Does anyone use private dog boarding?

[XiCi]

I'm looking for a home dog boarder at the moment just to cover a few days here and there over the summer and have a couple of recommendations to follow up on. Just wondered if anyone had any advice of what questions I should be asking and how to vet people. Do you usually meet in dog boarders home and inspect it for example? This is my first dog so all new to me.

First thing to do is to check they're licenced - which is now a legal requirement

I'd be asking questions such as

• do they separate dogs at mealtimes
• what the walking situation is
• if the dog does something it shouldn't (pick something your dog is likely to do!) then how would they handle it?
• where do the dogs sleep

I'd want to see the home - expecting something tidy and reasonably clean but probably with a layer of dog hair

I would also want to see them interact with the dog - for me, that really made my mind up as ddog instantly fell in love with the daycare woman because she was so lovely with him. I have to drag him out of there now, he would move in permanently if he could.

Hi OP - I work in the industry though I'm not a home boarder myself.

They MUST have a license. This is now a legal obligation. I would ask to see their license, insurance paperwork and any qualifications they may have. As a minimum I would expect a home boarder to have canine first aid and body language/canine behaviour qualifications.

I would expect to be able to visit their home and see the layout, and I'd ask the following:

• How many dogs? How long are they left in total during the day while you go out and walk other dogs?
• Do you feed separately?
• What about walks? Lead/off-lead?
• What enrichment can you provide my dog? eg. snuffle mats, lick-e-mats, training, play
• Sleeping arrangements
• What would you do if my dog was hurt, sick or injured, or got in a fight?

A good home boarder will offer a trial night (paid for) to see how your dog will fit into their home and routine. I would also want them to walk my dog 4-5 times before having them in their home overnight.

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful

I second all the comments here- we did meet and greet, day care, day plus overnight to build up. In my experience there is a lot off variation in arrangements-all should be licenced and there are minimum standards but it's how they interact with your dog that makes the difference. We looked at several- all highly rated by council- one was terrible for my boy and he behaved badly, a couple were fairly neutral and one was perfect- he loves the host and the resident dog and it's mutual, and he I and the host are all very happy with how it goes. None of them are bad at all, but for me fit was key- the one we chose was less structured but it wouldn't suit everyone: the one he hated was clearly great for lots of dogs. Trust your gut and see if your dog is happy, then you won't worry!