The Easy Guide to Choosing a Boarding Kennel for Your Dog

Going on holiday, but planning on leaving your canine companion behind? 

Planning holidays are very different for pet owners. Before you can even start thinking about sandy beaches and sunny skies, you need to make sure your dog will be safe and happy while you’re away. That’s why knowing the ins and outs of pet sitting, doggy day care, and kennels, so you can find that perfect boarding facility for your dog, is so important. 

It can be a daunting thought to consider leaving your best friend in a place they don’t know, away from their family and familiar surroundings but before you think ‘there goes my relaxing holiday’, it’s good to remember that there are a few tried-and-tested ways to take the stress out of the boarding process.

Here’s what you need to know about dog boarding so that both you and your four-legged family member can have a good time, even though you’re spending it apart.

Top tips for choosing the right boarding kennel for your dog

Research, research, research

When holiday plans can’t include your lovely canine friend and it’s time to look for a dog boarding service, it’s important to invest a little bit of time into looking at your options in detail long before you book your own holiday. Making a list is a great start. This way you can start comparing the different dog boarding kennels in your area and the services they offer.

It’s okay to start big, you can always narrow it down to two or three options. Don’t forget to take into consideration your dog’s particular needs and personality. While facilites such as a pool and spa treatment will make many pups wag their tails in delight, other dogs are happier with just a comfy bed and someone checking in on them regularly. What would your dog prefer?

Plan ahead of time

We are a nation of dog lovers and with so many pet guardians all looking for the ideal dog care solutions around the same time, it’s important to start planning your dog’s kennel stay well ahead of time. That’s truer than ever during summertime, when many pets will be heading for doggy day care and long-stay kennels as owners get on their way towards sunnier destinations. Booking your holiday a few months in advance? It’s a good idea to book your pet’s kennel stay at the same time. Good boarding kennels can book up as much as a year in advance so you can’t start your plans too early.

Ask around

Talk to local dog owners, your vet and even at your dog training class to find out the best kennels in your area. These are the people who have first-hand experience and can tell you far more than a glossy website can ever do.

Make a shortlist of the ones that you think your dog will be happy in.

Are there security measures in place? How often are the dogs exercised and how much social contact do they get with staff? What qualifications do the staff have? Plus, you will also get a feel for the people working there too. Are they friendly and caring? If so, then you’re one step closer to that ideal boarding kennel for your dog.

You can also find out what information they need from you. This will include vaccination certificates, details of any medication you may need them to give your dog, your vet’s details, and your emergency contact details.

Arrange for a short stay so your dog can get used to the kennels

Before you book your dog into a kennel for a couple of weeks, you need to know that they are going to be happy there. Boarding your dog for a night or two long before you leave for your holiday might seem strange at first, but it can help make the experience less stressful for your dog when the time comes for a longer stay. Instead of going to the kennels for the very first time, they’ll be returning to a place they visited before and to familiar faces who probably gave them a good spoiling before leaving the last time. It will make it a less stressful experience for both you and your dog.

Ask these important questions before you choose a dog kennel

Boarding your dog is a big decision. After all, you want to leave your best friend in good hands and in a place where they can feel comfortable and safe. And with so many different things to consider, it’s easy to feel a little bit overwhelmed. No worries. We’ve put together a handy list of things to keep in mind and questions to ask so you can make sure all the important details have been covered before making your decision.

Initial contact:

• How friendly do they seem on the phone? Do they show an interest in your dog? Any reputable kennel should start the process by asking questions about your dog’s breed, age and temperament.
• Do they offer a tour of the facility? They should always offer a viewing before booking.
• Do they have any testimonials they can point you to? Make sure you also check for yourself on social media. Talk to other owners and professionals in the area for first-hand accounts that you know to be genuine.

When visiting:

• Is the owner or manager available and happy to show you around? Expect viewing to be by appointment only as there will be times when the staff with be very busy – or else when visitors could disturb the dogs.
• Are there any members of staff qualified to at least level 3? The new regulations state that there must be someone of this level on site at all times.
• Do they check all vaccinations are up to date? This is a requirement under the latest regulations. Do they require kennel cough vaccination
• How clean is the facility? Smell is a good indicator as there should be no bad odours present. Kennels should be refreshed and cleaned at least twice a day.
• All materials need to be able to be sterilised – this includes walls, flooring, drains, beds etc.
• How much barking or howling can be heard? The atmosphere should be calm and relaxed.
• Are the kennels large enough? The new regulations give a minimum dog kennel size as 1.9sq.m. and height 1.8m for one dog.
• Dogs should only be housed either on their own or with other dogs from their own family.
• What are the reactions of the other dogs when staff are near them? They should be pleased to see them and never be fearful, but keep in mind that each dog’s personality is different and some pets are naturally more fearful or reactive than others.
• How do the staff behave around dogs? They should show a friendly and caring attitude.
• What’s the daily routine? Dogs should be out of the kennel for at least twice a day.
• How are dogs exercised? Check to see what the exercise area looks like and whether temperatures or weather conditions are taken into account.
• Is the kennel heated? Regulations state that temperatures should be at least 10 degrees Celsius and not exceed 26 degrees Celsius.
• Is natural or artificial light offered? If it’s artificial, it needs to be on for at least 10 hours a day, so it should be on at the time of your visit.
• How do they care for senior dogs? There must always be someone on site qualified in animal first aid on site.
• How secure is the kennel? Check for CCTV and padlocks on doors and gates.
• What are their infection control measures and emergency procedures? 
• Will they give any medication your dog may need?
• Do they have webcams that you can view while you are away.
• Do they have any other facilities your dog might enjoy (hydrotherapy, grooming salon etc)?

When coming to board:

• Do they let your dog have an overnight stay? Kennels typically offer your dog the possibility to get used to the facility, the sounds, smells and the staff before their first long stay.
• Does your dog come home from this happy and relaxed? Not every dog can cope with kennels and knowing this ahead of time is important, as it helps you look at other options such as home boarding of pet sitting in your own home.
• Is the paperwork informative? Basic information to be taken and a copy of their terms and conditions should be available.
• Make sure you know all the paperwork the kennel needs when you come to board. The day you are heading to the airport isn’t a good time to realise you’ve forgotten your dog’s vaccination record or to get them covered for kennel cough!
• Are the kennel’s licensing details on display? According to the new regulations, the licence must be clearly displayed in the reception area.
• How do the staff and your dog react to each other? A welcoming, enthusiastic attitude is always a good sign.
• How can you get in touch with the kennel? You should be able to call and ask about your dog during their opening hours. Some kennels might even offer to send pictures and videos too.
• Does your vet know your dog is in a kennel? If there are any issues, your kennel should be able to contact the vet and the medical records of your pet with your prior consent.

There you have it! The next time you find yourself in the tricky situation of having to leave your best friend behind when you head off for your break in the sun, review these tips to ensure your dog is left in good hands so you can relax and make the most of your holiday.

Have a great time!

Next, discover our top tips for dog day care while you’re working. Or if you’ve decided to take your pet with you on holiday, here is a handy dog travel checklist to help make the whole experience smoother and less stressful for both of you.