Dog Boarding: How to Find the Best Dog Hotels

You’ve booked the flight. You’ve requested the time off. And now you’re daydreaming of mai tais while relaxing on the beach. But wait … there’s one more step before jetting off: determining who will take care of your dog while you’re away. If you don’t have a trusted friend, family member or pet sitter to look after your furry friend, and traveling with your dog isn’t an option, consider a pet boarding facility.

What Is Dog Boarding?

Boarding your dog during your vacation could be a plus for them, especially if they suffer from separation anxiety, need to be socialized with fellow dogs or don’t travel well. Think of it like dropping a kid off at summer camp — boarding can be an exciting retreat for your dog.

Some pet boarding places are free-range, offering wide open spaces for the dogs to roam around. Some specialize in only cats or only dogs. Some even offer single-room accommodations with introverted pets in mind. It’s all about choosing the right boarding setup for your dog.

Evaluate Your Dog’s Boarding Needs

When choosing a dog boarding option, the first step is to evaluate your dog’s needs. The following questionnaire is a good starting point for pet owners.

1. Does your dog do well with other dogs?
   1. Yes
   2. No, but it’s just because they need to socialize more with other dogs.
   3. No, absolutely not. They do not mix or mingle well.
2. Are your dog’s vaccination records up-to-date?
   1. Yes
   2. No
3. Has your dog ever been boarded overnight before?
   1. Yes
   2. No
4. In addition to your pet’s stay, are you looking for behavioral training or grooming services? Some places also provide these while you’re out.
   1. Yes
   2. No
5. Does your dog require special care (i.e., medicines, specialized diet, exercise, etc.)?
   1. Yes
   2. No

Diving into question number 3 for a moment: If your dog has never been boarded, it could be beneficial for them to experience overnight boarding at least once before your big trip. This will help your dog get a taste of what boarding entails and it gives you a sample of the pet care they’ll receive while you’re away from home. They may even make some new friends!

How Can Pet Parents Find Good Dog Hotels?

Now that you better understand what you’re looking for in a boarding facility, let’s move on to finding great options in your area. In addition to good ol’ Google, your local veterinary clinic or pet groomer could be great resources for recommendations. Be sure to express what you’re looking for in your conversations with trusted sources or in the Google search bar. And lastly, take time to read the reviews — don’t just search “best dog boarding places near me” and go with the first one that pops up.

Dog Boarding Pointers to Consider

After you’ve compiled a list of boarding facilities, grab a pen and paper to jot down notes, then give each one a call. You’ll want to discuss:

• Immunization requirements
• Daily and weekly prices
• If they have veterinary care on call
• How often cages are cleaned
• Care for special needs animals, if applicable
  • Inquire about extra charges associated with caring for special needs dogs
• Touring the facility prior to making a decision

Touring Pet Boarding Facilities

When touring a facility, pay attention to the cleanliness of the cages and the friendliness of the staff to give you an understanding of how their operation runs.

Signs of Bad Dog Boarding Facilities

If you’re touring a dog boarding facility, some red flags to look for include:

• Sick animals mingling with others
• Animals in cages not big enough for them to move around
• Cats and dogs placed in the same area (co-pet boarding should include separate rooms for cats and dogs to avoid unnecessary anxiety for the animals)
• Poor ventilation in the boarding unit
• No on-call veterinarian
• No immunization requirements

Boarding services who work with an on-call veterinarian add an extra layer of comfort — in case an emergency arises while you’re away from home, you can rest assured knowing your dog will receive the pet care they need right away.

You’ll want to choose a boarding facility that takes immunizations seriously. You do not want your dog to be mingling with potentially sick or unvaccinated animals for obvious reasons. Many facilities require immunizations for bordetella, rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and/or parainfluenza.

Compile the information you gather via phone and during the tour to assist you in making the decision that fits your pet. Employees at boarding facilities should want you to feel comfortable in your decision just as much as you do. Ask questions along the way and trust your gut. You know what your dog needs best.

All Aboard! It’s Time to Board

You’ve got your questions answered and your list has been narrowed down. How are you feeling? Ready to book the perfect boarding facility for your dog’s home away from home?

When it comes time to take your dog to the boarding facility, be sure to pack their favorite toys, food, treats and any necessary medicine. You’ve picked the right place and you can see your dog enjoying their stay — now you catch up on some needed R&R. Your dog is already giving this plan two paws up!