Calm depends on small choices, not glossy kennel promises.
Across Britain, off‑season escapes are back on the calendar, and so are last‑minute boarding searches. Kennels vary widely in noise, staffing and routines. Your decision will shape your dog’s mood, appetite and sleep for days. These checks keep stress, and surprise costs, down.
Pick the right boarding model
Matching the set‑up to your dog matters more than shiny runs or thick beds. A mismatch amplifies barking, reduces rest, and risks stomach upsets. Think about temperament, age and health before you think about décor.
Family style
Home boarding places your dog with a licensed carer in a domestic setting. It suits shadow‑dogs who crave people and quiet rooms. Space is limited, so diaries fill early. Ask about household pets, stairs, and night‑time arrangements.
Group kennels
Traditional kennels run multiple units with supervised play or individual turnout. Social butterflies enjoy group time. Noise and novelty can unsettle sensitive dogs. Soundproofing, rest breaks and winter heating make the difference.
Private suites
One‑to‑one care, often with a dedicated room or pod. It helps seniors, post‑op dogs, and individuals who dislike canine crowds. It costs more, but reduces triggers. Check staffing numbers still allow several walks and hands‑on time.
| Type | Typical price per night (£) | Best for | Watch‑outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family home | 30–45 | People‑oriented, anxious, small breeds | Limited places, house rules, resident pets |
| Group kennel | 20–35 | Sociable, fit, routine‑friendly | Noise, overstimulation, cold drafts in winter |
| Private suite | 45–70 | Seniors, medical needs, reactive dogs | Higher cost, must verify real one‑to‑one time |
Choose the model for your dog’s temperament first. Comfort follows temperament, not the other way round.
Test the people, not just the pens
Facilities impress, but judgement and training keep dogs safe. Ask specific, practical questions. Look for evidence, not slogans. You are buying supervision, not a postcode.
- How many staff are on site overnight and at peak hours?
- Who holds a canine first‑aid certificate and when was it last refreshed?
- What is the written plan for fights, escape attempts, or sudden illness?
- How are medications logged and double‑checked at each dose?
- What is the ratio of dogs to carers during exercise and feeding?
- Will I receive daily updates by photo or brief notes, and at what time?
Listen for calm, specific answers. Vague claims signal gaps on the worst day. A good team recognises early signs of kennel cough, stomach upset, or brewing conflict. They separate dogs before trouble, and they phone you when plans must change.
Ask to see training records, emergency protocols and yesterday’s care logs. Real paperwork reflects real practice.
See before you sign
A five‑minute walk‑through beats a hundred website photos. Visit, ideally at a busy time. You are checking air, sound, and water before you check marketing lines. Unannounced visits reveal routines as they are.
What to check in five minutes
- Smell: clean, neutral air suggests timely waste removal and good ventilation.
- Noise: short bursts are normal; constant, frantic barking hints at poor rest.
- Water: bowls should be clean, full, and reachable for every size of dog.
- Weather: look for insulation, dry bedding, and a plan for damp, cold days.
- Security: double gates, solid fencing, and clear entry procedures prevent escapes.
Ask about exercise in rain, dark evenings, and icy mornings. Dogs still need movement when the forecast turns. Clarify walk lengths, playgroup sizes, and solo time. Check feeding times, and whether slow eaters can finish without pressure. Routine beats novelty for digestion and sleep.
Your nose and your ears are the fastest truth‑detectors in any kennel.
Protect your dog’s routines
Consistency stabilises heart rate, appetite and mood. Bring your dog’s usual food, written doses, and the lead they know. Pack a bed or blanket that smells like home. Provide notes on quirks, triggers, and comforts.
- Diet: supply enough food for the stay plus two days’ margin, labelled by meal.
- Medication: include syringes, pill cutters, and a printed schedule with times.
- Exercise: state off‑lead rules, recall reliability, and preferred walking pace.
- Sleep: note usual bedtime, crate use, and any night‑time toilet breaks.
- Noise: list known triggers such as fireworks, doors, or vans and coping tactics.
- Comfort: add a safe chew and a worn T‑shirt to reduce separation stress.
Request a 24‑hour trial stay for first‑timers or dogs who have had a bad boarding experience. A short rehearsal reveals appetite changes, pacing, or vocal stress without committing to a week. Agree in writing how often you will get updates, and who authorises vet care if you are unreachable.
Small, predictable routines are the cheapest way to keep stress low and recovery quick after boarding.
Before booking, check vaccination status, including kennel cough if the provider requests it. Many kennels ask for a gap after the nasal vaccine. Keep microchip details current, and place a temporary tag on your dog with the boarding address and phone number. Travel insurance with pet cover, or a direct debit arrangement with your vet, prevents delays if care is needed while you are away.
Two weeks out, start practice separations. Leave the house for short, boring laps with no fanfare. Feed a portion of meals in the crate or bed you will send. Add a short car ride to the boarding gate if local. Three days out, pack food in meal bags and pre‑fill the medication chart. On departure day, keep greetings low‑key and walks brisk. Calm handovers make calmer first nights.
