Dog Boarding Checklist

By GAP NSW
December 19, 2022 11:00
If you plan on going away these holidays and you haven’t already made accommodation arrangements for your pet, we suggest you start looking. Boarding can be tough to find last minute as they are usually booked weeks and even months in advance.

Entrusting your pooch to strangers is a big step and can understandably cause stress and anxiety for owners - after all, who would love your pooch as much as you do?

Dog boarding has come a long way with a whole spectrum of options including luxurious stays, training, grooming, enrichment programs and extracurricular activities to create a stimulating and enjoyable experience for your pooch.

Because we know you want your dog to enjoy the holidays as much as you do, we have pulled together a checklist of questions you should ask when considering where to board your dog for the holidays.
  1. How will your dog be housed? Ensure you know what bedding is on offer, what their sleeping conditions are like, whether the area is well-ventilated and if there is enough space for them to move around freely.
  2. How often are dogs let out? They should be let out a minimum of 3 times within a 24-hour period. You should seek to understand frequency and duration to ensure it aligns with your dog's needs. 
  3. What stimulation do they get? Do staff members interact with them and how? Is there an enrichment program and what does it involve?
  4. If your pet has special needs (whether it's diet, exercise or other) it's important to know that the kennel can accommodate these needs. 
  5. What additional services are available? There may be additional services that you can pay for to cater to your dog's individual needs and enhance its enjoyment. Things like extra play time, playgroups with other dogs or additional activities like swimming. 
  6. How often will you receive updates? Updates like photos and videos of your happy pooch can bring comfort while you’re away. Try and get an understanding of how often the kennel will be in contact and what you will receive.