Doggy Daycare & Boarding Questions
Finding the Perfect Dog Daycare & Boarding Facilities
Why Communication Is a Two-Way Street
By 2SpeakDog
Choosing the right daycare or boarding facility for your dog is about much more than simply ticking off a checklist — it’s about finding a place that prioritizes trust, transparency, and mutual understanding. Not all daycares are created equal, and the right fit for your dog depends on their unique needs, personality, and comfort level.
Open communication between you and the facility is essential to ensuring your dog’s safety, enrichment, and happiness. While it’s crucial to ask detailed questions about their practices, policies, and environment, a truly great daycare or boarding facility will also take the time to learn about your dog. They’ll want to understand your dog’s individual behavior, energy level, and preferences to ensure their program is the perfect match.
This guide will help you navigate the process, fostering two-way communication by asking the right questions and ensuring the facility is equally invested in your dog’s well-being. The goal? A partnership that gives you peace of mind and ensures your dog is safe, happy, and thriving in their care.
Questions to Ask About Daycare and Boarding Facilities
1. Transparency: Can I See What’s Happening?
When interviewing a dog daycare, transparency is key to building trust and ensuring your dog is in a safe and well-managed environment. A great facility should welcome your curiosity and provide opportunities for you to see how they operate.
Ask:
• Can I do a walk-through of the facility? (Even if you’re doing a drop-in, this is an
important step.)
• Do you have cameras in the play areas or boarding spaces?
• If so, do I have access to the cameras at all times?
Look for:
• A facility that offers a tour of their spaces, allowing you to see firsthand how dogs
are cared for.
• Camera access as an option for owners to check in on their dogs remotely.
Red Flag: A daycare that avoids or discourages walk-throughs, or has no system for owners to observe the environment.
Transparency fosters trust, and a facility that’s open about its operations shows confidence in the care they provide.
2. What is the intake and evaluation process?
The intake process helps determine if the facility is a good fit for your dog and vice versa.
Ask:
• Do you require a meet-and-greet or temperament evaluation before accepting dogs?
• How do you evaluate a dog’s suitability for daycare or boarding?
• What is your protocol if a dog struggles to adapt or displays concerning behavior?
Look for:
• A clear intake process that includes temperament testing and trial periods.
• Staff who assess your dog’s comfort, compatibility, and behavior in group settings.
Red Flag: No formal evaluation process or lack of transparency about how they assess dogs.
3. How do you group dogs, and what is the staff-to-dog ratio?
Grouping dogs thoughtfully ensures safe and enjoyable play sessions.
Ask:
• How do you group dogs for play? (By size, energy level, or temperament?)
• What is your staff-to-dog ratio?
• Are dogs supervised at all times?
Look for:
• Grouping based on compatibility factors such as size, energy, and play style.
• A low dog-to-handler ratio (ideally no more than 10-15 dogs per handler depending on size).
• Staff who actively supervise dogs during playtime.
Red Flag: Large groups with limited supervision or vague grouping policies.
4. What training and experience do your staff members have?
Experienced staff are essential for managing dog behavior, ensuring safety, and providing enrichment.
Ask:
• What training or certifications do your staff have in dog behavior, training, or first aid?
• Are staff trained to recognize stress, anxiety, or aggression in dogs?
• Do staff members know how to handle conflict between dogs?
Look for:
• Staff with formal training in dog behavior, pet first aid, or dog handling.
• A clear process for managing conflicts safely and effectively.
Red Flag: Untrained staff or a lack of behavior management protocols.
5. What is your emergency protocol?
Emergencies can happen, so it’s crucial to understand the facility’s preparedness.
Ask:
• Do you have a vet on call or nearby?
• Are staff trained in pet first aid and CPR?
• How do you contact owners in an emergency?
Look for:
• A clear and well-communicated emergency plan.
• Staff training in first aid and CPR.
Red Flag: No emergency protocol or lack of staff training.
6. Is the facility indoor or outdoor, and how do you ensure safety?
The environment impacts your dog’s safety and comfort.
Ask:
• Is your facility primarily indoor, outdoor, or a mix of both?
• How do you secure outdoor areas (e.g., fencing, shaded areas, and weather precautions)?
• If the facility is indoor, how often do dogs have access to outdoor areas for potty breaks?
Look for:
• Secure, clean outdoor spaces with proper fencing and weather protection.
• Regular outdoor potty breaks for indoor facilities.
Red Flag: Unsafe outdoor areas or limited outdoor access for indoor facilities.
7. What is your policy on breaks and rest?
Dogs need downtime to relax and recharge.
Ask:
• Where do dogs rest during breaks (kennels, crates, or open spaces)?
• How are rest times managed for dogs that struggle to relax in group settings?
• Are dogs supervised during rest periods?
Look for:
• Individualized rest spaces, especially for anxious dogs.
• Supervised rest times to ensure safety.
Red Flag: Overcrowded rest areas or lack of supervision during breaks.
8. What type of enrichment activities do you offer?
Enrichment ensures dogs are mentally stimulated and not just physically tired.
Ask:
• What structured activities do you offer, such as training, puzzle toys, or interactive games?
• How much time is spent on enrichment versus free play?
Look for:
• A mix of mental and physical activities tailored to dogs’ needs.
Red Flag: Lack of enrichment activities or a reliance on unstructured playtime.
9. What is your cleaning protocol, and what products do you use?
Cleanliness helps prevent illness and keeps the environment safe for your dog.
Ask:
• How often do you clean play areas, rest spaces, and communal areas?
• What cleaning products do you use?
• How do you minimize the spread of illnesses like kennel cough or canine flu?
Look for:
• Pet-safe, non-toxic disinfectants and a rigorous cleaning schedule.
Red Flag: Harsh chemicals or lack of a clear cleaning protocol.
10. How do you handle feeding routines and overnight stays?
Feeding and boarding protocols are critical for dogs with specific needs.
Ask:
• Can you accommodate my dog’s feeding schedule or special diet?
• Can you store and prepare raw food diets?
• What does overnight boarding look like, and where do dogs sleep?
Look for:
• Flexible feeding protocols and secure, comfortable overnight arrangements.
Red Flag: Hesitation about handling special diets or a lack of clear overnight protocols.
11. What are your drop-off and pick-up policies?
Convenient and safe transitions are part of a smooth daycare or boarding experience.
Ask:
• What are your hours for drop-off and pick-up?
• Do you require specific procedures to ensure a safe handoff?
Look for:
• Clear protocols for transitions to keep dogs safe.
Red Flag: Disorganized or unclear drop-off/pick-up processes.
Questions the Facility Should Be Asking You
A great daycare or boarding facility will take time to learn about your dog to ensure they’re a good fit.
They should ask about:
• Has your dog been socialized with other dogs?
• Does your dog have any known behavior issues (e.g., reactivity, resource guarding)?
• Has your dog ever bitten another dog or person?
• What is your dog’s energy level?
• Does your dog have any medical conditions or dietary restrictions?
• What is your dog’s training history?
Red Flag: A facility that doesn’t ask questions about your dog’s behavior, needs, or history.
Final Checklist: What a Great Facility Should Offer
✅ Transparency is key to building trust and ensuring your dog is in a safe and well-managed
environment
✅ A clear intake and evaluation process to assess compatibility
✅ Thoughtful grouping and a low staff-to-dog ratio
✅ Staff trained in dog behavior, first aid, and conflict resolution
✅ Safe, clean indoor and outdoor spaces with proper supervision
✅ Frequent potty breaks and individualized rest areas
✅ Structured enrichment activities for mental and physical stimulation
✅ Transparent emergency and cleaning protocols
✅ Flexible policies for feeding, medication, and special diets
✅ Open communication and a willingness to answer your questions
Remember: It’s a Partnership
The best daycare or boarding facility will value your dog’s well-being as much as you do. By asking the right questions — and ensuring they ask you questions in return — you’ll find a partner who ensures your dog’s safety, happiness, and enrichment.
At 2SpeakDog, we’re committed to helping you make the best choice for your dog’s needs, because their happiness is our priority!