Pet Boarding

Pet Boarding brings together the services that look after your animal while you are away from home: boarding kennels and catteries, pet hotels, in-home pet sitting and daily walks. It is the category you start from when you have a holiday, a work trip, a hospital stay, or simply a few days with too much on, and the animal cannot be left alone.

Needs vary a great deal from one animal to another. An independent cat is usually happiest in its own home, with someone visiting daily; a sociable dog that gets bored alone may prefer boarding with room to move and company; an elderly animal or one on chronic medication needs a carer who can give the medication correctly. So the choice between boarding away from home and care at home depends on the animal's temperament, not price alone.

When you choose a boarding service, visit the place first, look at cleanliness, space, the security of fences and doors, how many animals are in care at once, and who supervises at night. Check which vaccinations and parasite treatments are required, how an unwell animal or an emergency is handled, whether there is a working relationship with a vet, and whether you receive updates during the stay. Ask for a clear contract with services, schedule, fees and what happens if you are late to collect.

Book early for holidays and summer, when the good places fill up weeks ahead, and do a short trial, one night or half a day, before a long absence. Prepare the usual food, the medication, a toy or a blanket that smells of home, and your vet's contact details.

The cost depends on the type of service, the length of stay, the animal's size and any special needs, such as giving a treatment or extra walks. Ask for a written quote that clearly states what the base rate includes and what is charged separately, and ask what the cancellation policy is if your plans change at the last minute.

Use this directory to explore the boarding subcategories, filter by city and type of service, and open each provider's page for contact details, a map, conditions and reviews before booking.