7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing Pet Boarding
Ask about staff qualifications, emergency procedures, daily routines, vaccination requirements, and facility cleanliness. Inquire about exercise schedules, medical care protocols, and how they handle anxious pets. Request references from current clients and tour the entire facility during operating hours.
Why Do the Right Questions Matter So Much?
Choosing a pet boarding facility isn't just about finding someone to feed your dog while you're away—you're entrusting your beloved family member to strangers. The questions you ask can reveal whether a facility truly prioritizes animal welfare or simply operates as a business. Professional boarding services welcome detailed questions because they understand that informed pet owners make the best clients. The right questions help you assess not just the facility's capabilities, but their genuine commitment to your pet's physical and emotional well-being. This conversation also establishes expectations on both sides, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or disappointments.
What Staff Qualifications Should You Verify?
The people caring for your pet should have both formal training and genuine experience. Here's what to investigate:
- Ask about staff certifications in pet first aid, animal behavior, or veterinary assistance—qualified facilities invest in ongoing education
- Inquire about employee background checks and how long current staff members have worked there—high turnover often signals problems
- Request information about staff-to-pet ratios during different shifts, including overnight coverage and weekend supervision
- Find out if there's always a trained professional on-site who can handle medical emergencies or behavioral issues
- Ask about the facility manager's experience and credentials—they set the standard for animal care protocols
How Should They Handle Medical Emergencies?
Medical emergencies can happen even to healthy pets, so understanding the facility's emergency protocols is crucial. Ask for their step-by-step emergency response plan, including how quickly they can reach a veterinarian and which veterinary clinics they partner with. Find out if they have someone trained in pet CPR and first aid available at all times. Inquire about their policy for contacting you during emergencies—will they call immediately, or only after consulting with a vet? Also ask about their relationship with local emergency veterinary hospitals and whether they have authorization procedures in place for urgent medical decisions when you can't be reached immediately.
What Daily Care Standards Should You Expect?
Your pet's daily routine significantly impacts their stress levels and overall experience. Essential daily care questions include:
- How many times per day will your pet be fed, walked, and given individual attention from staff members?
- What happens if your pet refuses to eat or shows signs of stress—do they have protocols for encouraging eating and reducing anxiety?
- How do they maintain cleanliness in kennels and common areas throughout the day, and how often are spaces sanitized?
- What kind of exercise and enrichment activities do they provide beyond basic walks—puzzle toys, playtime, socialization opportunities?
- How do they separate pets of different sizes, temperaments, and vaccination status to ensure everyone's safety and comfort?
What Health and Safety Protocols Are Non-Negotiable?
Reputable boarding facilities maintain strict health requirements to protect all animals in their care. They should require current vaccinations for rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella at minimum, with documentation from a licensed veterinarian. Ask about their flea and tick prevention policies and whether they'll administer monthly preventatives if needed. Inquire about their quarantine procedures for new arrivals and how they handle pets that become ill during their stay. Find out about their cleaning protocols, including what disinfectants they use and how frequently they sanitize water bowls, bedding, and kennel areas. Also ask whether they have isolation areas for sick animals and relationships with veterinarians for health assessments.
Essential Questions Checklist for Your Facility Visit
Print this checklist and bring it to your boarding facility interviews:
- Can I tour the entire facility, including kennels, play areas, and food preparation spaces?
- What are your procedures for administering medications or special dietary requirements?
- How do you handle pets with separation anxiety or behavioral challenges?
- What's included in your boarding fee, and what services cost extra?
- Can you provide references from current clients who have similar pets to mine?
- What's your policy if I need to extend my trip or return early?
- How do you communicate with pet parents during their stay—updates, photos, concerns?
- What happens if my pet doesn't get along with other animals or seems stressed?
How Can You Evaluate Their Communication Style?
The way a boarding facility communicates with you reveals a lot about how they'll treat your pet. Pay attention to whether they ask detailed questions about your pet's routine, preferences, and any special needs. Quality facilities want to know about your pet's favorite toys, feeding schedule, exercise requirements, and any anxiety triggers. Notice if they seem genuinely interested in making your pet comfortable or if they're rushing through a standard checklist. Ask about their communication policy while you're away—do they provide daily updates, photos, or only contact you if there's a problem? Their willingness to accommodate special requests and maintain open communication often reflects their overall commitment to individualized pet care.
The best boarding facilities treat each pet as an individual with unique needs, not just another customer. They should know your dog's name, preferences, and personality quirks within the first day.
Dr. Amanda Foster, Veterinary Behaviorist
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book pet boarding?
Book 2-4 weeks ahead for regular periods, 6-8 weeks for holidays. Popular facilities fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and major holidays.
Should I bring my pet's own food and bedding?
Yes, familiar food prevents digestive upset and favorite bedding provides comfort. Most facilities encourage bringing personal items that smell like home to reduce anxiety.
What if my pet has never been boarded before?
Consider a trial half-day or overnight stay first. Ask about their introduction process for nervous pets and whether they offer gradual acclimation programs for first-time boarders.
Are there alternatives to traditional kennel boarding?
Yes, options include in-home pet sitting, smaller boutique facilities, or pet hotels with private suites. Each has different benefits depending on your pet's personality and needs.
How do I know if my pet enjoyed their boarding experience?
Happy pets typically maintain normal eating and sleeping patterns after returning home. Signs of good care include relaxed body language, normal energy levels, and positive reactions to mentioning the facility.
What should I do if I'm not satisfied with the boarding service?
Address concerns immediately with management, document any issues, and consider switching facilities. Trust your instincts—your pet's well-being should never be compromised for convenience.
Find Trusted Pet Boarding Through Your Network
The most reliable way to find excellent pet boarding is through recommendations from people who've actually used the service. Tools like Linked By Six automatically show you which pet boarding facilities your friends, neighbors, and colleagues trust—giving you real insights before you search. See your network's trusted providers and make confident decisions about your pet's care.
Asking the right questions helps you find a boarding facility that will treat your pet like family, not just another customer. Focus on staff qualifications, emergency procedures, daily care routines, and health protocols. Trust your instincts during facility tours and pay attention to how staff interact with the animals already in their care. Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value when it comes to your pet's safety and happiness. Quality boarding facilities welcome thorough questions because they're confident in their standards of care. Taking time to properly vet boarding options ensures your pet stays safe, comfortable, and loved while you're away, giving you true peace of mind during your travels.