Questions to ask a boarding facility before booking your pet’s stay

 
questions to ask boarding facility before booking your pet

Boarding facilities don’t come with an official star rating like hotels do, so how do you know you’re booking the best for your pet? These questions will help you guarantee a five-star stay for your best bud.

 
  • What vaccines do you require? With so many pets staying in one building, strict vaccine rules are a must. Rabies (dogs and cats), distemper (dogs and cats) and Bordetella (dogs only) are standard requirements. Some facilities may also require the flu vaccine (dogs only) and fecal testing for internal parasites based on their local risk.
  • What will my pet’s accommodations look like? This is where a lot of variation exists. Rooms, kennels, crates and runs are all possible. Features can range from beds and blankets to sofas, multilevel perches (for cats), toys, TVs and more. If you have multiple pets, don’t forget to check if they’re allowed to bunk together.
  • What will my pet’s itinerary look like? You don’t want your cutie getting bored at their boarding facility! Find out how often they’re taken out for playtime, exercise or just a good cuddle. If dogs are allowed to play in groups, ask about group sizes and supervision as well.
  • What will my pet be eating? It’s easiest on your pet’s stomach if you bring their regular food from home, so make sure that the facility is willing to feed your pet their own special diet.
  • Are employees trained to give medications? If your pet takes a daily prescription, you want to be sure that it won’t be spit out or missed. This question is especially important if your pet’s medication is injectable, like insulin, and requires some skill and knowledge to administer correctly.
  • Can you accommodate pets with special needs? Maybe your pet needs help getting up. Or maybe they’re blind or deaf. Whatever your pet’s special needs may be, double-check in advance that the boarding facility is equipped and the staff is trained to handle that.
  • What do you do if my pet gets sick or injured? Of course a boarding facility should try to reach you if anything comes up, but what if you’re out of cell service? Every boarding facility should have a close relationship with a nearby veterinary hospital for emergency situations.
  • Can I have a tour? Seeing is believing. Make sure you’re happy with your pick by making a personal visit.

 

Get ready for your pet’s vacay by checking their vaccine status on the myVCA app. >>