Choosing a dog boarding kennel: how to find the best care while you're on holiday

When your next holiday is coming up, many dog owners ask themselves: who will lovingly look after my four-legged friend in the meantime? A good boarding kennel is often the ideal solution – provided it suits your dog's needs. But how do you recognise a qualified, trustworthy and dog-friendly boarding kennel? In this article, we show you what to look out for when choosing – from reviews and visits to individual care. That way, you can enjoy your holiday in a relaxed way while your dog is well looked after.

Contents: Choosing a dog boarding kennel

• Start your search early
• Check reviews and recommendations
• Visiting in person – a must!
• Qualifications and experience of the care staff
• Daily routine and activities for the dog
• Individual care and special needs
• Compare contract terms and prices
• Conclusion

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Start your search early

The search for the right boarding kennel for your holiday shouldn't be left to the last minute. Many good kennels are booked up quickly, especially during the holiday season. If you start planning early, you'll not only have more choice, but also enough time for visits, conversations with the care team and getting references. That way, you can decide calmly which accommodation really suits your dog. You'll also have time to board your dog there for one or two trial days in advance – this helps it get used to the new environment. Searching for a boarding kennel early reduces stress for you and your four-legged friend and ensures that your holiday is relaxed for both of you.

Useful websites for finding a suitable boarding kennel (Germany):

• Betreut.de
  One of the largest placement sites for pet care in Germany. You can search specifically for boarding kennels, day care or holiday care.
• meinestadt.de
  In the services section, you'll find local providers of boarding kennels with contact details and often reviews.
• Tiere.de
  In addition to pet adoption, this site also lists boarding kennels and pet sitters throughout Germany.

Check reviews and recommendations

Before you decide on a boarding kennel, you should definitely read reviews and experiences from other dog owners. Platforms such as Google, Betreut.de or Haustierbetreuung.de often offer honest assessments of the quality of care, cleanliness and how the dogs are treated. Look out for recurring patterns – both positive and negative. It's also worth asking friends or acquaintances for personal recommendations. Anyone who has had good experiences with a boarding kennel is usually happy to share them. Trustworthy reviews help you find the best boarding kennel for your holiday and avoid unpleasant surprises. Combined with a personal impression on site, they provide a solid basis for your decision.

Visiting in person – a must!

A personal visit to the boarding kennel is essential before you leave your dog there. Only then will you get a realistic impression of the premises, hygiene, safety concept and general atmosphere. Check whether the dogs seem friendly and balanced, whether there are enough places to retreat to and how the care staff handle the animals. Smell, cleanliness and noise level also give clues about the quality of the facility. Take time to ask questions: how often do they go for walks? Are there separate areas for large and small dogs? A boarding kennel that is open to visits usually has nothing to hide – and gives you as a dog owner a good feeling. Good preparation protects your dog and ensures a stress-free holiday.

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Qualifications and experience of the care staff

The qualifications and experience of the care staff are crucial for your dog's well-being. Ask whether the team has professional training in animal care or dog behaviour. Experience with different dog breeds, first aid knowledge for animals and a calm, competent manner are clear advantages. A good boarding kennel will be happy to introduce the team and answer all questions openly. Depending on your dog's character, it may be important that the staff can respond individually to fears, quirks or health issues. Professional care builds trust – both for you and for your four-legged friend. Also check how many dogs each carer looks after. Too many animals per member of staff can quickly lead to overload and reduce the quality of care.

Daily routine and activities for the dog

A structured daily routine with enough activity is particularly important for your dog's well-being at the kennel. Ask in advance what everyday life looks like: are there fixed feeding times, regular walks and play sessions? Are the dogs looked after in groups or individually? Depending on its temperament, your dog may need more rest or more exercise – a good boarding kennel responds to this individually. Check whether the animals are kept mentally and physically busy, for example through search games, contact with other dogs or running free in a secure area. A well-designed daily routine contributes significantly to your dog feeling comfortable and coping well with the time without you. Without activity, boredom or stress can quickly set in – which can have a negative effect on both behaviour and health.

Individual care and special needs

Every dog is different – that's why individual care at the boarding kennel is particularly important. Whether allergies, medication, special feeding or behavioural quirks: the kennel should be open to your instructions and willing to adapt to your dog's needs. Good facilities hold an intake interview or use a questionnaire to record health and character traits in advance. Being able to bring your own food or favourite toy is also a sign of flexibility. Dogs with anxiety, a strong urge to move or special social needs often require a different level of attention. So check whether the kennel offers individual plans and close supervision. An adaptable boarding kennel ensures that your four-legged friend feels safe, understood and well cared for – even in your absence.

Compare contract terms and prices

Before you decide on a boarding kennel, you should check and compare the contract terms and prices carefully. Transparent information on costs, services, drop-off and pick-up times and cancellation policies is a sign of professionalism. Check whether services such as feeding, exercise or giving medication are included in the price or charged extra. Clarify in advance which vaccinations or documents are required and whether there are fixed booking deadlines. Prices and conditions can vary greatly, especially in high season. A low price isn't always the best choice – quality, staff-to-dog ratio and individual care are at least as important. A clear, fair contract protects you and your dog and ensures there are no nasty surprises during your holiday.

Conclusion

Choosing the right boarding kennel is crucial for a worry-free holiday – for you and your dog. If you plan early, check reviews, visit in person and pay attention to individual care, you're setting the course for a good decision. Look for transparent prices, qualified staff and loving treatment of the animals. With the right boarding kennel, you'll know your four-legged friend is in the best hands – and can enjoy your holiday in a relaxed way.

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