Hi everyone,
I’ve seen a lot of people here ask about dog boarding, especially when planning vacations or work trips. I recently did some deep research on this because I had to leave my dog for 5 days and wanted to make sure I chose a place that was safe, clean, and stress-free.
Here’s what I learned—and what really helped me:
1. Always Visit in Person First
Photos online can be misleading. When I visited, I looked for things like clean floors, proper ventilation, and secure fencing. Trust your gut when you walk in.
2. Ask About Staff Training
I made sure the staff knew basic animal behavior and emergency procedures. One place I visited had high schoolers running the show—huge red flag.
3. Check Vaccination Requirements
Reputable facilities will always ask for up-to-date vaccinations. If they don’t, that’s a warning sign.
4. Daily Routine & Exercise
Ask how often the dogs go out, how long play sessions are, and how many dogs are grouped together. A good center will adjust based on your dog’s needs.
5. Read Reviews—But Don’t Rely Only on Them
Online reviews can help, but always combine them with your personal visit and conversation with the staff.
I’ve also shared a more detailed version of this checklist elsewhere (it's in my profile if you're curious). I’d love to hear your own tips and experiences too—what made you feel confident in the place you chose?
Let’s help each other out! 😊
I’ve seen a lot of people here ask about dog boarding, especially when planning vacations or work trips. I recently did some deep research on this because I had to leave my dog for 5 days and wanted to make sure I chose a place that was safe, clean, and stress-free.
Here’s what I learned—and what really helped me:
1. Always Visit in Person First
Photos online can be misleading. When I visited, I looked for things like clean floors, proper ventilation, and secure fencing. Trust your gut when you walk in.
2. Ask About Staff Training
I made sure the staff knew basic animal behavior and emergency procedures. One place I visited had high schoolers running the show—huge red flag.
3. Check Vaccination Requirements
Reputable facilities will always ask for up-to-date vaccinations. If they don’t, that’s a warning sign.
4. Daily Routine & Exercise
Ask how often the dogs go out, how long play sessions are, and how many dogs are grouped together. A good center will adjust based on your dog’s needs.
5. Read Reviews—But Don’t Rely Only on Them
Online reviews can help, but always combine them with your personal visit and conversation with the staff.
I’ve also shared a more detailed version of this checklist elsewhere (it's in my profile if you're curious). I’d love to hear your own tips and experiences too—what made you feel confident in the place you chose?
Let’s help each other out! 😊