Questions to ask a boarding facility before your trip

The hardest part of going away is knowing your pet is safe and cared for while you're gone. A boarding facility might tick boxes on paper, but what separates a place where your dog or cat will thrive from one where they'll just survive comes down to the questions you ask and how closely you listen to the answers.

What does a typical day actually look like?

This question cuts through marketing speak. You want specifics, not reassurance. A thoughtful operator will tell you exact times: feeding happens at 7am and 5pm, water bowls are checked hourly, outdoor time runs from 9–10am and 2–3pm. They should mention what happens between these moments. Do pets sleep in communal areas or private spaces? Are they supervised during rest time? Can they see each other or are they separated?

If an answer stays vague—"we provide lots of enrichment" or "your pet will be happy here"—that's a warning. You need to know whether your anxious dog will spend eight hours in a crate or whether there's rotation between exercise and downtime. Evasiveness suggests either the facility doesn't have a structured routine, or the truth isn't what you'd want to hear.

Press on what happens during peak periods. If 30 pets are in care on a Friday, does the staffing increase? A good facility won't just add one extra person and call it a day. Ask how many staff are present during each shift and what their roles are. That ratio matters enormously for your pet's safety and mental state.

How do you handle a pet who gets upset or won't eat?

This reveals whether the facility sees your pet as an individual or a unit in inventory. Ask what they do if your pet refuses food on day one. Do they contact you? Try different food? Leave it and hope? A confident operator will explain their de-escalation process: a quiet space, familiar scents, extra attention, or a call home to ask whether this is normal behaviour.

Find out their history with anxious arrivals. Do they have a settling-in protocol? Some facilities suggest a shorter first stay or a visit beforehand. Others use calming supplements or create a quiet corner for nervous pets. These aren't necessary everywhere, but the fact that a facility has thought about it shows they've dealt with real animals, not hypothetical ones.

Also ask directly: what is your policy if my pet becomes unwell or injured? Do they have a vet on call? What's the cost structure if emergency treatment is needed? A facility that answers this unprompted, with a specific vet's number and a clear policy on consent, is one that has thought through worst-case scenarios and doesn't shy away from them.

What can I bring, and what am I not allowed to?

This question flags both safety rules and flexibility. Most facilities have firm policies on bedding, toys and treats—either because some items trigger fights, block toilets, or introduce allergens. A good facility will explain the reasoning and offer solutions. For example: "We don't allow soft toys because our dogs destroy them, but we have a range of rope toys and chews you can use."

Ask whether you can bring something that smells like home. A worn blanket or an old t-shirt can comfort a pet in an unfamiliar place. If the answer is no, that's their choice, but if it's yes, that's a green flag. It suggests they understand that small comforts matter.

Before you book, get clarity on what documentation they need. Vaccination records are standard, but some facilities ask for proof of microchipping or flea treatment too. Ask how far in advance they need this information and what format they accept. A facility that's organised about paperwork is usually organised about care.

Finally, ask what happens on the day of drop-off. How much time do they spend with you and your pet? Do they want you to leave quickly so your pet settles, or do they encourage a gradual goodbye? There's no universal right answer, but their approach should make sense for your pet's personality.

When you're ready to book, look for a provider who answers thoroughly and invites follow-up questions. That conversation itself is a good signal. Strove lets you compare facility profiles, read reviews from other pet owners, and message providers directly—so you can ask these questions in writing and have the answers in black and white before you commit.