Booking a dog boarding facility isn’t as simple as dropping off your pup and hoping for the best. Today’s pet owners are more informed, cautious, and invested in their dog’s wellbeing and rightly so. Between vaccination requirements, facility tours, private housing options, and staff qualifications, there’s a lot to consider before you trust anyone else with your furry family member.

Let’s break down the key things every dog owner should know before booking a boarding stay.

What Vaccinations are Typically Required by Dog Boarding Facilities?

Vaccination rules aren’t just red tape; they protect your dog and every other pet in the facility. Boarding centers have strict health policies to prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases.

Most dog boarding facilities require proof of the following vaccinations:

• Rabies – This is non-negotiable. Rabies is a fatal virus that poses serious risks to animals and humans.
  
  

• Distemper – Part of the DHPP combo (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), this is essential for preventing severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological problems.
  
  

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – Highly contagious, kennel cough can spread quickly in group settings.
  
  

• Canine Influenza – While not universally mandatory, many facilities now require it due to recent outbreaks.
  
  

• Leptospirosis – Often required depending on regional risks and the facility’s protocol.

Facilities will typically ask for an up-to-date vaccination record, and some may even require a waiting period (usually 48-72 hours) after a new vaccination before your dog can be boarded.

Can Pet Owners Tour Boarding Facilities Before Making Reservations?

Yes, and frankly, they should. Touring a dog boarding facility isn’t just a formality; it’s your opportunity to assess cleanliness, safety, and overall atmosphere. Reputable facilities welcome tours because they have nothing to hide.

When you tour, you’ll want to observe:

• Cleanliness: Are the kennels clean, odor-free, and sanitized?
  
  

• Safety Measures: Secure fencing, proper ventilation, and emergency protocols.
  
  

• Living Conditions: Do the dogs look comfortable? Is there adequate space?
  
  

• Play Areas: Are there safe indoor and outdoor exercise areas?
  
  

• Staff Interaction: Are caregivers attentive and knowledgeable?
  
  

• Feeding & Medication Protocols: Ask how they handle special diets and medications.

Many facilities offer scheduled tours, but high-quality centers may also accommodate impromptu visits, signaling transparency and confidence in their operations.

What Legal Consequences Can Boarding Facilities Face If They Refuse Facility Tours?

Transparency is key in the pet care industry. While there may not be a universal law mandating that boarding facilities offer tours, refusing them can have serious reputational and, in some cases, legal consequences.

Potential implications include:

• Loss of Business License: Local regulations may require facilities to meet inspection and transparency standards. Refusal to allow client tours could trigger licensing reviews.
  
  

• Consumer Protection Violations: Deceptive business practices, such as misleading clients about facility conditions, can result in legal action under consumer protection laws.
  
  

• Negative Publicity: Social media and online reviews can amplify complaints, leading to reputational damage that affects future business.
  
  

• Civil Lawsuits: In cases where pets are harmed due to facility negligence, prior refusal of a tour could strengthen a pet owner's legal case.

Bottom line: Trustworthy facilities don’t just allow tours; they encourage them.

Do Boarding Facilities Provide Private Housing Options for Dogs?

Absolutely. Not every dog thrives in communal environments, and modern boarding facilities understand that.

Private housing options typically include:

• Private Suites: Larger enclosures resembling a home environment, often with bedding, toys, and personal items from home.
  
  

• Quiet Rooms: For older dogs, anxious pups, or those with medical needs.
  
  

• Single-Dog Runs: Outdoor or indoor runs designated for solo use.
  
  

• VIP Packages: Some premium facilities offer luxury suites with webcams, larger spaces, and individualized attention.

Private accommodations are perfect for dogs who:

• Experience anxiety in group settings.
  
  

• Require special diets or medications.
  
  

• Have had negative experiences in crowded environments.
  
  

• Are recovering from surgeries or illnesses.

While private housing often comes at an added cost, the peace of mind it offers can be well worth it.

What Certifications Should Dog Boarding Staff Have for Pet Care?

Not all pet care is created equal. When it comes to leaving your dog in someone else’s hands, the staff’s qualifications can make a huge difference.

Key certifications and training to look for include:

• Pet First Aid & CPR Certification: Essential for emergency preparedness.
  
  

• Animal Behavior Training: Knowledge of canine body language, stress signals, and safe handling.
  
  

• Professional Pet Care Certification (PACCC): Industry-recognized credential that ensures a high standard of care.
  
  

• Veterinary Technician On-Site or On-Call: Facilities that have a vet tech available can handle minor medical situations promptly.
  
  

• Continuing Education: Progressive facilities invest in ongoing staff training for up-to-date pet care practices.

Don’t hesitate to ask about staff certifications. Facilities that take pet safety seriously will be eager to share their qualifications.

Discover Premium Dog Boarding with Animal People Dog Boarding & Day Care: Where Safety, Comfort, and Transparency Come First

When it comes to trusting someone with your beloved dog, Animal People Dog Boarding & Day Care stands out as the go-to destination for responsible pet owners. 

With strict vaccination protocols, open-door facility tours, and an array of private housing options, Animal People goes above and beyond to ensure every pet's stay is safe, comfortable, and enriching. 

Their certified, highly trained staff specializes in personalized pet care, offering everything from VIP suites to round-the-clock attention. Booking a stay isn’t just a service; it’s a promise of care, transparency, and top-tier comfort for your furry family member.