Pet Boarding Facility Checklist
- Check our link to our Approved Facilities - It is always better to ensure that the boarding facility you choose for your pet, is subject to some kind of annual inspection process by an authority with set standards. The certificate which is displayed at the boarding facility, is proof that the owner has complied with very stringent specifications.
- Make an appointment to view the boarding facilities
- Don’t hesitate to ask any questions of the owner or management
standards to consider
Make a checklist of questions you would like to ask and don't forget to use your senses.
On visiting the boarding kennel or cattery
- Does it smell clean?
- Check to make sure it looks clean
- Is there good lighting and ventilation?
- The kennel or cattery areas should not be damp
- Is the temperature in the kennel or cattery areas comfortable?
- Do the staff and owners interact with the pets?
- Are the staff and owners friendly?
- Ask what the routine of the kennel or cattery involves, i.e. feeding times, exercise times, grooming, bathing
- Do the pets look happy and content?
- Are the kennel and cattery areas of a good size?
- How much exercise time is allocated for dogs during the day? (Should be at least 30 minutes twice a day)
- Are there toys available for dogs and cats? (A bored pet is an unhappy pet)
- Is the kennel area situated a reasonable distance from the cattery housing?
- Are there cat litter boxes visible?
- Do the kennels appear to be free of faeces?
On admission to the kennel or cattery
- Allow plenty of time to deliver your pet
- If you are stressed, this will be communicated to your pet
- If you are happy and relaxed when you leave your pet, this too will be communicated to your pet
- Ensure you communicate to the pet boarding facility any ailments, medication, special requirements, special diet your pet may have, and ensure this is captured on the record card allocated to your pet
- Also relay details of any atypical habits your pet may have
- Vaccinations must be up-to-date, and the certificate current
- Vaccinations need to be given no less than 14 days before admission to a kennel or cattery
- Bring along unwashed familiar toys, bedding, etc, which you pet can relate to
- Always leave details of an alternate contact person who has the authority to make decisions on your behalf
- If you are boarding pets, which are elderly, young, disabled, highly strung, or have a pet on medication, ask the owners if you can provide a few days’ supply of food, so that the changeover to kennel food is gradual. Alternatively, if deemed necessary, keep the pet on the food brought from home for the duration of the stay.
- After the check-in process hand your pet to a staff member, say goodbye and leave. Avoid long emotional partings.
- Having done your homework in finding the best boarding facility for you pet, and having provided all the necessary critical information to the boarding facility, be confident that your pet is in good hands.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS, ASK YOURSELF, “WOULD I BE HAPPY TO STAY IN THIS BOARDING KENNEL OR CATTERY?”
