How to choose a boarding kennel that fits your dog

Going away is easier when you trust where your dog is staying. This page helps you pick a kennel that suits your dog. It is general information, not vet advice. Ask your vet about anything about your own dog's health.

Not sure a kennel is right? First read our guide Choosing dog boarding or a pet sitter in Australia. It compares kennels, home boarding, pet sitters and daycare. This page goes deeper on kennels.

Questions to ask the kennel

How many dogs stay at once, and how many staff look after them?
Where will my dog sleep? Is it a run, a room or a home?
How often will my dog get out to wee and play? Is it on their own or with others?
How do you choose which dogs play together?
What is a normal day like, from morning to night?
What happens if my dog gets sick or hurt? Which vet do you use?
Is there always someone on site, including at night?
How do you keep dogs cool in hot weather? What about storms and fireworks?
Can I visit first? Do you offer a short trial stay?
Do you have insurance? Do you have written terms and an emergency contact plan?
What do you need from me? (Food, bedding, vet details, medicine.)
Can I get updates while I am away, and how?
What does it cost? Are there extra fees, such as for medicine or pick-up?

What to look for on a visit

Trust your own eyes and your gut. Take your dog if the kennel says that is okay.

The place smells clean and fresh, and the floors are clean.
Fences and gates look strong, and there are double gates where dogs go in and out.
There is shade, fresh water and a cool place to rest.
Dogs have a comfy spot to sleep, away from draughts and hot sun.
Staff are calm and kind. They say hello to your dog and let your dog sniff first.
Dogs look relaxed. A few dogs barking is normal, but check that it is not nonstop.
Staff can tell you how they spot a worried or unwell dog.
They ask you lots of questions about your dog. That is a good sign.
You can see where your dog would stay, and they are happy to answer questions.
They use kind, reward-based handling. No yelling, rough handling or punishment.

If something feels wrong, you can say thanks and go somewhere else.

Health questions: ask your vet and the kennel

Every kennel sets its own rules, and every dog is different. We cannot tell you what your dog needs. So ask two people: your vet and the kennel.

Vaccinations: Ask your vet which ones your dog needs. Ask the kennel which ones they need, and how far ahead. See our vaccination overview.
Kennel cough: This is a cough that can spread when dogs live close together. Ask your vet what they suggest for your dog. Ask the kennel if they have any rules about it.
Ticks and fleas: Ask your vet what prevention suits your dog. Ask the kennel what they need and what they do if they find a tick. See flea, tick and worm prevention and tick and heat safety.
Hot weather and storms: Ask how dogs stay cool and calm. See hot weather safety and storms and fireworks.

Rules for kennels differ in each state and council. We have not listed any here. Ask the kennel which standards they follow, and check with your local council if you want to know more.

Which kennel fits your dog?

Shy dogs

Ask about quiet spots, small groups and a slow hello. Visit with your dog first. Ask if staff will let your dog come out of their shell at their own pace.

Senior dogs

Ask about soft beds, steps or ramps, toilet breaks, and how staff give medicine your vet has prescribed. Ask your vet if a stay is a good idea.

Puppies

Ask about vaccination rules. Puppies may not have had all their shots. Ask your vet and the kennel what they need. Many kennels like a short first stay.

High-energy dogs

Ask how much running and play time there is each day. Ask about games, walks and brain games, not only yard time.

Anxious dogs

Ask for a trial stay and a calm place with a steady routine. Tell the kennel what worries your dog. Talk to your vet or trainer before a long stay.

More help: puppy socialisation, separation anxiety, settling an adult dog and exercise for puppies and young dogs.

Settling-in tips

Visit first, or book a short trial stay before a long one.
Pack a familiar blanket or bed and a toy. Ask the kennel what they allow.
Bring their usual food, so their tummy is not upset by a change.
Write down feeding times, medicine your vet has prescribed, likes and fears.
Keep goodbyes calm, short and happy. Do not make a big fuss.
Ask for an update if you like, then try to relax.
After you get home, give your dog a quiet day. Watch their eating, drinking and wees, and call your vet if you are worried.

Get your dog's details ready with preparing for a vet visit. Also keep a first aid kit at home.

Printable checklist

Use your browser's print button, or press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on a Mac).

Boarding kennel checklist: Your Best Mate

Dog's name: ____________ Kennel: ____________ Dates: ____________

Before I book

☐ I visited, or I asked for photos and a video tour
☐ I asked how many dogs and staff there are
☐ I asked where my dog will sleep and play
☐ I asked about insurance, written terms and the emergency plan
☐ I asked about the price and any extra fees

Health (ask your vet and the kennel)

☐ Ask my vet which vaccinations my dog needs for a stay
☐ Ask the kennel which vaccinations they need, and by when
☐ Ask my vet about kennel cough and what they suggest
☐ Ask my vet and the kennel about tick and flea prevention
☐ Ask the kennel what they do if my dog is unwell

Before drop-off

☐ Vet details and emergency contact written down
☐ Food, bowl, bed and toy packed and named
☐ Medicine and written feeding notes ready
☐ Microchip and council registration details up to date
☐ Dog has had a good walk and a wee

After the stay

☐ Quiet day at home
☐ Watch eating, drinking and wees
☐ Call my vet if I am worried about my dog

General information, not vet advice. yourbestmate.au

Featured boarding kennels

Sponsored spots will show here. A kennel pays to be featured, and every featured spot is labelled Sponsored.

No featured kennels yet.

Kennels can apply to be featured. Contact us on the contact page, or see Sponsors.

How a Sponsored kennel will look

Our independence

Featured spots are paid for, and we label them. Paying does not buy a review, a ranking or our endorsement. We may say no to any kennel. We have not visited or tested any kennel unless we say so. A listing is not a recommendation, so check each kennel yourself. Read our editorial policy and disclosure.

Quick questions

How early should I book?

Book early. Holidays and Christmas are busy. Ask the kennel how far ahead you should book.

Do I have to get a kennel cough shot?

Ask your vet and the kennel. Each kennel sets its own rules, and your vet knows your dog.

Is a kennel or a pet sitter better?

It depends on your dog. Our guide on boarding or a pet sitter compares the choices.