Dog & Cat Boarding

Dog & Cat Boarding covers the facilities where the animal stays for a few days or weeks while you are away, with food, shelter, walks and supervision. A good boarding facility has clean individual kennels or rooms, a safe fenced exercise area, fixed feeding and walking times, isolation for new arrivals or unwell animals, and staff on site including at night. For cats, a serious cattery has quiet spaces away from dogs, with places to climb and hide.

An owner chooses boarding when going on holiday or a longer trip, when there is no trusted person to visit the home, or when their sociable dog does better with company and routine than alone in a flat. Not all animals adapt the same way: some thrive in an active boarding kennel, others are stressed by it and would be better at home with a pet sitter.

When you choose a boarding facility, visit without an appointment if you can, ask to see exactly where your animal will stay, ask how many dogs are boarded at once and how many are in a play group, how animals are separated by size and temperament, which vaccinations and parasite treatments are required, and what happens if the animal refuses food or falls ill. Ask for a contract with the nightly rate, included services, collection times and the policy for extra days.

Do a one-night trial before a long absence, bring the usual food divided into portions, clearly labelled medication, and a blanket or toy from home. Leave the vet's contact details and a backup number.

Watch how the staff react when you ask uncomfortable questions about incidents or illness: a serious facility answers openly and has written procedures. Ask as well how dogs that do not get on are managed, whether there are quiet rooms for older or anxious animals, and whether you can call to ask about your animal during the stay.

Use this directory to find dog and cat boarding in your area, compare conditions, rates and reviews, and open each facility's page for contact details and a map before booking.