Pet boarding: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What pet boarding is

A pet boarding provider houses your animals overnight in a facility or a host home while you are away. The provider keeps your pet fed, safe and supervised, and the care is set up for the species and temperament of each animal.

Signs you need it

  • You are travelling and need a safe place for your pet to stay overnight
  • You are moving and need your pet out of the house while the move happens
  • Your pet needs supervision and a steady routine that you cannot provide while away
  • You have a small animal, bird or exotic pet that needs species-specific housing
  • You want a boarding plan that includes feeding, medication and regular updates

What the pro does

  • Takes your pet's details, health records, vaccination history and feeding plan
  • Checks your pet for health or behavior concerns at drop-off
  • Houses your pet in a room, cage, pen or suite that suits its species and size
  • Feeds, waters and cleans the housing on the agreed schedule
  • Supervises rest, play and handling, and watches for stress or illness
  • Sends updates and returns your pet at the agreed time with a written report

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The species and number of pets in the stay
  • The type of housing, such as a suite, a cage, a pen or a host home
  • Whether play time, exercise or handling is included
  • Whether medication, special feeding or extra care is needed
  • How long the stay lasts and whether the stay is extended
  • Whether grooming, bathing or extra updates are included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The species, number of pets and the housing type
  • The drop-off and pick-up times and any late pick-up terms
  • The feeding, cleaning, play and medication steps included
  • The vaccination or health records required before drop-off
  • The cancellation terms and what happens if the stay is extended

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What health records do you require before drop-off?
  • How do you house pets of different species and sizes?
  • Who supervises the animals, and at what times of day and night?
  • What is your plan if my pet gets sick or hurt during the stay?
  • Do you give medication, and how do you record each dose?
  • Can I see the housing and the cleaning routine before I book?
  • How do you keep pets that do not get along apart?

Red flags

  • Does not ask for health records, species details or feeding needs
  • Houses animals in crowded, dirty or poorly ventilated spaces
  • Will not let you see the housing before you book
  • Mixes unfamiliar animals of different species without a plan
  • Has no emergency plan or no veterinarian they will call

What you can do yourself

You can prepare by gathering health records, the food and medication in labeled bags, and familiar bedding or a toy from home. Visit the provider before the first stay so your pet can see the place. Choose a boarding provider when your pet needs supervised overnight care, species-specific housing or a steady routine that you cannot provide while away.

Licenses and permits

Some cities and counties license boarding facilities or require a permit for boarding, so check with your local city, county or animal control office before you book. Some states also regulate animal facilities, so ask the provider to show its current license or permit.

Pet boarding questions

What records will the provider need?

Most providers ask for current health and vaccination records, and some ask for a list of medications. Ask the provider for their list, and check with your veterinarian about the records you need to bring.

What should I bring for my pet?

Bring the food in labeled containers, the medication with written instructions, your veterinarian's contact information and a familiar bedding item. Tell the provider about any fears or triggers.

What happens if my pet gets sick while boarded?

The provider should contact you right away and follow the emergency plan. Ask who they call, which veterinarian they use and what happens if you cannot be reached.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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