What to Look For in a Pet Boarding Facility
Checklists for pet owners
If you’re planning to place your pet in a boarding facility (while you’re away on holiday, for example), then you should check out and compare 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 run properly and that it puts 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 clean both indoors and outdoors
- be free of bad odours
- offer spacious, bright and well air-conditioned rooms
- offer intact furniture
- not have unpleasantly high noise levels
- be 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.
Staff
- there are sufficient staff for the number of animals staying there
- staff have appropriate expertise
- there isn’t a constant turnover of staff
- staff respond openly to all your questions
- they ask you to provide all the necessary documentation (proof of vaccination, animal liability insurance, etc.)
- they ask you about any special requirements your dog may have (food, care, rituals)
- they ask you about your dog’s compatibility with other dogs
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
- comfortable baskets are available
- an exercise area is available and kept secure (protected by fences)
- bitches in heat are not accepted
- you are expected to have your dog fully vaccinated, dewormed and treated for fleas shortly before arrival
- you are asked to bring food with you so your dog will get their usual food
- fresh water is always available to the dogs everywhere (indoors and outdoors)
How dogs are handled
- dogs are treated with care and affection by the staff
- dogs are walked 2–3 times a day (with additional free running in the outdoor area)
- no use of punishment
- dogs aren’t allowed to walk off the leash
- dogs are only put together in compatible groups
Cats in pet boarding facilities
For cats, the principles are broadly similar, but there are differences in how they should be kept:
- cats should be offered their own individual rooms
- preferably there should be the option of a room with a view outside
- climbing and scratching facilities must be available
