Got a trip planned and can’t bring your pet with you? If you don’t have the option of a friend or family member to watch your beloved fury pal while you’re away, your only choice may be to board your pet.

This might have you wondering, “how do I choose the right boarding facility for my pet?”

Concerns you may have about pet boarding are warranted. Not every facility out there is safe and even among those that are, there are some that are better than others. To help you find the best for your pet, here’s a list of 10 handy tips.

1- Ask Around – To start, find out what pet boarding options are available in your community by asking your pet’s veterinarian. It’s also a good idea to ask local family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who have a pet like your own (e.g., dog, cat, bird, rabbit, etc.). Recommendations from people you trust can go a long way in giving you peace of mind about your decision.

2- Make sure the facility accepts your type of pet – Most pet boarding places and pet daycare services are geared toward dogs and cats. If you have another type of pet, such as a bird, rabbit, rodent, reptile, etc., you’ll need to find a facility that will (and knows how to) care for them.

3- Conduct a background check – Even if the place suggested to you comes with a glowing recommendation, take the time to investigate the kennel operator.

While conducting your investigation…

• Look into their reputation (e.g., check the Better Business Bureau)
• Find out how long the business has been operating
• Check if they have a website
• Check for accreditations from respected associations/organizations
• Check if they belong to any trade associations founded by kennel operators
• Check for pet boarding licenses and/or certificates (especially if your municipality requires them)
• Read customer reviews from multiple sources
• Read employee reviews

Ultimately, what you’re looking for is a facility that follows a code of ethics, and prides itself on professionalism, safety, and quality of care.

4- Find out if the facility can accommodate your pet’s needs – Is your pet on a special diet? Does your pet have a health condition? Does your pet take medication? Does your pet rest/sleep on a special bed? The facility you choose must be attentive to your pet’s needs and effectively provide the care required.

5-Discover what services are available – Some kennel operators run facilities that offer more than boarding. Grooming, nail trim, bathing, and training may also be options. If these extra perks are of interest to you, be sure to include them in your pet boarding search

6- Thoroughly investigate the pet boarding facility – When you find a place you like, don’t judge the facility on images and video alone. Take the time to visit in person to see, hear, and smell the environment you’re considering for your pet.

During your visit…

• Check for cleanliness
• Check for sufficient ventilation, light, and comfortable temperature
• Pay attention to how knowledgeable and caring the staff seem
• Check for adequate space – Can kenneled animals move around comfortably?
• Find out if animals share quarters - If you have multiple pets, can they stay together?
• Find out if different types of animals (e.g., cats and dogs) are kept in separate areas
• Check for exercise areas/outdoor runs - How big are they? Are they protected from the elements?
• Find out the animal to staff ratio
• Ask about feeding schedules
• Ask what approach the staff uses when handling animals
• Check if there are dog webcams so you can watch your dog

7- Find out what veterinary services are available – In the unlikely event your pet requires medical attention or there’s an emergency, discover how the pet boarding staff responds. Is there a veterinarian always on staff? Do they call someone in? Do they take your pet to a clinic? Do they contact your personal vet? Will they inform you?

8- Ask how rates are calculated – Cost will likely be a deciding factor for you when you choose the right pet boarding facility for your pet. Find out how rates are calculated and/or if there are extra fees,

9- Learn what the facility’s mandatory requirements/policies are – It’s common for long-term pet boarding and pet daycare services to require animals to be up to date with vaccines (e.g., rabies, kennel cough, etc.) and have basic training (e.g., sit, stay, etc.). Many facilities also won’t accept unspayed/unneutered dogs and cats or females in heat.

10- Do a test run with the facility – Some pet boarding facilities also offer pet daycare services. If possible, board your pet for a day or even for an overnight before your trip. This will provide a good idea of what to expect, introduce your pet to the experience, and work out any potential problems.