Complete Guide: Dog Boarding Checklist for Choosing the Right Facility

Choosing where your dog will stay while you're away is a big decision. A good dog boarding checklist helps you evaluate facilities systematically and find one that keeps your pet safe, comfortable, and happy. This guide walks you through everything you need to inspect during a boarding facility tour.

Why You Need a Boarding Facility Checklist

Touring multiple kennels without a plan makes it hard to compare options. A checklist ensures you ask the same questions everywhere and don't forget important details when making your final decision.

The right facility should meet basic safety standards, match your dog's temperament, and give you peace of mind while you're away.

Before You Visit: Questions to Ask by Phone

Call ahead to narrow down your options. These questions help you eliminate facilities that won't work before you spend time visiting:

What are your hours for drop-off and pick-up?
Do you require specific vaccinations?
What's your staff-to-dog ratio during the day and overnight?
How do you separate dogs by size or temperament?
What's your policy for dogs with special needs or medications?
Can I tour the facility before booking?

If a facility won't let you tour before booking, that's a red flag. Move on to the next option.

Cleanliness and Safety Standards

The Smell Test

A boarding facility should smell clean, not like urine or feces. Some dog smell is normal, but overpowering odors suggest inadequate cleaning.

Check the kennels, play areas, and common spaces. Look for:

Clean, dry floors without waste buildup
Fresh water in bowls
No accumulated hair or debris in corners
Proper ventilation

Safety Features to Inspect

Walk through the entire facility with safety in mind:

Fencing: Check for gaps, rust, or damage where dogs could escape
Gates: Double gates between areas prevent escape during transfers
Surfaces: Non-slip flooring reduces injury risk
Temperature control: Heating and cooling keep dogs comfortable year-round
Fire safety: Smoke detectors and marked exits should be visible

Kennel Size and Accommodations

Dogs need enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Minimum standards exist, but better facilities provide more room.

Facilities like Calabash Kennels & Cattery offer well-sized kennels that meet these standards for dogs of all sizes.

Ask about:

Kennel dimensions for your dog's size
Indoor vs. outdoor access
Climate-controlled areas
Whether dogs are separated by size

Staff Qualifications and Training

The people caring for your dog matter as much as the physical facility. Ask about staff training and experience.

Training and Certification

Find out:

What training do staff members receive?
Are they certified in pet first aid and CPR?
How long has the average employee worked here?
What's the staff turnover rate?

Overnight Coverage

Dogs need supervision around the clock. Ask whether someone stays on-site overnight and how they handle emergencies after hours.

Health and Emergency Procedures

Vaccination Requirements

Reputable facilities require proof of rabies, distemper, and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations. Some also require the canine influenza vaccine. These requirements protect all dogs in the facility, including yours.

Illness and Injury Protocol

Ask specific questions:

How do you monitor dogs for signs of illness?
What happens if my dog gets sick or injured?
Will you contact me before seeking veterinary care?
Do you have a veterinarian on call?
What happens if I can't be reached in an emergency?

Request their emergency contact form to see what information they collect. Facilities like Dog Royalty maintain 24/7 emergency protocols with partnered veterinarians.

Daily Routine and Activities

Feeding Schedule

Discuss your dog's feeding routine:

Can you bring your dog's regular food?
How do you prevent food aggression between dogs?
Do you accommodate special diets?
How many times per day are dogs fed?

Exercise and Playtime

Dogs need physical activity and mental stimulation. Ask about:

Individual vs. group play options
How long dogs are outside each day
Whether playtime is supervised
Activities available (walks, play groups, training)
What happens if dogs don't get along with others

When choosing a facility that matches your dog's personality, consider whether they prefer solo time or group play. Facilities like Watley House offer both individual and group play options to accommodate different temperaments.

Sleeping Arrangements

Find out where dogs sleep at night:

Individual kennels or shared spaces?
Is someone on-site overnight?
Do you provide bedding or should I bring some?
Is there background noise (music, TV) to reduce anxiety?

Socialization and Behavioral Considerations

Temperament Evaluation

Good facilities assess each dog's personality before accepting them. Ask about:

Do you evaluate dogs before their first stay?
How do you introduce new dogs to play groups?
What behaviors would disqualify a dog from group play?
Can my dog stay alone if they're not social?

Handling Anxious Dogs

If your dog gets stressed easily, ask:

Do you offer private kennels away from high-traffic areas?
Can I bring comfort items from home?
Do you have experience with anxious dogs?
Are calming aids (music, pheromones) available?

Some facilities offer trial days to help anxious dogs adjust before an overnight stay. Bambino Paws specializes in gradual acclimation programs for nervous dogs with professional training services.

Communication and Updates

Check-In Options

Ask about communication during your dog's stay:

Can I call for updates?
Do you send photos or videos?
How quickly will you contact me if there's a problem?
Is there a report card when I pick up my dog?

Special Considerations

Medical Needs

For dogs with health issues, ask:

Do you have experience with [medical condition]?
Can you administer injections/pills/topical medications?
Are there additional fees for medical care?
How often will you monitor my dog's condition?

For dogs with complex medical needs, look for facilities with veterinary partnerships like Pet Paradise Sydney, which specializes in medical care monitoring.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs have different needs:

Softer bedding for joint support
More frequent bathroom breaks
Quieter environment
Special dietary requirements
Easier access to outdoor areas

Make sure the facility can accommodate these needs. Ooohh Yeah Dog Care offers specialized senior dog programs with orthopedic bedding and gentle exercise routines.

Puppies

Young dogs need extra attention:

More frequent potty breaks
Separation from adult dogs during play
Extra patience and socialization
Appropriate food portions and schedule

Making Your Decision

After touring several facilities, compare them using your dog boarding checklist. Consider:

Safety: Which facility had the best safety features and protocols?
Cleanliness: Where did you feel most comfortable with hygiene standards?
Staff: Who seemed most knowledgeable and caring?
Fit: Which environment best matches your dog's personality?
Communication: Where did you feel most confident you'd receive updates?
Value: Which offers the best service for the price?

Trial Run

Consider a short trial stay before a longer trip:

Book one or two nights
See how your dog adjusts
Evaluate the condition your dog returns in
Confirm the facility meets your expectations

Start with short stays and gradually increase duration to help your dog adjust. Doggie Walkies Sydney offers trial day programs for first-time boarders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book dog boarding?

Book 2-4 weeks ahead for regular travel and 2-3 months for holidays. Popular facilities fill up quickly during peak seasons like summer and major holidays.

What should I bring to boarding?

Bring vaccination records, your dog's regular food, any medications with clear instructions, and comfort items like a familiar blanket or toy. Most facilities provide bowls, bedding, and toys, but check their list first.

Can I visit my dog during their stay?

Most facilities discourage visits because they can upset your dog's routine and make settling in harder. Some offer video check-ins or photos instead. Ask about the policy during your tour.

What if my dog has never been boarded before?

Start with a trial day or overnight stay before a longer trip. This helps your dog adjust and lets you evaluate how they handle being away from home. Look for facilities that offer first-timer orientations.

Is dog boarding or a pet sitter better?

It depends on your dog's needs. Boarding works well for social dogs who enjoy playing with others. In-home pet sitting may be better for anxious dogs, seniors, or those with medical needs who do better in familiar environments.

How do I know if my dog is ready for boarding?

Your dog should be fully vaccinated, comfortable with other dogs (if group play is involved), and able to handle basic commands. Dogs with severe separation anxiety might need gradual conditioning or alternative care.