Things to Consider (and Ask) Before Choosing an Animal Boarding Facility

Animal boarding facilities, unlike animal shelters, are not subject to annual inspections by a state agency and instead are only subject to inspection if a complaint is filed*. There is also no database to search animal boarding facilities past transgressions (if they exist). This means, it is 100% up to the animal guardian to be their animal’s advocate and do lots of research when considering an animal boarding facility.

Here are some things to consider and ask animal boarding facilities you might be considering using:

1. What vaccinations are required and are guardians required to show proof of vaccination? 
   • Most facilities say certain vaccines are required, but some may not make customers show proof.
2. How are the animals housed? 
   • Consider the size of the kennel, ventilation, climate controlled, whether there is indoor and outdoor access, etc. 
3. How many hours a day are the animals in a kennel?
4. What does the animal’s daily itinerary look like?
   • What time do they get fed, walked, exercised, treats, nap time, etc. 
5. Will your animal share any spaces with other animals? 
   • Many facilities have shared play areas for recreation. 
6. How often are kennels cleaned and sanitized? 
7. How are the kennels and fences secured?
8. Are the owners and staff certified? 
   • While there are no required certifications for an animal boarding facility, there are animal handling and care training programs, like Fear Free, that teach caretakers better animal handling. 
9. What is the caretaker to animal ratio?
10. What food will be provided to the animal and how many times a day are they fed?
11. How often is drinking water changed?
12. Can the facility accommodate animals with special needs?
    • Special needs can include daily injections, medications, senior-related mobility issues, etc.
13. How do you handle animals who have boarding stress or anxiety?
    • Are there spaces for animals who are triggered by loud noises or too many people/dogs?
14. Is there web camera access?
    • What spaces does the camera show?
15. What is the facility’s emergency plan? 
16. Are staff on-site 24/7? 
    • Some boarding facilities have staff on-site day and night, while others leave the animals unattended for a certain number of hours. 
17. Are there any medically-trained personnel on staff or do they have an emergency vet available? 
18. What are the communication procedures if my animal becomes sick or is injured?

Remember to read reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. 

*We encourage you to reach out to your elected state representatives to enact regulations and inspections for animal boarding facilities.