How to Choose a Dog Boarding Kennel This Summer

Why the Right Boarding Kennel Matters

The summer holiday season is the busiest period for dog boarding kennels across the UK. With demand at its peak, quality varies enormously, from well-staffed, purpose-built facilities with outdoor paddocks to cramped operations that fall short on supervision and hygiene. The consequences of a poor choice can include a stressed, anxious dog, exposure to infectious disease, or, in the worst cases, injury.

UK boarding establishments are regulated under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and in England, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 set specific conditions around housing, staffing, record keeping, and emergency procedures. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own equivalent frameworks. These regulations provide a helpful baseline, but the best kennels go well beyond minimum compliance. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) both stress the importance of owners taking an active role in evaluating any facility before leaving a dog in its care.

Step 1: Research, Shortlist, and Check Licences

Licensing and Star Ratings

The single most important check for any UK boarding kennel is its local authority licence. In England, licensed establishments receive a star rating from 1 (minimum standard, annual renewal required) to 5 (highest standard, three-year licence). This rating is based on an inspection covering enclosure sizes, ventilation, cleanliness, record keeping, staff training, and emergency planning. You can request the licence number and verify it with the relevant local council. Any facility that cannot produce a valid licence should be ruled out immediately.

Online Reputation

Read recent reviews across multiple platforms. Look specifically for recurring comments about cleanliness, staff behaviour, how the facility communicates with owners, and how problems are handled. A single poor review may not be representative, but a pattern of similar complaints is a serious warning sign.

Veterinary Affiliation

Reputable boarding kennels typically have a formal arrangement with a nearby veterinary practice for emergencies. Ask for the name and address of the affiliated vet and confirm they are within a reasonable distance, ideally no more than a few miles from the premises.

Step 2: The In-Person Visit Checklist

Any kennel that refuses or discourages visits is an immediate red flag. A transparent facility will welcome walk-around tours during normal operating hours. During a visit, assess the following areas systematically.

Reception and Intake Area

• Are surfaces clean and free of strong, persistent odour?
• Is there a clear check-in process with documentation, including proof of vaccinations and emergency contact details?
• Does the facility ask about your dog's temperament, diet, medication, and behavioural triggers at intake?

Individual Kennels or Sleeping Areas

• Are enclosures appropriately sized? Under the 2018 Regulations, sleeping areas must allow the dog to stand, turn around, stretch, and lie down comfortably. Enclosures should also include a separate exercise area or access to one.
• Is bedding clean and dry, and made from materials that can be easily sanitised?
• Is there adequate ventilation and temperature control? UK summers are increasingly warm, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C during heatwaves. Brachycephalic breeds (such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs), overweight dogs, and senior animals are at significantly higher risk of heatstroke in poorly ventilated spaces.

Outdoor Exercise Areas

• Are yards and paddocks securely fenced with no gaps, exposed wire, or sharp edges?
• Is shade available throughout the day, either from trees, canopies, or purpose-built shelters?
• Are fresh water stations clean and accessible?
• Is the ground surface safe, free of broken glass, toxic plants (such as foxglove, yew, or ragwort, all common in the UK), and standing water?

Food Preparation and Storage

• Is food stored in sealed, labelled containers, separate from cleaning products?
• Can the facility accommodate special diets, raw food protocols, or prescription meals? For useful context on dietary choices, see Raw vs Cooked vs Freeze-Dried Dog Food: UK Guide.
• Can feeding times be matched to your dog's home schedule?

Step 3: Key Questions to Ask the Staff

The quality of a boarding kennel is only as good as its team. The answers staff give to direct questions reveal a great deal about how the facility actually operates.

Staffing and Supervision

• What is the staff to dog ratio? Industry guidance generally suggests one handler for every 10 to 15 dogs during active play sessions, with adequate overnight monitoring.
• What training do staff hold? Ask about canine first aid qualifications, fear-free handling techniques, and experience with reactive or anxious dogs. For dogs that find handling difficult, Teaching a Rescue Dog to Accept Handling and Grooming offers helpful background.
• Is someone on site overnight? Some kennels leave dogs entirely unsupervised after closing, which may not be suitable for dogs with separation anxiety or health conditions requiring monitoring.

Health and Safety Protocols

• Which vaccinations are required? Standard requirements at UK kennels typically include distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and infectious bronchitis (kennel cough, caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus). Note that rabies vaccination is not routinely required in the UK, as the country holds rabies-free status.
• How are sick dogs isolated? There should be a dedicated isolation or quarantine area fully separate from the general boarding population.
• What is the flea and parasite policy? Reputable kennels require proof of current flea and tick prevention before admission.
• What happens in a medical emergency? Staff should describe a clear, documented protocol: who makes the decision, which veterinary practice is contacted, how the owner is notified, and who authorises treatment. For context on time-critical conditions, see Bloat in Dogs: The Emergency Timeline You Must Know.

Breed-Specific Awareness

Following the ban on XL Bully type dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (amended 2024), owners of exempted, registered XL Bullies should confirm that any boarding kennel is willing and equipped to accommodate their dog legally. The dog must be muzzled and on a lead in public, and the Certificate of Exemption must be valid. Not all kennels will accept exempted XL Bullies, so this must be clarified well in advance.

Daily Routine and Enrichment

• How many exercise sessions are provided each day?
• Are dogs grouped by size, temperament, or play style?
• What enrichment is offered? Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and rotating toys help reduce boredom and stress. For creative ideas, see DIY Dog Enrichment Rotation From Recycled Materials.
• Can owners receive photo or video updates? Many UK kennels now offer daily updates via WhatsApp or a dedicated app, which can ease anxiety for both dog and owner.

Step 4: Red Flags That Should Rule Out a Kennel

Certain warning signs should lead owners to remove a facility from their shortlist immediately, regardless of price or convenience.

• No local authority licence or refusal to show it. Operating without a licence is illegal and indicates a complete lack of oversight.
• Refusal to allow visits or restricted viewing areas. Transparency is non-negotiable.
• Strong, persistent smell of urine or faeces. Some odour is unavoidable in a kennel environment, but overwhelming smells suggest poor sanitation routines.
• Dogs showing signs of extreme stress. Excessive barking, pacing, trembling, or visible injuries among current boarders are serious concerns.
• No vaccination requirements. A facility that accepts unvaccinated dogs puts every animal at risk of contagious disease.
• Vague or evasive answers about emergency procedures. If staff cannot clearly describe their emergency veterinary protocol, the kennel is not properly prepared.
• Overcrowding. Dogs in undersized spaces or excessively large play groups face increased risk of fights, disease transmission, and stress.
• No written contract or terms of service. Professional kennels provide clear documentation covering services, liability, cancellation policies, and emergency authorisation.

Step 5: Summer-Specific Safety for UK Conditions

Heat Management

UK summers are becoming warmer, and heatstroke cases in dogs have risen as temperatures increasingly exceed 25°C to 30°C and above during June, July, and August. The BVA regularly issues summer heat warnings for pet owners. Confirm that the kennel has effective cooling in all indoor areas (fans, air conditioning, or well-insulated buildings with cross-ventilation) and that outdoor access is restricted during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dogs returning from a period of reduced activity may be especially vulnerable; see Spring Fitness Restart Plan for Overweight Dogs for related guidance.

Water Access

Fresh, clean water must be available at all times, both indoors and in exercise areas. Ask how frequently water bowls or dispensers are cleaned and replenished.

Parasite Management

Warmer UK summers extend the active season for fleas, ticks, and harvest mites. Kennels should have a documented pest management plan and require current parasite prevention for all dogs before admission.

Thunderstorms and Fireworks

Summer storms and, later in the season, early firework displays can be deeply distressing for noise-sensitive dogs. Ask how the kennel manages noise anxiety: are dogs brought indoors promptly, is background music or white noise used, and can staff administer owner-approved calming supplements if needed?

Step 6: The Trial Overnight Stay

A trial stay of one or two nights is the most effective way to assess whether a dog will cope in a boarding environment. Many well-run UK kennels encourage or require this before accepting a longer booking.

Before the Trial

• Complete all required paperwork: emergency contacts, veterinary practice details, feeding instructions, and medication schedules.
• Bring familiar items such as a favourite blanket, a worn piece of clothing with your scent, and your dog's regular food.
• Inform staff of any behavioural triggers, fears, or medical conditions.

After the Trial

• Evaluate your dog's behaviour on collection. Some adjustment stress is entirely normal, but signs of extreme distress (refusing food for more than 24 hours after returning home, significant behavioural changes, or physical injuries) warrant serious concern and should be discussed with your vet.
• Ask the kennel for an honest summary. A good facility will provide straightforward feedback, including whether the dog struggled, rather than simply saying everything was fine.
• If the trial shows that kennel boarding is too stressful, consider alternatives such as a licensed home boarder, a professional pet sitter visiting your home, or a trusted friend or family member.

Step 7: Final Booking and Preparation

Documentation to Provide

• Up-to-date vaccination records, including kennel cough
• Veterinary practice name, address, and emergency contact number
• Written feeding instructions: brand, portion size (in grams), and schedule
• Medication details with dosage, timing, and administration method
• Emergency contact information for at least two people
• Signed authorisation for emergency veterinary treatment
• Microchip number and registration details (mandatory for all dogs in the UK)

What to Pack

• Sufficient food for the entire stay, plus two extra days' supply
• Any medications in original packaging with clear labels
• A comfort item carrying a familiar scent
• Collar with a current ID tag (required under the Control of Dogs Order 1992) and microchip details

Insurance

Some UK pet insurance policies cover boarding-related incidents such as illness or injury during a stay, but others include specific exclusions or waiting periods. Review your policy wording carefully before travelling. For more on this, see Pet Insurance Waiting Periods: A UK Owner's Guide.

Emergency Contacts to Keep Accessible

• Your dog's registered veterinary practice (daytime and out-of-hours numbers)
• The boarding kennel's affiliated emergency vet

• Vets Now / PDSA

  Contact your registered vet's out-of-hours service or find your nearest Vets Now emergency clinic.

  All UK vet practices must provide 24/7 emergency cover. Your vet's answerphone will direct you to the on-call service.

• Animal Poisoning Helpline (UK): operated by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), accessible through your vet

Printable Boarding Kennel Checklist

Use this checklist when visiting and evaluating UK boarding kennels:

• ☐ Facility holds a valid local authority licence (check star rating)
• ☐ Tour is offered freely with access to all areas
• ☐ Enclosures are clean, appropriately sized, and well ventilated
• ☐ Temperature management is adequate for summer conditions
• ☐ Outdoor areas are securely fenced with shade and fresh water
• ☐ Staff to dog ratio meets guidelines (approximately 1:10 to 1:15 during play)
• ☐ Staff hold canine first aid qualifications
• ☐ Vaccination and parasite prevention requirements are enforced
• ☐ An isolation area exists for sick dogs
• ☐ Emergency veterinary protocol is documented and clearly explained
• ☐ The kennel can accommodate special diets and medications
• ☐ Daily enrichment and structured exercise are provided
• ☐ A trial overnight stay is available
• ☐ A written contract with clear terms is provided
• ☐ Photo or video updates are available during stays