09/14/2026
When we drop our pets off for daycare or boarding, we're trusting someone else with a member of our family. We expect them to be safe, supervised, cared for, and treated with the same kindness and consideration we would give them at home.
Many pet owners may not realize that dog boarding/daycare is not a heavily regulated industry, meaning virtually anyone can open a facility without mandatory animal care certifications or specific staff training, and there are no standardized set of requirements for things such as dog to staff ratios, housing, supervision, cleaning procedures, etc.
Pet owners deserve to know how their pets are taken care of behind the scenes, so here are some questions that should be asked before trusting a facility with your pet.
🐶ASK HOW DOGS ARE HOUSED
Find out exactly where your dog will spend their time.
• Are dogs housed individually, in pairs, or in groups overnight?
• What type of kennel or enclosure is used?
• Are dogs ever left unattended?
• Are there cameras or other monitoring systems?
🐕 ASK ABOUT SOCIALIZATION
“Dogs play together all day” isn't necessarily a sign of a good daycare.
• How are dogs introduced to one another?
• Are playgroups based on size, temperament, energy level, and play style?
• What happens when a dog becomes overwhelmed or doesn't want to play?
• How are bullying, resource guarding, mounting, or inappropriate play handled?
• What happens after a disagreement between dogs?
• Are dogs ever given breaks from group play?
A good facility should understand that not every dog wants or needs to socialize constantly.
🍽️ ASK ABOUT FEEDING
If your dog will be eating at the facility, ask:
• Are dogs fed individually or together?
• How are food allergies and dietary restrictions handled?
• How is food stored and labelled?
• What measures are taken to prevent dogs from accessing another dog's food?
• Are medications administered? If so, by who and how are they documented?
Food and high-value items can create situations that require careful management, even between dogs who normally get along.
🚨 ASK ABOUT EMERGENCIES
This is one of the most important conversations you can have.
• What happens if a dog is seriously injured or becomes critically ill?
• Which veterinary clinic do you use?
• Is there someone on-site or nearby outside of regular business hours?
• Are staff trained in canine first aid/CPR?
You don't want to find out what a facility's emergency plan is after something goes wrong.
👀 ASK ABOUT STAFF
Ask who will actually be caring for your dog.
• How are employees trained?
• Do they have experience reading canine body language?
• Are they trained in dog handling and safe group management?
A facility can have beautiful kennels and play areas, but proper supervision and knowledgeable staff are what ultimately keep dogs safe.
Your dog cannot ask these questions for themselves.
You are their advocate.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Because when you leave your pet in someone else's care, safety should never be an assumption. It should be something you can see, understand, and feel confident about.
