How to Choose the Best Dog Boarding Facility

When choosing a boarding facility, focus on cleanliness, staff experience, security, emergency protocols, exercise options, and feeding routines. Always visit in person to assess the environment.

Look for fenced play areas, security cameras, gated entry points, and staff supervision. Ask about their emergency plans and how they handle potential escapes.

Check if they have certifications from reputable animal welfare organizations, local licensing, and trained staff in pet first aid.

• What is the staff-to-dog ratio?
• How often are dogs exercised?
• What happens in case of a medical emergency?
• Can I bring my dog’s food and bedding?

Look for fresh water, sanitized kennels, no foul smells, and regular waste removal. A well-maintained facility should be visibly clean and odor-free.

It depends on your dog’s needs. Kennel-based facilities provide structure, while cage-free boarding allows more freedom. Choose based on your dog’s temperament and comfort level.

• Strong odors or dirty kennels
• Untrained or rude staff
• No clear emergency plan
• Overcrowded play areas
• Lack of health or vaccination requirements

Schedule a trial day to observe your dog’s reaction. Check if they seem anxious or relaxed around staff and other dogs.

New Zealand offers:

• Luxury boarding (private rooms, personalized care)
• Standard kennel boarding
• Cage-free boarding
• Home-based boarding with pet sitters

Look at Google Reviews, Facebook recommendations, and pet forums. Pay attention to repeated complaints or positive feedback.

Visit in person, compare pricing, facilities, staff qualifications, and dog-to-staff ratios. Ask about their policies on food, exercise, and medical emergencies.

Yes, some areas require vaccinations, flea treatments, or health checks before boarding. Check local regulations and facility requirements.

• Visit the facility beforehand
• Leave them for a short trial stay
• Pack familiar items (bed, blanket, toys)
• Provide detailed feeding and medication instructions

Most facilities allow this, but confirm their policy. Bringing familiar food helps avoid digestive issues, and bedding provides comfort.

• Not visiting the facility before booking
• Ignoring reviews or feedback
• Not checking emergency protocols
• Choosing based on price alone

After boarding, observe if your dog is relaxed, well-fed, and not overly anxious. If they seem distressed, consider trying a different facility.

Yes! Some facilities specialize in small or large breeds, and some have restrictions on high-energy or aggressive breeds. Always ask in advance.

Choose a facility with staff trained in pet first aid and an on-call vet. Provide clear instructions on medications and emergency contacts.

Some facilities allow visits, while others discourage them to help dogs settle in faster. Ask about their visitation policy beforehand.

Consider:

• Bringing a familiar toy or blanket
• Trying a short stay before a long trip
• Choosing a facility that offers extra one-on-one attention
• Looking into home-based boarding alternatives