Updated 10 November 2026.

Choose boarding by matching the care arrangements to your dog, then verify the provider and compare the complete price. A nearby address and an attractive room photograph are useful starting points, but neither tells you how your dog will spend the day.

These ten checks help build a shortlist. Use our kennel visit questions when you inspect a provider, and keep a written record of the answers that matter to your dog.

1. Define the care your dog needs

Write down the normal routine, medical requirements, exercise, handling and ability to cope with other dogs or time alone. Include anything difficult: escape attempts, guarding, distress and sensitivities. A provider can only assess suitability if it has accurate information.

Decide whether to compare kennels, home boarding or care in your own home. Our care-type comparison explains what each means. A home address does not guarantee individual attention, and a large kennel business does not tell you how much contact each dog receives.

2. Verify the relevant licence

Check the holder, address, permitted activity and expiry with the responsible authority. Do not rely solely on a badge, advertisement or directory listing. England’s licensing stars are separate from customer-review stars, and other UK nations use different arrangements.

Follow our step-by-step licence check before committing to a licensable service. Ask how renewal can be confirmed if the current licence expires before the proposed stay.

3. Speak to the people providing care

Explain your dog’s needs and listen to the questions the provider asks in return. Find out who will carry out daily care and who covers absences. Ask about staff experience with the specific needs you have described, rather than accepting a broad claim of experience with all breeds.

Make sure there is a way to report a change before arrival. A new prescription, illness or behavioural problem can affect an earlier suitability decision.

4. Inspect the actual accommodation

Visit where practical and see the space your dog would use. Look for suitable rest, temperature, ventilation, cleaning and secure boundaries. Ask how routine cleaning works while animals are present and how illness is managed.

Do not judge solely by decoration or whether dogs bark during a brief visit. Ask about the usual pattern of noise, quiet time and how staff respond to a dog that struggles.

5. Understand exercise and social contact

Ask how often dogs leave their sleeping accommodation, for how long and with whom. Establish what is included in the standard package. “Plenty of exercise” is less useful than a clear explanation of the routine.

Group activity must suit the dogs involved. Find out whether individual exercise is possible, how introductions are managed and how dogs are separated for food or rest. A dog need not play with unfamiliar dogs to receive good care.

6. Ask about staffing and emergencies

Clarify daytime and overnight arrangements, how dogs are checked and who can respond to an alarm or illness. CCTV is a tool, not a substitute for a person who can act.

Ask which veterinary practice is used, who authorises treatment and how you are contacted. Discuss fire, escape and provider-illness plans in practical terms. Keep the contact details and relevant terms with the booking.

7. Confirm health and vaccination requirements early

Obtain the provider’s requirements in writing and discuss them with your vet. Timing depends on the vaccination and the establishment’s policy; do not leave it until drop-off. Ask what records are required and how current illness should be reported.

Explain medication, storage, administration and any special diet before paying. A willingness to administer tablets does not establish that a provider can meet every medical need.

8. Arrange a suitable introduction or trial

Where offered and appropriate, agree a manageable introductory visit or trial. Decide beforehand how staff will assess settling and who can collect the dog if it is not working. A short stay provides information; it cannot guarantee the outcome of a longer holiday.

Discuss concerns afterwards and ask what was observed, including eating, resting and interactions. Use that information to decide whether to proceed or seek another care arrangement.

9. Compare the full written quote

Give exact drop-off and collection times and check how the stay is charged. Include VAT where relevant, medication, food, transport, peak dates and extra activities. Confirm whether a multi-dog figure is per dog or the total household price.

Our cost guide shows how daily and nightly charging can produce different totals. Do not assume a weekly discount or free late collection unless agreed.

10. Read the terms and prepare the handover

Check deposits, cancellations, delayed travel, early collection and what happens if the dog becomes ill or cannot settle. Agree who can collect your dog and act in an emergency if you are unreachable.

Use our before-boarding health and planning guide and packing and handover checklist once the booking is confirmed. Keep instructions concise and update them when circumstances change.

Sources: PDSA holiday-care guidance and Blue Cross kennel advice.