Choosing a Dog Boarding Facility: What to Look For and What to Avoid
Boarding Is Not a Standardized Industry
Dog boarding facilities range from immaculately run, well-staffed facilities with excellent protocols to crowded, poorly managed environments where dogs are left unmonitored for hours. Unlike human childcare, there's minimal regulatory oversight for most boarding facilities in most states. Choosing a boarding facility requires active investigation — photos on the website and a nice-looking lobby tell you nothing about the actual conditions during the overnight hours when most owners aren't looking.
The In-Person Visit
Visit any facility you're considering before booking and ask to be shown where dogs will actually stay. Red flags: strong urine smell throughout (inadequate cleaning), dogs that appear stressed (barking persistently, pressing against kennel gates, showing submissive urination), kennels or play areas that are overcrowded, staff who seem rushed or reluctant to answer questions, and inability to observe the facility's operations. Green flags: clean-smelling environments, dogs that appear relaxed, clearly defined play group protocols (separated by size and temperament), staff who know individual dogs by name and history, and clear emergency protocols.
Staffing and Supervision
Ask about nighttime supervision: are staff present overnight, or are dogs left alone from 6 PM to 7 AM? What is the staff-to-dog ratio during play groups? What training do staff have in dog body language and emergency response? What is the protocol if a dog fight occurs? What happens if a dog is injured or becomes ill overnight? Good facilities have clear, specific answers to all of these. Vague answers or defensiveness are warning signs.
Vaccination and Health Requirements
Reputable facilities require proof of current core vaccinations (rabies, distemper/parvovirus, and bordetella at minimum) before accepting dogs. This protects all dogs in the facility. Be wary of facilities that do not require vaccinations — not because vaccines are optional, but because a facility that doesn't enforce health requirements is probably not rigorous about other protocols either.
Alternatives to Traditional Kennels
For dogs who are anxious, elderly, or don't do well in kennel environments, home-based boarding (staying in a pet sitter's home, usually with 1-3 other dogs at most) may be a better option. This provides a more home-like environment with less noise and stimulation. Apps like Rover and Wag facilitate connections with in-home boarders.