United Kingdom · AnimaliaHotels
Questions to ask when visiting pet boarding
Published · Updated
Reviewed by the AnimaliaHotels editorial team
Take this checklist to the visit and record the answers. Not every question carries the same weight for every pet, but answers should be specific and consistent with what you can see.
Authorisation and responsibility
- Which licence or authorisation applies, and how can I verify it? Requirements vary by location; do not assume one international system.
- Who is responsible during the day and overnight? Ask about experience, training, cover and access to a responsible person.
- How many animals does each person care for? Consider the answer alongside the premises and animals’ needs rather than as an isolated number.
Routine and accommodation
- Where will my pet sleep and rest? Check temperature, ventilation, noise, light and the ability to withdraw.
- How are exercise, play and enrichment organised? Ask for frequency, duration, supervision and weather or behaviour alternatives.
- How do you decide which animals interact? Ask about assessment, group sizes, separation and responses to tension.
- Can you maintain the usual food and routine? Confirm schedules, diet changes, storage and supplements.
Health and emergencies
- Which health evidence and documents are required? Request the list in writing well before arrival.
- Who gives medication and how is it recorded? Explain dose, timing, storage and what happens if it is refused.
- Which daily observations are recorded? Appetite, drinking, toileting, mobility and behaviour can reveal a problem.
- What happens if an animal becomes ill or injured? Confirm isolation, veterinary practice, transport, consent, costs and communication.
Security and communication
- How do you prevent escapes and unauthorised access? Look at double doors, locks, fencing, identification and collection checks.
- What is the plan for fire, flooding, extreme heat or power failure? Ask for a practical explanation, not only confirmation that a plan exists.
- How and how often will you update me? Clarify messages, photographs, calls and alternative contacts.
- Can I see the relevant areas? Reasonable hygiene or rest restrictions may apply; the establishment should explain them.
Price and agreement
- Exactly what does the price include? Ask about medication, walks, heating, collection, grooming, webcams and public holidays.
- What are the cancellation, late collection and extended-stay terms?
- Which belongings may I leave and how are they identified?
- What insurance does the establishment hold, and what is excluded?
After the visit, compare the answers with our guide to choosing boarding. Do not book while an essential need remains unanswered.
How to interpret answers during a visit
What makes an answer useful?
Look for verifiable detail: who performs the task, how often, where it is recorded and what happens if something goes wrong. “We always supervise” is less informative than an explanation of the night shift, checks, record and person responding to an incident.
Is it a warning sign if some areas cannot be viewed?
Ask why. Rest, isolation, security or infection-control procedures may create a reasonable restriction. Request an alternative such as seeing an empty unit or receiving a live video explanation. The important point is that the restriction and procedure are clear.
Must I decide during the visit?
No. Take notes, read the agreement and compare the answers with your pet’s needs afterwards. If an essential point remains unresolved, request written confirmation before paying a deposit.
