We also provide an array of information on boarding kennels, animal boarding, boarding kennels regulations, advice, and of course animal welfare tips, so that you can arm yourselves with a host of information. Information is power!

Again, the vast majority of boarding kennels are extremely well run establishments, all of which adhere to relevant guidelines set out by local authorities in their resident countries, and animal welfare instutions. Some, however, are not up to scratch. And when it comes to your beloved pet, and it is time for you to seek adequate boarding for them as you are due to go on holiday, for example, you need to know that your pet will get the very best care and treatment.

Below, we have outlined some hot tips you should look out for when choosing a boarding kennels for your dog or cat, both positive and negative:

The care and welfare of your dog or cat first starts at home. If you are reading this, then we can assume you are a very loving pet owner, who is looking ahead to finding the best boarding for your pet, and are planning ahead, and are concerned about what sort of experience your dog or cat will have.

You are right to have some concerns. This is likely the first time you have considered or needed to place your dog or cat into someone elses care for a sustained period of time. Your pet is a member of the family, and treated and loved the same way. Often better! Of course there can be no substitute for your loving home, but the aim is to get the next best thing.

The environment of a boarding kennels is very different to your family home and lots of dogs barking, unfamiliar smells, little human contact and a change of routine could potentially mean a stressful experience for your dog.
Of course many boarding kennels will regularly exercise the dogs, play with them and look after them very well. However some dogs may struggle with the change of environment. Particularly older dogs, or infirm dogs and cats.
Of course all animals are just like humans, in the sense that they are all different. They all have unique personalities, no more so than dogs. Many younger dogs will absolutely love the experience and treat it as their own holiday!

Make sure that a Boarding Kennels you have in mind can cope with your animal. If they have specific requirements and are ill or very old, only certain kennels may be able to deal with them and care for them adequately. You can view full details in our Directory, section. If you have a question regarding anything we have or will mention, you can private message them via the listing or visit their site or telephone them and ask them direct.

We have covered in full detail on our Regulations page, about licensing, and how Boarding Kennels have to apply for a licence, and what criteria they have to meet. You will also find in this section, what standards they have to meet, and what you can expect as a paying member of public and for your cat or dog.
You will also understand more about the layout and construction of boarding kennels and what consitions need to be maintained for your beloved friend.

We also discuss about staffing levels in kennels and numbers of pets cared for. Only by a personal visit can you feel comfortable with where your pet will be looked after. Again, by viewing the listings you can get a good idea from data, and photographs, but really to see a place is to know it. Sights, sounds and smells. It is how your dog will see the place.

Any reputable Boarding Kennels will encourage you to visit their establishment before making a booking, as the best kennels know you and your pet are at the heart of their business and they rely on repeat business as much as you do. Bear in mind most kennel owners are extremely hardworking, busy people, but will always have time to allow you to visit. In fact, many may invite people to just drop by during their opeing hours, without making a specific booking to visit. Again, you can contact kennel owners direct via thier listing in our directory.

People talk, & the most reliable way of choosing a kennel is by popularity. We offer the facility for past customers to review their kennels, so we activekly encourage owners to ask their patrons to leave ratings on our site, actually directly on the listings. If you’re happy with a boarding kennels, tell people. Everyone wins. Some pointers that we recommend you look for or ask about when visiting a kennel are as follows:

• Ask about staff to dog ratios. This is important so that your dog gets one on one attention, and the boarding kennels are kept clean and running well. Think about the work required cleaning up after even a few dogs. Now multiply that. The bigger the kennels and more animals looked after, the staff needs to grow in accordance.
• The quieter the better. Don’t expect to walk in and hear no barking, but once new guests ahve arrived and been seen, the place should simmer down. Content dogs are quiet dogs, that is when they’re not exercising of course, when they should have great fun, and noise!
• Boarding Kennels will not smell like your front room, but at the same time should not be unpleasant. If your nose, eyes and ears say no. Your dog will too. Especially as their senses are immensely more sensitive.
• Leave full contact details with your chosen boarding kennels when you have decided on which one to use. You can never foresee what may happen. Your dog or cat may simply become too anxious staying there or become ill, however great the kennels are. Tell a family member or trusted friend your plans and leave their detaisl too, as you may not be able to ‘just pop back’ from a holiday on the other side of the world. It would also be prudent to inform your vet about your plans, that way the family vet could be informed in case of an emergency.
• While we are talking about vets, amke sure your dog or cat is fully vaccinated in accordance with the law and the kennels establishment, in good time. Well before their stay.
• You will need to speak to the owners about routines for walking, exercise, feeding and about treats for your dog or cat. What treats are supplied and what ones you can leave. There maybe also special activities you can pay extra for. Grooming, or even swimming!
• Look around at the kennels and animals. Are they clean? Happy? Warm? Enough room? Use your eyes.
• Ask to vieew exactly which kennel your dog will have. Then on the day you take him or her,stay with your dog until he is taken to his kennel, make sure it is the same as the one you originally booked and paid for. Don’t act upset or you will upset your dog. Be confident and ahppy and don’t spend too long with them. Let them get on with making new friends.
• If you have more than 1 dog, it would be a necessity that the kennels house them together or it could become unbearable for them. Explain this and any other issues to the kennel staff when viewing in advance and taking your animals in. It is best to get any questions you may have answered, before making any booking. When chhosing boarding kennels, you need to start your research weeks before, to understand everyting and to allow time for vaccinations, and to make sure there is room for your pets on the desired dates.