Leaving your pet somewhere new — even for a short trip — is stressful for everyone involved. A little research up front makes a real difference.
Questions to ask before booking
- What's the staff-to-pet ratio? More staff generally means more individual attention.
- How much outdoor time or exercise does each pet get daily?
- Are pets grouped by size or temperament, or kept separate?
- What's the protocol if a pet gets sick or injured during their stay?
- Is there a maximum number of pets boarded at once? Facilities with a set capacity are less likely to be overcrowded.
What to look for on a tour
- Clean, well-ventilated spaces with no strong odors
- Secure fencing and exit protocols
- Comfortable resting areas, not just kennels
- Visible daily routines (feeding times, walk schedules posted)
- Staff who seem genuinely comfortable and confident around animals
Vaccination and health requirements
Reputable boarding facilities require proof of core vaccinations (and often kennel cough / Bordetella for dogs) before accepting a booking — treat this as a good sign, not an inconvenience, since it protects every pet staying there.
Red flags
- Reluctance to let you tour the facility
- No clear emergency protocol
- Overcrowded-looking kennel areas
- No willingness to share references or reviews
Reading real reviews
Look for reviews that mention communication during the stay, not just "my dog seemed happy." On Pawly, boarding profiles show real reviews from pet owners who completed an actual stay.
Ready to look? Find pet boarding near you on Pawly and compare real facility profiles before you book.