Choosing a Boarding Kennel for Your Dog

Every year millions of dog lovers are faced with the task of finding safe comfortable holiday care for their pet whilst they are away. Leaving your dog in the care of someone else can be a difficult decision, but the comfort of knowing they are in the right hands makes all the difference. That's why it's important to give careful consideration to finding the perfect boarding kennel for your furry friend.

Here's some tips to help you choose:

1. Start your Research Early

The best kennels are often booked up months in advance, particularly for popular holiday periods, so start planning early to ensure you can find a suitable boarding facility available for the dates of your trip. Booking a year in advance is common, with many dog owners booking their boarding kennel before they book their holiday.

Start by making a short list of possibilities - searching Find Pet Boarding will show you kennels in your area. You may want to contact two or three kennels and ask questions about the service they offer - that can be particularly helpful if you haven't used a kennel before as it gives you a base line of what's available in your area.

Here are some questions you should consider:

• Are the staff friendly, caring and experienced?
• Is the accommodation safe, secure and in good repair?
• Is there adequate ventilation, light and heating?
• Do they confirm dogs are vaccinated?
• Are you asked for written information about your dog?
• Do they have a vet on call 24/7?
• Can they accommodate the dates you require?
• Can they cope with any special requirements such as grooming?
• If you have more than one dog, can they stay together?
• If relevant, are other types of pets kept out of sight/hearing (to minimise stress)?
• Do they have a licence?

Reading reviews from other pet owners can also give you a good insight into the experiences of others and the quality of local kennels. If you can't find any potentials near your home, you may need to expand your search a bit further.

2. Visit the Kennel

A personal visit is crucial when choosing a kennel - you do not want to turn up the day you are due to leave for your holiday, find the facilities are not what you were expecting and have nowhere to board your dog while you are away.

Most boarding kennels welcome visits to view the facilities, but they may ask you to attend between set times or make an appointment so visitors don't disturb the routines of dogs that are staying.

During your visit, consider the cleanliness, security, and general condition of the facilities. Some kennels have a range of kennel sizes, so check which your dog would stay in. The animals currently being boarded should look relaxed and, although dogs may initially bark and be excited, when you visit they should settle down again quickly. Pay attention to how the staff members interact with the dogs - compassionate and attentive staff can make a significant difference in your dog's stay. Ensure there is ample space for exercise, and that sleeping areas are comfortable and secure.

3. Verify Licensing and Accreditation

In the UK, kennels must be licensed by their local authority, which ensures they meet the necessary minimum welfare standards. At Find Pet Boarding we verify licences for all boarding kennels advertising, but that isn't true of many online directories so it's very important that you confirm that the kennel holds a valid and up-to-date license. The kennel should display their licence certificate at their premises and you can also confirm licences with the local authority directly (some, but not all, have online register on the website).

Additionally, check if the kennel is accredited by reputable organizations like the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) or has been awarded a higher star rating under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 as part of their licence process. Achieving a higher star rating (4 or 5 stars) requires a lower ratio of staff to dogs, overnight checks, a minimum of two exercise periods per day, staff onsite 24/7 and a larger sleeping area although a lower rated kennel may still meet some of these requirements and should meet all minimum standards.

4. Assess Staff Qualifications & Experience

Qualified staff who are trained in animal care and first aid can provide better care for your dog. Inquire about staff training and experience, particularly in handling different dog breeds and temperaments.

5. Review Policies

Each boarding kennel will have different daily routines and policies. Ask about their feeding schedules, exercise routines, and how they handle medical needs or emergencies. It's also important to know how they manage socialization and, if you have multiple dogs, whether it's possible to house them together.

Other policies that may be important to you are requirements for vaccination - some kennels will accept titre testing whereas other may only accept vaccination boosters. Kennels may also have different policies around intact male/female dogs, young puppies and accommodating diets such as raw feed.

6. Consider Your Dog's Specific Needs

Every dog is unique, and it's important to choose a kennel that can accommodate your pet's specific needs. Whether your dog requires a special diet, medication, or simply a quieter space, ensure the kennel is equipped to handle these requirements.

7. Compare Costs

Boarding costs can vary widely depending on the location, facilities, and services offered. While it's important to find a kennel within your budget, the cheapest option may not always provide the best care. Lower cost options should still meet minimum welfare standards but they may offer small accommodation, less staff interaction and exercise time. Balance cost with quality to ensure your dog's comfort and well-being.

8. Trial Stay

If possible, arrange for a short trial stay before committing to a longer boarding period. This allows your dog to get accustomed to the kennel environment and helps you assess how well they adjust. When planning a trial be sure to leave enough time for you to look at alternative care arrangements if the trial doesn't work out.

If you are planning a long stay away, or are worried about how your dog will cope, then you may want to consider boarding your dog for a short period such as a weekend before leaving them for longer. Some kennels may also have day care facilities and you may be able to utilise this to familiarise your dog with the staff and facilities ahead of an overnight stay.

9. Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your gut feeling. If something feels off during your visit or at any point, don't hesitate to explore other boarding kennels. Your dog's happiness and safety should always come first.

Following the steps in this guide will help you ensure that your dog is placed in a safe, caring, and well-maintained boarding kennel, giving you peace of mind while you're away.