Dog Boarding in India: What to Check Before Leaving Your Pet

Leaving your dog behind when you’re travelling is never easy. Whether it’s a work trip, a family
function, or a long-awaited holiday, there’s always that little worry in the back of your mind: Will
my dog be okay without me?
Dog boarding has become much easier to find in Indian cities like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru,
Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune. But not every place is the same. Some are comfortable,
well-managed, and genuinely caring, while others may not have the right space, staff, or
hygiene standards.
So before you book a boarding place, take some time to check a few important things

1. Visit the Place Before Booking

Photos on Instagram can look great, but they don’t always tell you what the place is actually
like.
If possible, visit the boarding facility yourself. Look around, see where the dogs sleep and play,
and notice how the staff interact with them.
A few simple things to check:
● Cleanliness: The place shouldn’t have a strong urine or ammonia smell. Some dog
smell is normal, but a strong smell can be a sign that cleaning isn’t being done properly.
● Safety: Look for secure doors and gates. A double-gate system at the entrance is useful
because it reduces the chance of a dog running out when someone enters or leaves.
● Separate spaces: Dogs don’t all get along with each other. Ideally, dogs should be
grouped according to their size, behaviour, and temperament.
● Summer and monsoon arrangements: Indian weather can get very hot and humid.
Ask how the facility keeps dogs comfortable during extreme heat and what happens if
there is a power cut.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good boarding centre should be comfortable answering
them.

2. Ask About Vaccinations and Health Checks

A boarding facility where several dogs stay together can also become a place where infections
spread quickly. That’s why responsible centres usually ask for vaccination and other health
records before accepting a dog.

Ask what they require and whether they check the records properly.
Common things they may ask about include:
● Core vaccinations: Such as rabies and the usual combination vaccines covering
diseases like distemper and parvovirus.
● Kennel cough: Ask whether they require or recommend protection against kennel
cough, especially if dogs spend a lot of time together.
● Tick and flea prevention: Check whether your dog needs to have a recent tick and flea
treatment.
● Deworming: Ask whether recent deworming records are required.
If a boarding place accepts every dog without asking anything about vaccinations or health, it’s
worth thinking twice before leaving your pet there.

3. Ask Who Will Look After Your Dog at Night

This is something many pet parents forget to ask.
You may visit during the day and see plenty of staff around, but what happens after everyone
goes home?
Ask whether someone stays on the premises overnight and what the staff do if a dog becomes
sick, injured, or unusually stressed during the night.
It’s also useful to ask how many dogs one handler normally looks after, particularly during
playtime. When too many dogs are handled by too few people, it becomes harder for staff to
notice problems quickly.
And don’t forget about emergencies.
Ask which vet or emergency hospital they contact if something goes wrong. Ideally, the staff
should already have an emergency plan rather than figuring it out when there is a problem.

4. Ask How Food and Water Are Handled

Dogs usually do better when their normal food and routine are kept as close as possible to
home.
A sudden change in food can upset your dog’s stomach, especially when they are already
dealing with the stress of staying somewhere new.
If possible, send your dog’s regular food with clear feeding instructions. You can pack meals in
separate portions so the staff know exactly how much your dog should get.
Also ask:
● How often are the water bowls cleaned?
● Is fresh drinking water available throughout the day?
● Are dogs given their own bowls?
● Can you send special or prescription food if your dog needs it?
Simple things like these can make your dog’s stay much more comfortable.

5. Ask for Updates During the Stay

If this is your first time boarding your dog, getting a few updates can make the experience much
easier for you too.
Many boarding centres now send photos or short videos during the day. Some may even offer
camera access.
You don’t necessarily need constant updates. A simple photo or video showing your dog eating,
playing, resting, or going for a walk can give you peace of mind.
More importantly, ask what happens if your dog isn’t eating, seems unusually quiet, or is
showing signs of stress. A good facility should have a clear process for informing you

“A happy Dog doesn’t need a perfect home—just a safe space, something to explore, and someone who cares.”

6. Try a Short Stay First

If your dog has never stayed away from home before, don’t make their first experience a
two-week boarding stay if you can avoid it.
Try a short daycare visit first. If that goes well, you can consider one overnight stay before your
actual trip.
This gives your dog a chance to get familiar with the place, the staff, the sounds, and the
routine.
It also gives you a chance to see how the boarding centre handles your dog before you leave
them there for a longer period.
Every dog is different. Some settle in quickly, while others need a little more time.

7.Quick Packing Checklist

Before dropping your dog off, keep everything ready so the staff don’t have to guess what your
pet needs.
● Food: Pack your dog’s regular food in clearly marked portions. Keeping a little extra food
can also be useful in case your travel plans change.
● Something familiar: Your dog’s usual blanket or a familiar T-shirt can make an
unfamiliar place feel a little more comfortable.
● Walking gear: Pack the usual collar or harness and leash. Make sure the contact
information on the tag is updated.
● Medicines: If your dog takes any medication, provide clear instructions about the dose
and timing. Keep the prescription or vet’s instructions with it.
● Emergency contacts: Give the boarding centre your number, an emergency contact
who can help locally, and your regular vet’s details.

One Last Thing

Choosing a boarding place isn’t really about finding the cheapest option or the fanciest-looking
one.
What matters is whether the people there understand dogs, keep the place clean and secure,
follow a proper routine, and know what to do if something goes wrong.
Before you leave your dog, ask questions, visit the place, and trust what you see as much as
what the website says.
And if your dog seems comfortable there after a short trial stay, you’ll probably feel much more
relaxed when it’s finally time to leave for your trip.

“Happy Dogs make happy homes, one purr at a time.”