should also check for enough space for them to run and move around.
Animals need sufficient space and accommodation to stay active, and going
for a facility that offers one can go a long way in making them comfortable
when separated from their owners. If your dog does best with planned play,
rest, and supervision, structured doggy daycare can also be worth comparing
with standard boarding options.

Other questions to include are: how will your dog interact with the other dogs there? Do they separate the dogs by size or personality? Will they walk your dog individually if you ask for that? If your dog is new to meeting other dogs, read more about how to introduce dogs to each other before the visit.

4. Ask About Vaccines and Kennel Cough

Ask which vaccines the facility requires and how it checks the records. The AKC says "Many boarding and training facilities also require proof of vaccination." The Merck Veterinary Manual says "Your vet will tell you which vaccines your dog needs based on where you live and your dog’s lifestyle." Call your vet before you book so a vaccine that is due does not hold up your trip.

Group care is the reason this matters. The AKC says "Kennel cough occurs most often among dogs in close quarters, such as those who spend time at boarding, training, or grooming facilities." The Merck Veterinary Manual says "The disease spreads rapidly among susceptible dogs housed in close confinement, such as veterinary hospitals or kennels." For canine influenza, it says "outbreaks are most common when dogs are in close contact with each other, for example at kennels, shelters, and dog parks" and "Vaccines are available to prevent canine influenza."

Ask how the facility handles a dog that gets sick. The Merck Veterinary Manual says "It is imperative that facilities that house groups of dogs use good hygiene, infection control practices (such as separating sick dogs from healthy ones), and disinfectants to help minimize the spread of the flu." North Carolina requires that "All facilities shall designate an isolation area for animals being treated or observed for communicable diseases."

If your dog is coughing before the trip, tell the facility and call your vet. The AKC says "To prevent transmission, dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs until they fully recover. Avoid boarding, daycare, and social interaction during this time." It also says "Dogs should avoid contact with others while symptomatic and for at least two weeks after coughing stops."

5. Make Sure They Understand Your Dog’s Special Care Needs

Ensure the kennel staff understands your pet’s special care requirements, such as following prescription diets and administering medications properly. Ask them how they handle medical emergencies. Give them your vet’s contact information and ensure they have an established relationship with an emergency veterinary practice.

The AKC lists two questions to ask in that conversation. The first is "How does the kennel accommodate dogs with health conditions?" The second is "Is there a veterinarian on staff? If not, does the kennel work with local veterinary services in case of an emergency?"

Many pets, such as senior dogs, have specific needs to keep themselves healthy. The staff should be willing to handle any of these and include them with their updates.

Tell the staff everything up front. The AKC says "Be transparent about issues regarding separation anxiety, resource-guarding, or illnesses requiring close monitoring." Write down medicine names, doses, and times, and leave the written list with your dog’s food.

6. Check Your State’s License and Inspection Rules

Ask to see the documentation if your state conducts inspections to ensure the facility meets standards. Ask for the license by name, and ask when it expires.

North Carolina is one state that licenses boarding facilities. The state’s Animal Welfare Section says "State issued certificates or licenses are required for animal shelters, pet shops, boarding kennels and dealers." It also says "The requirement for a boarding kennel license from the Animal Welfare Section also applies to in-home boarding services for dogs and/or cats." On penalties, it says "Operating a boarding facility without a valid license could result in up to a $5,000 civil penalty for each violation." The agency’s page also says "All Animal Welfare licenses and registrations issued by NCDA&CS expire June 30."

That page lists a link labeled "Inspection Reports (Boarding Kennel)". If you live somewhere else, look for the state agency that licenses boarding kennels and ask the facility for its license number. The first search to try is your state name plus "boarding kennel license." Do not assume your state works like North Carolina.

Some facilities also join a trade group such as the International Boarding & Pet Services Association. IBPSA says "Our Members also must pledge to provide conscientious care, deal honestly and fairly, respect customer confidence, continuously learn more and improve services, and operate their business honorably." On its certifications page, it says "It has become increasingly important for a provider to have achieved certified status for its staff and leadership." Ask which staff members hold a certification, and ask for the name of the program.

7. Book a Test Run Before the Real Trip

The AKC says "Many kennels offer test runs. Some even require them." It adds "These trial periods assess many things, such as a dog’s temperament, ability to play with others, and whether they struggle with separation anxiety."

When you pick your dog up, look at your dog first. Two of the AKC’s green flags are "They’re tired from a day filled with playtime and healthy interaction" and "You don’t see signs of distress, such as excessive panting, drooling, or a stiff body". If your dog seems tense or unsure, keep looking at other facilities.

A Short Checklist Before You Book

• Tour the whole building, including the place where meals are prepared.
• Ask which vaccines the facility requires, and ask your vet what your dog needs.
• Ask where sick dogs go and how the staff keeps them apart from healthy dogs.
• Ask how often you will get updates and how the staff will reach you in an emergency.
• Give the staff your vet’s contact information and a written list of medicine and food.
• Ask for the facility’s license and its latest inspection report if your state publishes them.
• Book a test run if the facility offers one.

Planning a trip with your dog instead of leaving your dog behind? Read about pet friendly vacation ideas.

If you have pets and plan to move to a new home soon, check out our 5 Tips to Make Moving with Pets Easier. You can also browse our dog lover apparel to show your love for your pups even when you’re away from them!

FAQs

What is dog boarding?

Dog boarding is a place where you can leave your dog overnight while you are away from home. In North Carolina, "State issued certificates or licenses are required for animal shelters, pet shops, boarding kennels and dealers."

What is dog daycare?

Dog daycare is short-term daytime care for dogs, usually without an overnight stay. The AKC counts it as group care when it comes to health: "Crowded or enclosed environments such as kennels, grooming salons, daycare facilities, and dog parks increase the risk."

Where can I find a dog boarding facility near me?

You can search in Google Maps for facilities near you. You can also check out their Google Reviews and see if they provide a good service. The AKC adds "You may even call your dog’s veterinarian and ask if they work with or recommend any local dog boarding services."

What should I bring when I drop off my dog?

Ask the facility. The AKC says "Prior to dropping off your dog, the facility should explain what you should bring. These items may include your dog’s favorite toy, food, and a piece of clothing with your scent."

Sources

• American Kennel Club, What to Know and Look for When Boarding Your Dog
• American Kennel Club, Kennel Cough in Dogs
• Merck Veterinary Manual, Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) in Dogs
• Merck Veterinary Manual, Canine Influenza
• Merck Veterinary Manual, Routine Health Care of Dogs
• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Animal Welfare Section
• North Carolina Administrative Code, 02 NCAC 52J
• International Boarding & Pet Services Association, For Consumers
• International Boarding & Pet Services Association, Certifications