28/04/2026
To choose the best doggy daycare or home boarding, follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your pet is safe, happy, and well-cared for.
📋 Step 1: Verify Licencing and Insurance
Check the licence: By law, professional boarders must have a valid council licence displayed on their premises or website.
Verify insurance: Ensure they have specific pet business insurance covering public liability and emergency care.
Look for qualifications: Ask if the staff hold a valid canine first aid certificate.
🛡️ Step 2: Research Reputation and Availability
Audit the reviews: Look for consistent, recent, and detailed positive reviews rather than just star ratings.
Plan far in advance: Good boarders book up months ahead; if someone has instant availability for peak summer or Christmas, proceed with caution.
🤝 Step 3: Attend a Meet and Greet
Tour the facilities: The boarder should willingly show you all indoor and outdoor areas your dog will access.
Assess quiet zones: Ensure there are dedicated, separate spaces where your dog can rest away from other animals.
Evaluate cleanliness: Check that the environment is secure, hygienic, and free of hazards.
🧠 Step 4: Ask About Daily Care and Enrichment
Ask about activities: Query what a typical day looks like regarding walks, play, and mental stimulation.
Discuss enrichment: Ensure they provide puzzles, sniffing games, or structured downtime rather than just constant free-for-all play.
🐕 Step 5: Complete Trial Sessions
Do not leave it too late: Professional boarders will require trial days and overnight stays before accepting a long holiday booking.
Monitor post-trial behaviour: Check if your dog returns happy and relaxed or overly stressed and exhausted.
🏷️ Step 6: Prepare Your Dog for the Stay
Update ID tags: Your dog must wear a secure collar with an ID tag containing your contact details.
Check vaccinations: Ensure your dog is fully up-to-date with standard vaccinations and kennel cough treatments as required by the boarder's licence.