How to Choose a Dog Boarder: The Questions to Ask

What to ask before you leave your dog with anyone

Choosing a dog boarder is not a decision to rush. You are handing over a member of the family, and the wrong choice can set a nervous dog back months. The right questions will tell you more than any glossy website. Here are the ones that matter, and what a good answer sounds like.

Start with the licence and the paperwork

In England, anyone boarding dogs for money needs a licence from the local council. Ask for the licence number and check it. A reputable boarder will give it without hesitation. Field & Fur holds licence 287696/637323 from Bradford City Council for boarding dogs in domestic premises. The licence should cover the type of boarding on offer. Home boarding and kennel boarding are licensed differently, so make sure the paperwork matches the service.

Insurance is the next box to tick. Public liability cover matters if your dog injures someone or damages property while in someone else’s care. Ask if they are insured and for what. DBS checks are also worth asking about, especially if children live in the house.

Ask what the dog’s day actually looks like

This is where home boarding and kennels diverge sharply. In a kennel, your dog has a run, set exercise times and limited human contact. In a home, your dog lives alongside the carer’s household. Ask specific questions: where does the dog sleep? How many dogs are usually there at once? Are they walked together or separately? What happens if it rains all day?

A good boarder will answer with detail, not a sales pitch. If they say the dogs are walked in small groups, ask what small means. If they say the dog will be part of the family, ask what that looks like at 6am and at 10pm. The answers will tell you whether your dog fits.

The questions that reveal how they handle real dogs

Anyone can be charming when a dog is calm. The test is how they cope when things go wrong. Ask:

• What happens if my dog becomes unwell or injured? Which vet do you use, and how quickly would you contact me?
• How do you introduce a new dog to the household? Is there a trial day or trial stay?
• What is your policy on vaccinations? Do you require kennel cough cover?
• How do you manage dogs that are nervous, older, or have had a bad experience in kennels?
• Can I see where my dog will sleep and spend the day?

Listen for calm, practical answers. A boarder who has done this for years will have a routine for every scenario. They will also be honest about what they cannot handle. That honesty is a good sign, not a red flag.

Vaccinations and health: what a good boarder asks you

A responsible boarder will ask for proof of annual boosters and a kennel cough vaccination given within the last 12 months. This is not bureaucracy. Kennel cough spreads quickly wherever dogs mix, and boarding environments are high risk. If a boarder does not ask, that is a warning. Ask them directly what their vaccination policy is.

Health questions should go both ways. Tell them about any medication, allergies, mobility issues or ongoing conditions. If your dog has a behaviour concern, be upfront. A good boarder will want to know, and may suggest a trial stay before a longer booking. For complex behaviour issues, they may recommend you speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist first.

Meet and greet is not optional

Any decent boarder will insist on a meet and greet before a booking. This is a chance for them to assess your dog’s temperament and for you to see the setup. It also gives your dog a chance to sniff the place without you leaving them. A boarder who is happy to take your dog without meeting them first is not one to trust.

At Field & Fur, meet and greet is compulsory before any dog boards. A trial day or trial stay may also be required, especially for first-time boarders or dogs with anxiety. This is not a hurdle. It is how a good boarder protects your dog and the dogs already in the house.

Red flags to watch for

Some answers should make you pause. Vague responses about how many dogs are there, reluctance to show you the sleeping area, no licence number, or pressure to book without a meet and greet. Also be wary of any boarder who promises to take any dog regardless of temperament. A responsible boarder will turn away a dog that does not fit, because the wrong match is bad for everyone.

The final question: does your dog suit this boarder?

Not every boarder is right for every dog. A home with three lively Labradors may be perfect for a sociable young dog and overwhelming for a shy rescue. A quiet household may suit an older dog better. Ask yourself whether the boarder’s setup matches your dog’s energy and confidence. The best boarder will help you work that out honestly, even if it means recommending someone else.

If you are in Shipley or the surrounding area and want to talk through whether home boarding is right for your dog, get in touch with Field & Fur. We are happy to answer questions before you commit to anything.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book a trial stay before boarding?

Often, yes. A trial day or short stay helps the boarder assess how your dog settles and gives your dog a positive first experience. It is especially useful for nervous dogs or first-time boarders.

What vaccinations does my dog need to board?

Annual boosters must be up to date, and kennel cough vaccination must have been given within the last 12 months. Always check with your vet if you are unsure.

Can I visit before booking?

Yes. A meet and greet is standard practice and should be compulsory. It lets you see the environment and ask questions face to face.