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
Test Period
If you find a pet boarding facility that seems right for your dog or cat, start by leaving your pet there for a short test period (i.e., a few days) and see whether they feel comfortable. If your pet seems happy to go back there for a second stay, then you’ve found the right accommodation.
Disclaimer: All our guides are based on scientifically grounded research, current studies, and the expertise of FOUR PAWS experts. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with our experts, please contact us at research.info@four-paws.org.
