Cleanliness and Sanitation Standards

This is my number one priority. A clean facility means healthy dogs and responsible management. When I toured Paws Paradise in March 2025, the smell hit me before I even walked in – that's an instant deal-breaker.

What to Look For:

• No overwhelming odors when you walk in
• Clean floors free of waste or standing water
• Kennels that are sanitized between guests
• Separate areas for sick dogs (isolation room)
• Staff actively cleaning during your tour

Questions to Ask: "How often are kennels cleaned? What disinfectants do you use? How do you prevent disease spread between dogs?"

Staff Qualifications and Training

Your dog's safety depends entirely on the people watching them. I always ask about staff training because it varies wildly. Some places hire anyone with a pulse, while others require pet first aid certification and ongoing education.

Key Credentials to Verify:

• Pet CPR and first aid certification
• Dog behavior training or certification
• Years of experience with dogs
• Staff-to-dog ratios (1:15 is standard, 1:10 is better)
• Background checks on all employees

Red Flag: When I asked about training at Budget Boarding in February 2025, the manager couldn't tell me if staff had any certifications. She said "they all love dogs." Love isn't enough when your Labrador starts choking.

24/7 Supervision and Overnight Care

This shocked me when I first learned it: many boarding facilities don't have staff overnight. Your dog is alone from 6 PM to 7 AM. For some dogs, that's fine. For anxious dogs or those with health issues, it's a problem.

Types of Supervision:

• Full 24/7 staffing: Someone is always on-site (premium option)
• Evening checks: Staff leave but return for 10 PM potty break
• No overnight care: Last check at 6 PM, return at 7 AM
• Camera monitoring: Cameras monitored remotely overnight

My anxious Beagle needs overnight care, so I pay extra for it. My confident Border Collie does fine without it. Know your dog's needs.

Kennel Size and Living Accommodations

Size matters, especially for larger breeds. I've seen "kennels" that were basically closets – barely big enough for my Border Collie to turn around. That's not acceptable for a multi-day stay.

Minimum Space Requirements:

• Small dogs (under 25 lbs): 4x4 feet minimum
• Medium dogs (25-50 lbs): 5x5 feet minimum
• Large dogs (50+ lbs): 5x10 feet minimum
• Height: Dog should stand fully without head touching ceiling

Comfort Features: Look for raised beds (off cold floors), temperature control, and natural light. The best facility I visited had windows in each kennel so dogs could see outside.

Emergency Veterinary Protocols

This is crucial but often overlooked. What happens if your dog gets sick or injured at 2 AM? I learned to ask this after my friend's dog needed emergency care and the facility waited until morning to call a vet.

Must-Have Emergency Plans:

• Partnership with a 24-hour emergency vet clinic
• Written authorization process for emergency treatment
• Clear communication protocol to reach you immediately
• Staff trained to recognize medical emergencies
• On-site first aid supplies and oxygen

Question to Ask: "If my dog has a medical emergency at midnight, what's your exact protocol?" Listen carefully to their answer. Vague responses are a warning sign.

Exercise, Playtime, and Enrichment

Dogs shouldn't spend 23 hours a day in a kennel. They need exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. The quality and frequency of playtime separates good facilities from great ones.

Standard Exercise Program:

• Minimum 3-4 potty breaks per day
• At least one 20-30 minute play session
• Access to outdoor play yards
• Group play for social dogs (carefully supervised)
• Individual play for dogs who prefer it

Health and Vaccination Requirements

Strict health requirements protect all dogs at the facility. If a place doesn't ask for vaccination records, that's a massive red flag. I once saw a kennel cough outbreak because one facility didn't verify vaccines.

Standard Required Vaccinations:

• Rabies (required by law)
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
• Bordetella (kennel cough) – updated within 6 months
• Canine Influenza (increasingly required in 2025)
• Negative fecal test (some facilities)

Additional Health Screenings: Premium facilities may require a health certificate from your vet within 10 days of boarding. This seems excessive but actually shows they take health seriously.

Feeding Schedules and Dietary Accommodations

My Beagle has a sensitive stomach and needs a specific feeding schedule. Not all facilities accommodate special diets well. Some try to switch dogs to their own food, which can cause digestive issues.

What to Verify:

• Can you bring your own food? (Most allow this)
• Will they follow your exact feeding schedule?
• How do they prevent food aggression in group settings?
• Can they administer supplements or medications with food?
• Do they monitor that each dog eats their full meal?

Pro Tip: Pre-portion your dog's food in individual bags labeled with day and time. This eliminates confusion and ensures your dog gets the right amount.

Security Measures and Escape Prevention

My friend's dog escaped from a boarding facility in 2024 and was missing for 3 terrifying days. Since then, I obsess over security features. One escape is one too many.

Essential Security Features:

• Double-door entry system (prevents dogs bolting out)
• Fenced play areas with 6+ foot walls
• Secure kennel latches (not simple hooks)
• Regular fence inspections for dig spots or gaps
• Security cameras throughout the facility
• Locked facility when closed to public

Ask about their escape protocol too. If a dog does get out, what's their plan? How quickly can they mobilize? Do they immediately contact local animal control and post on social media?

Communication and Update Policy

When I leave my dogs, I want updates. Some facilities send daily photos and reports. Others, you hear nothing unless there's a problem. Know what to expect so you're not anxiously checking your phone every hour.

Communication Options:

• Report cards: Daily written updates on eating, behavior, bathroom habits
• Photos/videos: Sent via text or email
• Webcam access: Log in anytime to watch your dog
• Phone calls: For urgent issues only vs daily check-ins
• Social media posts: Some facilities post fun photos online

My Preference: I like facilities that send one photo per day and promise to call immediately if anything unusual happens. Constant updates make me more anxious, not less.