Choosing a boarding facility is one of the most important decisions you make for your pet's wellbeing. A good facility will be happy to answer every question you have — in fact, how a facility responds to your questions is often as revealing as the answers themselves. Here are the 10 questions that matter most.
1. What Is Your Staff-to-Pet Ratio?
There is no universal standard, but as a general guideline: for group play, a ratio of 1 staff member per 10 to 15 dogs is reasonable. For overnight supervision, you want to know whether staff are physically on-site through the night or simply on call. These are very different levels of supervision.
2. Is Staff Present Overnight?
Some kennels have overnight staff on-site. Many do not — staff leave at night and return in the morning. Neither approach is inherently wrong, but you should know which model the facility uses and decide if it meets your comfort level. If your dog has health issues or significant anxiety, overnight staff presence may be important to you.
3. What Happens If My Pet Gets Sick or Injured?
Ask specifically: Do you have a veterinarian on call? Which emergency vet clinic do you use? Will you contact me immediately? What are your protocols if you cannot reach me? A facility without clear emergency procedures is a red flag.
4. How Do You Handle Aggressive or Anxious Animals?
If your pet has known behavioral triggers, you want to know exactly how staff are trained to handle them. Quality facilities will have specific protocols — not just a vague statement about being experienced with all dogs. If an animal shows aggression toward other animals, what happens? Are they separated? Sent home? This matters.
5. Can I Tour the Facility Before Booking?
The answer should always be yes. Any facility that declines a tour request should be immediately removed from your list. When you tour, pay attention to: odor (some smell is normal, overwhelming odor is not), the condition of the kennels and play areas, how animals currently boarding appear, and how staff interact with the animals.
6. What Vaccination Records Do You Require?
Get the specific requirements in writing. Requirements vary by facility, and you need to confirm your dog's current vaccines match what is needed before you book. Ask about timing requirements too, such as vaccines must be administered at least 7 days prior to boarding.
7. Is Group Play Separated by Size or Temperament?
If the facility offers group play, find out how groups are organized. Mixing a 10-pound Chihuahua with a 90-pound Labrador in the same play group is not appropriate regardless of how friendly both dogs are. Quality facilities sort by size, energy level, and temperament.
8. What Does the Daily Schedule Look Like?
Ask what a typical day looks like for a dog at the facility. When are feeding times? How many play sessions per day? How long are they? How much time does a dog spend in their kennel versus active areas? The answers give you a realistic picture of your dog's daily experience.
9. How Do You Handle Medications or Special Diets?
If your pet takes medication or has dietary needs, ask whether the facility can accommodate this and whether there is an additional fee. Most facilities charge a small administration fee for medications. Confirm the process for ensuring the right pet gets the right medication at the right time.
10. Do You Provide Updates During the Stay?
Many facilities now offer photo updates, report cards, or even webcam access. Ask what communication you can expect during a multi-day stay. If a facility refuses to provide any updates or photos, that is worth noting.
How a facility answers these questions is as important as the answers themselves. Evasiveness, defensiveness, or vague responses to straightforward questions are red flags. A genuinely well-run facility will be proud to answer every one.