Selecting the right dog boarding facility is one of the most important decisions a pet parent can make. After all, you want to ensure your furry friend is comfortable, safe, and properly cared for when you can’t be there. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of researching, evaluating, and choosing the ideal boarding place for your precious pup.
Step 1: Define Your Dog’s Needs
The first step is gaining clarity on your dog’s unique needs and preferences. Important factors to consider include:
- Size: Is your dog small, medium, large, or extra large? Size limitations may restrict options.
- Energy Level: Is your dog high energy or more laidback? Activity requirements differ.
- Health Issues: Are there any chronic conditions or medications that require specialized care?
- Sociability: Does your dog prefer company, or are they timid around other dogs? Some facilities group dogs while others board individually.
- Special Services: Would your dog benefit from extras like training, playgroups, or grooming while boarding?
Compile this information to create a “dog profile” so you can effectively communicate your dog’s needs during the selection process.
Step 2: Research Local Boarding Facilities
With your dog’s profile defined, start researching facilities in your local area. Sources for finding reputable options include:
- Veterinarian Recommendations: Ask your vet for boarding kennel suggestions. They’ll know qualified places that can handle medical care.
- Word of Mouth: Talk to other pet parents about where they board their dogs. Personal referrals can help uncover hidden gems.
- Online Reviews: Check sites like Yelp and Google to read ratings/reviews of facilities in your region. This provides transparent insight into quality and customer experience.
- Social Media: Many kennels are active on Facebook or Instagram. Follow them to see photos of the facility, dogs, staff, and activities.
- Location: Search online directories or maps by keyword (“dog boarding near me”) to find conveniently located options.
Assemble a list of potential boarding kennels for further investigation. Ideally, identify 3-5 reputable facilities within close proximity.
Step 3: Ask the Right Questions
Once you’ve identified candidate boarding kennels, request a consultation to ask questions and evaluate if they’re truly a fit. Important topics to cover include:
Safety & Security
- Are the kennel facilities indoors, outdoors, or both? What security measures are in place?
- What steps do you take to ensure dogs are always supervised and can’t escape?
- How do you handle emergencies like natural disasters or medical issues?
Cleanliness & Hygiene
- How often are the kennels/runs cleaned and sanitized?
- What precautions do you take to prevent disease transmission?
- May I see the areas where dogs eat, sleep, and play?
Operations & Qualifications
- What are your staff-to-dog ratios? Are dogs ever unsupervised?
- What training or certifications do the staff/handlers receive?
- What is your boarding volume? Do you limit bookings?
Daily Care & Activities
- Please walk me through my dog’s typical daily schedule and activities.
- How many times are dogs taken out for bathroom breaks? For how long?
- In what situations would my dog be crated? For how long at a time?
- What enrichment activities (playgroups, training etc.) do you offer dogs?
Policies & Payment
- What are your rates for boarding, extra services, pick-up/drop-off? Are there discounts?
- What is your payment/cancellation policy? Do you require deposits?
- What items should I bring from home for my dog? What is included?
Requirements & Restrictions
- What vaccinations/health records do dogs require prior to boarding?
- Are there any restrictions on breed, size, age, or health conditions?
- What hours are you available for drop-off and pick-up? Is there a charge for after-hours?
Ask any other questions relevant to your dog’s needs. The kennel’s responses will reveal if they can realistically provide appropriate care.
Step 4: Schedule Onsite Visits
Don’t decide on a boarding facility without seeing it first-hand. Schedule visits to tour the kennels and directly observe:
- Overall cleanliness and sanitation
- Size of indoor/outdoor areas
- Amenities like play zones, splash pools, or cots
- How calmly/happily the boarded dogs behave
- How staff interact with and handle the dogs
- Any unusual smells that could indicate poor ventilation
- General organization and professionalism of the facility
Pay attention to your gut reaction. Are the dogs relaxed and comfortable? Would you feel at ease leaving your dog here? Take notes after touring each location.
Step 5: Check References & Accreditation
Vet each prospective kennel’s reputation through third-party sources:
- Ask for references from previous clients and call to inquire about their boarding experience.
- Verify accreditations like licensing through Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) which indicates quality standards.
- Request veterinary references to confirm they maintain a relationship for medical care/emergencies.
- Review ratings and complaints with organizations like Better Business Bureau to uncover issues.
- Confirm required vaccinations like Rabies are up-to-date to match kennel requirements.
Reputable facilities will gladly provide references and proof of accreditation. This screens for quality assurance.
Step 6: Compare Multi-Night Rate Options
For extended stays, many kennels offer discounts for longer bookings or advanced purchase. Be sure to clarify:
- Standard nightly rates
- Reduced rates for X+ nights
- Prepaid packages (e.g. 5 nights for the price of 4)
- Price difference for peak days like holidays
Get pricing in writing. Calculate out multiple stay options based on your typical boarding frequency to see which offers the best value.
Step 7: Book Early for Popular Times
Mark your calendar in advance and book early for peak boarding seasons like holidays, summer vacations, spring break, etc. Reputable facilities fill up quickly for busy periods.
Many kennels allow booking 6 months or more in advance. Reserving ahead of time guarantees you secure a spot and your preferred accommodations.
Step 8: Conduct a Trial Boarding Stay
If possible, test out the facility with an initial short stay before committing to long-term boarding.
Observe how your dog reacts – are they eager or reluctant when it’s time for pick-up? Dog behavior tells volumes about how comfortable they felt in boarding.
A trial run also helps identify any initial issues like separation anxiety, feeding changes, missing home belongings, etc. These can be addressed going forward.
Through a test stay, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your dog can adjust well to the facility.
Step 9: Prepare Paperwork & Belongings
Prior to drop-off, complete all paperwork and gather necessary items:
- Vaccination Records: Have current Rabies/Bordetella/DHLPP shots.
- Emergency Contacts: Provide your info plus 1-2 secondary contacts.
- Consent Forms: Sign off on emergency care, liability waiver, etc.
- Medications: Supply any prescription meds plus instructions.
- Food: Bring their regular brand/amount to avoid GI issues.
- Bedding: Include a worn T-shirt or favorite blanket for comfort.
- Toys: 2-3 durable favorites help ease boredom/anxiety.
- ID Tag: Ensure your contact info is displayed as a backup.
Providing familiar belongings assists an easier transition into the new environment.
Step 10: Determine an Ideal Drop-Off & Pick-Up Time
On boarding day, arrive early enough to:
- Tour the facilities again if desired
- Allow the dog to decompress after the car ride before settling in
- Give staff ample time for introductions and handling instructions
When picking up, opt for an early-mid afternoon arrival. This avoids disrupting dinner or bedtime routines.
Discuss your target drop-off/pick-up windows with the kennel to establish a seamless plan.