Updated 10 November 2026.

Prepare for boarding before the week you travel. Confirm the provider’s health requirements, discuss them with your vet and make sure the setting can meet your dog’s needs. A useful plan covers illness, medication and what happens if the dog does not settle, as well as the holiday dates.

This guide covers advance decisions. Once those are agreed, use our packing and handover checklist for the items and instructions to send.

As soon as you start planning

Choose an appropriate type of care and check availability for the exact dates. Explain the dog’s normal routine, medical conditions and behaviour honestly. Ask whether the proposed arrangement includes other dogs, how the dog will rest and who provides supervision.

Verify the relevant licence for the actual premises and activity. Our licence guide explains how to do that. Read the terms before paying and ask how the provider handles illness before arrival or an unexpected change of host.

Get vaccination requirements in writing

Ask which records are required, which vaccinations the establishment requires and how long before arrival they must be completed. Discuss the requirements with your own vet. Do not assume that a vaccination given immediately before drop-off will meet the rules or provide the expected protection.

For England, the kennel statutory guidance lists required disease protection and says primary vaccination courses must be completed at least two weeks before acceptance. It allows the licence holder to decide whether to accept an appropriate recent veterinary titre certificate instead of a booster. Kennel-cough vaccination may also be required.

Those points do not create one universal interval for every vaccine or every boarding establishment. Confirm the exact policy with the provider and timing with your vet. Keep the current vaccination record ready to share before arrival.

Agree a medication plan before booking

Do not ask the provider to improvise a dose or alter a prescription. Check that the actual staff can carry out the plan. A provider may be unable to accommodate a need even if it normally gives routine medication.

Arrange enough prescribed supply for the stay and possible travel delay, with veterinary advice as needed. Keep medicines in their original labelled packaging and separate them from treats and food.

Discuss current health and changes

Tell the provider about coughs, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin problems, parasites, recent treatment or contact with infectious illness. Ask your vet and provider whether boarding should proceed. Do not conceal a problem because flights are booked.

Update the provider if health or behaviour changes after the assessment. A new prescription, reduced mobility or increased anxiety may change what care is appropriate. Confirm any special diet and how food will be measured and stored.

Consider an introduction or trial

A suitable introductory visit or short stay can help you and the provider assess the arrangement. Agree what will be observed: eating, resting, toileting, interactions and recovery. Make sure someone can collect the dog if the plan is not working.

There is no rule that every puppy should spend repeated days in kennels to become accustomed to it. Choose an approach that fits the dog’s age, health, vaccination position and behaviour, with professional advice when needed.

Put emergency decisions in writing

Give your own veterinary practice details and agree which practice the provider uses. Establish who can authorise treatment, how you will be contacted and what happens if you cannot be reached. Nominate a reliable backup person who has agreed to help.

Read the provider’s terms concerning veterinary costs, insurance, early collection and an inability to continue care. Leave enough information for someone to act rather than relying on a mobile number that may not work abroad.

In the final days

Confirm drop-off and collection times, the complete price and any final health declarations. Check the packing list and quantities. Keep the normal routine as practical and allow enough time for a calm journey and handover.

On arrival, report any change since the last conversation. A concise written summary helps staff use the information consistently. Ask how updates will be provided and whom to contact with a concern during the stay.

Further advice: PDSA on preparing pets for holiday care. For choosing the setting, see kennels, home boarding and sitting compared.