There is no shortage of people advertising dog home boarding, but how do you cut through the noise to find the right person to care for your dog while you are away?
As a Dog Home Boarder, I advise you to research each dog boarding facility carefully. You will need to plan ahead! Particularly during the school holidays, because reputable, established businesses get booked up far in advance.
Where to start when choosing a Dog Home Boarder
Make a list of your expectations and your dog’s needs. What is important about who looks after your dog and where they stay?
Consider things like…
- Does your dog have any behavioural challenges?
- Do they have any medical conditions?
- Are they nervous?
- Do you have a senior dog who requires additional care?
- Do they need to be the only pet in the house?
- Do they get along with children?
Always be honest about your dog – the goal is to match them to the right boarder. Factors like those above will influence who you choose to care for your dog and the levels of experience and qualifications they need to give your dog the best experience.
Use this guide to make a list of questions you would like to ask any potential dog boarder. This will help you make a fully informed decision and ultimately ensure your dog gets the best care.
Make sure the dog home boarder is legal and compliant
I am starting here to save you time because if these boxes aren’t ticked, you should avoid leaving your dog there at all costs.
Licence -To be awarded a home boarding licence, the boarder needs to meet the requirements set by the Government. If they have an up-to-date licence, they have been inspected by the local authority and deemed able to provide a suitable environment and level of care for your dog. Businesses registered with the Association of Dog Boarders have had their licences checked and verified. If you are in any doubt, contact the licensing council to confirm that it is current and valid.
Insurance – Choose a dog boarder who is fully insured for all manner of canine-related incidents, accidents and emergencies. The boarder should have terms and conditions and ask you to complete a contact form that asks for details of your vet and emergency contacts.
Police Check (DBS) – Some Home Dog Boarders will also have a DBS check to demonstrate they have no prior criminal convictions. This is not a formal requirement for the licence but does show an additional level of professionalism, helps build trust and is certainly a green flag for choosing who to board your dog with.
Check the home dog boarder is qualified and experienced
Qualified – You should expect a certain standard of training and qualifications. Don’t hesitate to ask to see certificates; the right dog boarder welcomes this kind of scrutiny.
Experience – Wisdom often comes from experience, so find out how long they have been boarding dogs. This will likely be evident from the history of the reviews and the start date on any social media.
Reviews – Check their reviews and testimonials on Google and social media. I have many reviews from clients who have used my services several times; when customers choose to board their dog more than once, this is a very positive sign. By checking reviews, you might find out if boarders have cancelled clients at short notice – people are much more likely to leave a negative review after all.
Here are some questions you should ask:
What will your dog’s day-to-day care be like?
Your dog has their own routine, so it is important to find out how closely the border can mirror this. They should try to minimise any stress your dog may feel from being away from you.
Things to consider asking…
- How many walks will your dog have, and at what time – will they be on the lead?
- Where will they sleep? Licensed boarders are not allowed to have dogs sleep in their beds, so if someone agrees to this, be wary that they are not adhering to the conditions of their licence.
- Will your dog be travelling in a car? What safety arrangements are there for this?
- Can you send them with their usual food? Can they use their own bowls?
- Can they have the same treats at the time they usually do?
- What enrichment will take place? Will they play with your dog?
- How much time will your dog spend socialising?
- Is the boarder home most of the day?
- Will your dog get a lot of fuss, cuddles, love, care and attention?
What is the home environment like? Is it safe and secure?
Consider asking questions like these about the home your dog will be staying in…
- Is the home clean and hygienic? (This is something to observe on an initial visit)
- Are they using DEFRA-approved cleaning products that are safe for your dog?
- How is the temperature controlled within the home? Is there aircon in the summer and heating in the winter?
- What is the access to the garden like? Is it large, safe and secure?
- Does the home boarding facility have CCTV?
How do they ensure the health and well-being of your dog?
Ask how they would manage emergencies such as health issues or injuries. The home should also have fire extinguishers and be fitted with smoke alarms. Your dog boarder should be able to share any policies and procedures they have for keeping your dog safe.
Check to see if there will be an on-site canine first aid kit. Expect to be asked for an up-to-date record of vaccinations. This is a positive sign and shows that they are adhering to the terms of their licence.
Talk to the boarder about how they would manage your dog’s behaviour. After all, you want to know this is someone who will be kind and empathetic towards your dog.
Will other pets or any children be in the home?
It is important to ask who will be around your dog during their stay and if there will be any other pets in the home.
Some boarders will have their own resident dogs or will board several dogs at one time. Others, like myself, only offer solo boarding.
Solo boarding means only caring for dogs from one family at a time. There are so many benefits to solo boarding. Your dog does not have to share resources, whether that’s space, food, attention, or love. This can make the experience a lot less stressful.
If your dog is not used to children or behaves unpredictably around children, it is important to find out if they will encounter any during their stay.
Check if the other adults in the house will be left alone with your dog and, if so, that they also have the right level of training and qualifications.
How do they communicate with you whilst you are away?
Being away from your dog can be worrying, but I have seen first-hand how much difference regular picture and video updates can make.
So, if this is also important to you, think about how many updates you would like and ask the dog boarder if this is part of their process.
What to expect during your trial visit
If you and the boarder feel they might be the right fit for your dog, they should insist on meeting you and your dog before agreeing to the booking.
This visit allows them to assess your dog’s needs and be confident they can provide the right care. It is also an opportunity for your dog to familiarise themself with the different scents and to get to know the boarder.
If this trial includes your dog staying with the boarder for a few hours, you may have to pay for their time.
During this visit, pay attention to how your dog reacts to the boarder, and never ignore your gut feeling. Ask lots of questions and find out about their experiences with similar dogs, especially if you have an older dog or a dog with specific medical needs or behavioural challenges.
Ask them how to prepare your dog for their next visit and what you will need to bring. This could include items like bedding, toys, blankets, food, bowls, lead, etc., so your dog has familiar scents and objects from home.
You should be given an information pack containing contact forms to complete, medical consent forms, and terms to sign (and any other information the specific boarder thinks you need). This shows a level of professionalism, another great sign that your dog should be in safe hands)
If you have not already done so, this is an opportunity to see evidence of qualifications and the home boarding licence.
The cost of hiring a dog home boarder
When budgeting for dog home boarding, remember that you can expect to pay more for an experienced, reliable, popular, highly trained dog boarder, and they are likely to be booked up in advance. If you need a lengthy stay for your dog, it is worth asking if there are discounts for this.
A final note
Do your due diligence and ensure the home dog boarding facility is legal and compliant. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable boarder will be happy to put your mind at ease and more than happy to show you their credentials.
Ensure you are open and honest about your dog even if they have behavioural challenges or anxieties. If a particular dog boarder is unable to meet your dog’s needs, they may well be able to recommend someone else who can. You don’t want your dog to end up in a situation with a boarder who is unable to properly care for them.
If you are looking for a solo dog home boarder in South Wales, I welcome an enquiry to discuss your dog’s needs…don’t forget to ask me lots of questions, follow the advice in this guide and book your dog in well in advance.
