For your pet’s welfare, and your own peace of mind, it is important if your looking for a new boarding kennel you take the time to find the right boarding service for your dog’s needs.

• Search for some kennels in your area and check out their reviews, pictures, services they offer, etc. Once you have narrowed the field down to two or three boarding kennels, visit the best candidate(s) to see the boarding facilities in person. It is important you visit the boarding kennel before you go away. This way you will have no surprises when drop your pet off. When you visit, have a good look around at the places your dog will be sleeping, playing and exercising in. Some facilities have a range of kennel sizes, so check which your dog would stay in.
• Boarding kennels should provide your pet with a sleeping area and an exercise run. Dogs should also have regular walks or access to a large secure exercise pen for play times. Check with the kennel the frequency and duration of the walks provided. A dog that does not get enough exercise will become more stressed in the kennel environment. If the dogs are getting out enough, they will not have to regularly use their kennel area as a toilet - piles of faeces or urine can be a sign that the dogs are not getting out or that there are not enough staff.
• The kennels should appear and smell clean, have good lighting, comfortable bedding and proper ventilation. A properly ventilated and cleaned boarding facility should not have any foul or strong disinfectant smells. As dog's noses are highly sensitive, disinfectant that is very strong or undiluted can be unpleasant and sometimes cause distress to dogs particularly as they will be lying on or near to the floor.
• The pens should be secure, well built and well maintained. The animals currently being boarded should look relaxed and, although dogs may initially bark and be excited, when you visit they should settle down again quickly.
•  A well managed kennel establishment should not be very noisy within a few minutes of entering it. If the barking is persistent, this can often be a sign that the dogs are frustrated and are not getting what they need - this type of environment is extremely stressful for dogs, so if possible avoid leaving your dog in a very noisy kennel. 
• Ask about staff ratios; Keeping kennels cleaned, dogs fed, watered and exercised is very time consuming. Ideally there should be a maximum ratio of one full time staff member to seven dogs to ensure that your dog gets some attention during the day. There should be at least one and preferably two staff members on site overnight 
  The boarding kennel should insist that all dogs are vaccinated before being boarded. You will need a certificate from your vet showing your dogs vaccinations are up to date. Do not forget to take it with you! If you do not show your certificate, your pet will not be allowed to stay.

Quick Kennel Check List

1.  Are the staff friendly, caring and experienced?
2. Is the accommodation safe, secure and in good repair?
3. Is there adequate ventilation, light and heating?
4. Do they insist dogs are vaccinated?
5. Are you asked for written information about your dog?
6. Do they have a vet on call 24/7?
7. Can they accommodate the dates you require?
8. If you have more than one dog, can they stay together?
9. If relevant, are other types of pets kept out of sight/hearing (to minimise stress)?
10. Do they have a licence?