Leaving Your Dog or Cat at a Boarding Facility: A Checklist

Going away is easier when you know your pet is in good hands. Use this checklist to choose a boarding place, prepare your pet, and know what to pack.

Visit before you book

A good boarding place will be happy to show you around. Look at where the animals sleep, where they play and where they are kept when it rains. It should be clean, smell clean, and have shade, fresh water and good air flow. Ask how many pets one staff member looks after and whether someone stays overnight.

Cats should have a separate, quiet area away from dogs.

Questions to ask

• Which vaccinations and tick treatment do you need from every pet?
• Are dogs grouped by size and temperament for play time?
• Which vet do you use in an emergency, and how quickly can a pet get there?
• Can you give my pet's medicines on time, and how do you record them?
• Will you send me photos or updates every day?
• Can I bring my pet's own food, bed and toys?
• What happens if my pet stops eating or gets anxious?

Vaccinations and health

A good boarding place will insist that every animal is vaccinated, because many pets in one place spread infections quickly. Expect to show proof of your dog's DHPPi+L and rabies vaccines (FVRCP and rabies for cats). Many also ask for the kennel cough vaccine for dogs. Give a tick and flea preventive before the stay and deworm if it's due.

Check dates a few weeks before you travel. Some vaccines need to be given at least a week or two before boarding to count.

What to pack

• Enough of your pet's usual food for the whole stay, plus two extra days
• Medicines, with written doses and times
• A bed, blanket or T-shirt that smells of home
• One or two favourite toys
• Copy of the vaccination record
• Your contact number, a backup contact and your vet's number

Settling your pet in

If your pet has never boarded, try a one-night stay or a day of daycare first. Keep the drop-off short and calm; long goodbyes make anxious pets more anxious. Don't change their food just before the stay. A mild upset stomach or a bit of tiredness after coming home is common; see your vet if it lasts more than a day or two, or if your dog starts coughing.

Choose a place that keeps you updated

The best boarding places keep a daily record for each pet: meals eaten, medicines given, walks and any concerns, and they share photos and updates with you. Ask how they will contact you, and make sure they have your WhatsApp number.