Questions to Ask Before Boarding Your Dog: Essential Checklist for Pet Parents

Choosing the right boarding facility is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your dog's care. Asking the right dog boarding questions helps ensure your pet stays safe, comfortable, and happy while you're away. This guide covers everything you need to evaluate facilities and make an informed choice.

Why the Right Questions Matter

Most boarding facilities look clean and professional at first glance. But surface appearances don't tell the whole story. The questions you ask reveal how staff handle emergencies, their training background, and whether they'll meet your dog's specific needs.

Taking time to ask detailed questions protects your dog and gives you peace of mind.

Essential Questions About Staff and Training

What training do staff members receive?

Ask about both initial training and ongoing education. Quality facilities require staff to complete coursework in animal behaviour, emergency response, and recognising signs of stress in dogs.

Find out if staff members hold certifications from organisations like the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) or have completed pet first aid courses.

What is the staff-to-dog ratio?

The number of staff members per dog directly impacts the quality of care. Smaller ratios mean more attention, faster response to problems, and better supervision during playtime.

A good benchmark is one staff member for every 10-15 dogs, with more supervision during high-activity periods. Facilities with specialised care for anxious dogs often maintain even smaller ratios.

Who supervises dogs overnight?

Some facilities have overnight staff on-site, while others use monitoring systems without physical presence. Knowing who's there—and how they respond to problems—matters for your dog's safety.

Questions About Facility Safety and Cleanliness

How do you prevent disease transmission?

Reputable facilities require proof of vaccinations for all dogs. Ask specifically about:

Required vaccines (rabies, distemper, bordetella)
How they verify vaccination records
Quarantine procedures for new arrivals
Cleaning and disinfection protocols

Can I tour the entire facility?

A facility that's truly safe and clean will show you everything—kennels, play areas, feeding stations, and isolation areas. If staff limit your access to certain areas, that's a red flag.

During your tour, use this boarding facility questions checklist:

Do kennels have solid barriers between dogs?
Are floors and surfaces clean and dry?
Is there adequate ventilation?
Are indoor and outdoor spaces secure?
Do you see any safety hazards?

What security measures protect against escapes?

Ask about fencing height, double-door entry systems, and how staff verify identity during pickup. Quality facilities have specific protocols for preventing dog escapes.

Questions About Daily Care and Routines

What does a typical day look like?

Understanding the daily schedule for boarding dogs helps you evaluate whether the facility matches your dog's needs. Ask about:

Feeding times and portion control
Play and exercise frequency
Rest periods
Socialization opportunities

How do you handle dogs with special needs?

If your dog requires medication, has dietary restrictions, or needs limited activity, confirm the facility can accommodate these needs. Ask what additional fees apply and how staff track special care requirements.

What happens during playtime?

Group play offers socialization benefits, but only when properly supervised. Quality facilities:

Evaluate each dog's temperament before group play
Match dogs by size and play style
Maintain constant supervision
Have clear protocols for breaking up conflicts

Emergency Preparedness Questions

What's your emergency response plan?

Every facility should have written protocols for medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other crises. Ask:

Which veterinary clinic they partner with
How quickly they can reach emergency care
When they contact owners about health issues
What happens during evacuations

How do you handle behavioural problems?

Even well-behaved dogs might act differently in boarding environments. Ask how staff respond to stress behaviours, excessive barking, or aggression.

What if my dog gets sick or injured?

Clarify the facility's policy about veterinary care:

Do they contact you before seeking treatment?
What if you're unreachable?
Who pays for emergency care?
How do they document incidents?

Questions About Your Dog's Comfort

How do you minimise stress for anxious dogs?

Boarding creates stress for many dogs. Quality facilities use strategies to reduce anxiety like:

Quiet areas away from high-traffic zones
Calming music or pheromone diffusers
Extra staff attention
Familiar items from home

Can I bring items from home?

Most facilities allow you to bring your dog's bed, blankets, or toys. Some restrict certain items for safety reasons. Ask what's permitted and how staff prevent items from getting lost or mixed up.

What type of bedding do you provide?

If you're not bringing bedding from home, find out what the facility provides. Raised beds, cushioned mats, and clean blankets all contribute to your dog's comfort.

What to Ask About Communication

How often will you update me?

Some facilities provide daily photos or text updates. Others only contact owners when problems arise. Clarify expectations about staying connected while your dog is boarding.

What pickup and drop-off procedures do you use?

Understanding logistics helps prevent confusion:

What are the operating hours?
Do you need an appointment?
What happens if you're delayed?
How do they verify identity?

Trial Stay Options

Do you offer trial visits?

Many facilities offer short trial stays or daycare visits before longer boarding periods. This helps your dog adjust gradually and lets you evaluate whether the facility delivers on its promises.

A trial visit is especially valuable for first-time boarding experiences or dogs with anxiety issues.

Questions to Ask Yourself During the Tour

Beyond specific questions for staff, evaluate your own observations:

Do the dogs you see appear happy and relaxed?
Does the facility smell clean?
Do staff members interact warmly with animals?
Are you comfortable with the answers you receive?
Does the facility feel like a good match for your dog?

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, keep looking.

Red Flags to Watch For

Certain responses or situations should raise concerns:

Refusing to show you all areas of the facility
Unable to provide references or credentials
Vague answers about emergency procedures
No vaccination requirements
Unusually low prices (quality care costs money)
Staff who seem overwhelmed or inattentive
Poor kennel cough prevention protocols

Making Your Final Decision

After touring facilities and asking these boarding facility questions, compare your options systematically. Consider creating a simple scorecard rating each facility on factors like:

Staff training and attentiveness
Cleanliness and safety
Emergency preparedness
Communication policies
Overall gut feeling

Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Your dog's safety and wellbeing are worth the investment in quality care.

Questions for After You Book

Once you've selected a facility, confirm final details:

What should you bring?
When are the best drop-off/pickup times?
How early should you arrive?
What if your travel plans change?

Get everything in writing, including cancellation policies and additional fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I ask when touring a dog boarding facility?

Focus on staff training, supervision ratios, vaccination requirements, emergency protocols, and daily routines. Ask to tour the entire facility and observe how staff interact with dogs. Key areas to evaluate include cleanliness, security measures, and how they handle anxious or special-needs dogs.

How can I tell if a boarding facility is safe?

A safe facility requires current vaccinations, maintains clean environments with proper ventilation, uses secure fencing and double-door systems, has trained staff with good supervision ratios, and partners with local veterinarians for emergencies. They should willingly show you all areas and provide clear answers to safety questions.

What's a good staff-to-dog ratio at boarding facilities?

Look for approximately one staff member for every 10-15 dogs, with increased supervision during active hours. Facilities caring for anxious or special-needs dogs often maintain smaller ratios to ensure adequate attention and quick response to problems.

Should a boarding facility require vaccinations?

Yes, reputable facilities require proof of current rabies, distemper, and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations. Some also require canine influenza vaccines. This protects all boarding dogs from contagious diseases and demonstrates the facility's commitment to health and safety.

What should I ask about emergency care at boarding facilities?

Ask which veterinary clinic they partner with, how quickly they can access emergency care, when they contact owners about health issues, what their authority is to seek treatment if you're unreachable, and who pays for emergency veterinary services. Request their written emergency protocols.

How do boarding facilities handle anxious dogs?

Quality facilities offer quiet areas away from high-traffic zones, use calming music or pheromone diffusers, provide extra staff attention, allow comfort items from home, and may offer shorter playgroups or individual attention. Ask specifically about their experience with anxious dogs and special accommodations they provide.

Can I do a trial boarding visit before longer stays?

Many facilities offer trial stays or daycare visits that let your dog adjust gradually and help you evaluate their services. This is especially valuable for first-time boarding or anxious dogs. Ask about trial options during your facility tour.

What are red flags when choosing a dog boarding facility?

Warning signs include refusing facility tours, vague emergency protocols, no vaccination requirements, unusually low prices, overwhelmed staff, poor cleanliness, inability to provide references, lack of training credentials, and inadequate security measures. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.