What to Look for in a Pet Boarding Facility
A helpful checklist for pet owners
If you’re planning to place your pet in a boarding facility, for example, while you’re away on holiday, then we recommend comparing several facilities in advance before making your choice. Even if a facility has been recommended to you by other pet owners, go and see for yourself. Check whether it is running properly and that it prioritises the well-being and protection of the animals staying there first. If you’re not sure exactly what to look out for, use the checklists below.
Checklist – Pet Boarding Facility
The accommodation should:
- Be secure, professional and escape-proof
- Be clean both indoors and outdoors
- Be free of bad odours
- Offer spacious, bright and well air-conditioned rooms
- Offer furniture that is well-maintained
- Not have unpleasantly high noise levels
- Be open and transparent in the way the animals are managed and handled
- Be able to perform essential tasks (e.g. giving medication)
- Be commercially registered, have liability insurance and be inspected by the veterinary office (depending on the laws that apply in the region/country)
- Not offer accommodation in kennels, unheated rooms, etc.
Questions to ask yourself regarding the staff:
- There are sufficient staff for the number of animals staying there?
- Do the staff have the appropriate expertise and qualifications?
- Do the staff have basic knowledge of first aid?
- Is there a constant turnover of staff members?
- Do the staff respond openly to your questions?
- Did they ask you to provide all the necessary documentation? Such as proof of vaccinations, animal liability insurance, etc (if applicable)
- Did they ask you about any special requirements your dog may have? Such as food, medication, and specific habits
- Did they ask about your dog's compatibility with other dogs and with humans?
Dogs in Pet Boarding Facilities
How dogs are kept in a well-run facility:
- The dogs aren’t kept on their own — they have contact with humans and other dogs
- Comfortable baskets, dog beds and toys are available
- An exercise area is available and kept secure (protected by fences)
- Only neutered dogs are allowed to be kept together
- You are expected to have your dog fully vaccinated, dewormed and treated for fleas shortly before arrival of the stay
- You are asked to bring food with you so your dog will get their regular food
- Fresh water is always available to the dogs everywhere (indoors and outdoors)
How the dogs are handled:
- Dogs are treated with care and affection by the staff
- Dogs are walked as often as possible (with additional free running in the outdoor area)
- They are not punished, and there are no aversive training methods or equipment etc
- Dogs aren’t allowed to walk off-leash
- Dogs are only put together in compatible groups
Cats in pet boarding facilities
For cats, we highly recommend finding a friend, family member or cat-sitter that can take care of your cat in your home, so that your cat doesn´t become stressed in a new environment
If this is not possible, look out for the following at the pet boarding facility:
- All cats should be offered a suitable accommodation, either in groups or (when necessary) in an individual room (also important to avoid transmitted diseases and parasites)
- Preferably, there should be the option of a room with a view outside or the possibility to use a safe outdoor area (protected with a professional escape-proof fence/net)
- Climbing and scratching opportunities must be available
- Enrichment with different toys
