Planning a trip without your pet is stressful. The hardest part isn’t packing, it’s finding a place that will actually take care of your dog or cat the way you do.
If you pick the wrong facility, you risk coming back to a stressed, sick, or unhappy pet. That’s not worth saving a few bucks or skipping the research.
Choosing a boarding facility requires more than looking at their website. You need to ask specific questions that separate good facilities from mediocre ones. This post gives you those questions.
When you drop off your pet, you’re handing over responsibility for their physical and mental health. That’s a big deal.
If you don’t ask tough questions upfront, you’re gambling with your pet’s comfort. The right facility welcomes these questions because they’re proud of their standards. The wrong facility fumbles the answers or gets defensive.
This checklist puts you in control. You’re looking for clear protocols, not vague promises. The difference between a good answer and a poor one could be the difference between a happy reunion and an emergency vet visit.
Health and safety come first. These questions reveal how seriously a facility takes disease prevention, emergency response, and physical security.
Every good boarding facility has clear answers ready.
1. What vaccination requirements do you have for boarding animals?
Good facilities require core vaccines like Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella for dogs. Cats usually need Rabies and Feline Leukemia vaccines. This protects all the animals staying there.
2. What happens if my pet gets sick or injured while staying here?
Listen for a clear plan: staff assessment, immediate owner contact, and transportation to a vet or emergency clinic. Vague answers like “we’ll figure it out” are red flags.
3. What cleaning procedures do you use daily?
They should name specific pet-safe disinfectants and explain how often they clean kennels, feeding dishes, and play areas. Daily cleaning prevents disease spread.
4. How do you handle medications?
Look for a strict tracking system that logs dosage and timing. Staff should be trained to give oral or injectable medications. Ask if there’s an extra fee for this.
5. How are dogs and cats separated?
Cats need physical separation from dogs. Dogs bark and smell different, which stresses cats out. Good facilities keep cats in a completely separate area with its own ventilation.
6. What does a typical day look like for my pet?
Look for a structured schedule with regular feeding times, play periods, and quiet time. Consistency matters more than you’d think.
7. How much time do dogs spend in group play versus alone time?
The answer should show balance. Too much play causes overstimulation. Too little causes boredom. Good facilities offer both options based on your dog’s personality.
8. What size are the accommodations?
For dogs, spacious suites are better than small cages. For cats, multi-level condos with separate areas for the litter box, food, and sleeping work best.
9. How do you control temperature and air quality?
Climate control matters. Proper heating, cooling, and ventilation keep pets comfortable and healthy, especially cats, which are sensitive to air quality.
10. Do you test dogs before group play?
Serious facilities require temperament testing before putting dogs together. They shouldn’t just throw all the dogs in a yard and hope it works out.
The people working at the facility are your pet’s caretakers. These questions help you evaluate their training and professionalism.
You want experienced staff, not undertrained workers who don’t know how to read animal behavior.
11. What’s your staff-to-pet ratio?
Lower ratios mean better attention and safety. Ask about both daytime play hours and overnight supervision. Someone should be present overnight for emergencies.
12. What training do your staff have?
Look for evidence of real training in animal behavior, pet first aid, or related certifications. Basic orientation isn’t enough.
13. How do you handle dog fights or aggression?
They should have a clear system for separating dogs and managing conflicts without punishment. Safety comes first for all animals.
14. Can I get updates while my pet is boarding?
Good facilities offer regular updates, photos, or even camera access. This transparency shows they have nothing to hide.
15. Can I bring my pet’s own food and bedding?
The answer should be yes. Familiar food prevents stomach issues. Familiar bedding reduces anxiety. Consistency helps pets adjust.
At Miss Emily’s Bed & Biscuit, we always encourage bringing items from home to make your pet’s stay more comfortable.
Some answers should make you walk away immediately:
When you ask these questions, good facilities answer confidently and specifically. They explain their processes clearly. They show you their facilities without hesitation.
They understand that thorough questions mean you’re a responsible pet owner who cares. They want clients who care.
Poor facilities get defensive. They give vague answers. They rush you through the conversation or tour. They make excuses for why you can’t see certain areas.
The difference is obvious when you know what to listen for.
Once you find the right facility, preparation makes the transition easier:
Choosing where to board your pet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Using these questions puts you in control of the decision.
You’re not relying on marketing promises. You’re demanding real answers about safety, cleanliness, staff training, and daily care.
The facility that answers these questions clearly and thoroughly is one you can trust. They understand that your pet’s well-being matters.
A good boarding experience comes from preparation and the right partner selection. Professional facilities view your pet’s care as their primary responsibility.
If you want more questions to be answered, check Miss Emily’s Bed & Biscuit’s FAQ, and then check our facility firsthand.
Thank you for your interest in joining our Miss Emily’s Family! We have an awesome program, which we are very proud of for the past 25 years!
Before filling out our registration form, please directly inquire with us IF:
You have a larger breed dog, or suspect that your dog(s) might be a part of breed restrictions. We are a smaller facility, therefore, are limited as to how many larger dog breeds we can accommodate and accept within the program.
If your dog has more serious medical conditions, or requires multiple steps of medication. Our staff is well trained, and can accommodate routine medications, but for more serious attention, it is accepted on a case by case basis.
If you are looking for boarding within the week. We require a Trial Day for any dog(s) who are new to the facility, due to the nature of our safe socialized program. This is complimentary, but must be prescheduled. If you are looking for more immediate boarding, or other services, please call us to see if we can accommodate.
If you are looking for holiday boarding. Our holiday reservations are typically reserved for our existing clients. It is how we thank them for being a part of our Miss Emily's family year round! If it is close to a holiday, all new clients will be placed on an Waitlist. You can still reach out to inquire.
Thank you for your interest in joining our Miss Emily’s Family! We have an awesome program, which we are very proud of for the past 25 years!
Before filling out our registration form, please directly inquire with us IF:
You have a larger breed dog, or suspect that your dog(s) might be a part of breed restrictions. We are a smaller facility, therefore, are limited as to how many larger dog breeds we can accommodate and accept within the program.
If your dog has more serious medical conditions, or requires multiple steps of medication. Our staff is well trained, and can accommodate routine medications, but for more serious attention, it is accepted on a case by case basis.
If you are looking for boarding within the week. We require a Trial Day for any dog(s) who are new to the facility, due to the nature of our safe socialized program. This is complimentary, but must be prescheduled. If you are looking for more immediate boarding, or other services, please call us to see if we can accommodate.
If you are looking for holiday boarding. Our holiday reservations are typically reserved for our existing clients. It is how we thank them for being a part of our Miss Emily's family year round! If it is close to a holiday, all new clients will be placed on an Waitlist. You can still reach out to inquire.
