Pet Boarding Checklist

Preparing your pet for boarding takes more planning than most owners expect. Whether you're leaving your dog at a kennel, your cat at a cattery, or your rabbit with a specialist boarder, the key to a stress-free stay is thorough preparation. This guide covers everything you need to know, regardless of pet type.

Vaccinations Are Non-Negotiable

For dogs, UK kennels almost universally require DHP/DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus), Leptospirosis, and Kennel Cough (Bordetella). The critical detail many owners miss is timing: the intranasal kennel cough vaccine provides protection in 48 –72 hours, but the injectable version takes 10–14 days. First-time recipients may need two doses 2–4 weeks apart. Book your vet appointment 4– 6 weeks before boarding to avoid last-minute complications. Rabies vaccination is NOT required for domestic UK boarding — only for international travel.

Cats require FPV (Feline Panleucopenia), FHV (Feline Herpesvirus), and FCV (Feline Calicivirus) vaccinations. Boosters must be current at least 2 weeks before admission. If your cat's vaccinations have lapsed, your vet may require a full primary course of two injections 3–4 weeks apart, plus 7–10 days for immunity to develop.

Rabbits need Myxomatosis and RHD1/RHD2 vaccinations. Small animals generally don't require vaccinations, with the exception of ferrets, which need a Distemper vaccination.

Pack Smart, Pack Familiar

The single most important packing rule: bring your pet's regular food. Sudden diet changes cause stomach upset in dogs and cats, and can trigger potentially fatal gut stasis in rabbits. Pack enough for the entire stay plus 1–2 extra days. One comfort item with your scent — a worn blanket or t-shirt — does more to reduce anxiety than a bag full of toys. Label everything clearly with your name, phone number, pet's name, and return date.

Documentation Matters

Organise your paperwork in a waterproof folder before drop-off day. Essential documents include vaccination certificates, your vet's contact details (including the out-of-hours number), at least two emergency contact numbers, written dietary requirements, medical history, and your pet's microchip number. Having everything ready makes the handover smoother and ensures the facility can reach you or your vet immediately if needed.

Choosing the Right Facility

Good boarding facilities book up months ahead during school holidays, so start researching as soon as you know your dates. Visit in person before committing — check cleanliness, staff-to-animal ratios, noise levels, and how the animals appear. For dogs and cats in England, the first question should always be: “Can you show me your current council licence?” Under the 2018 Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations, all commercial dog and cat boarding must be licensed. Rabbit and small animal boarding is generally unregulated, which makes thorough vetting even more important.

Ask about emergency vet procedures, daily routines, and whether you can visit unannounced. For nervous or first-time pets, ask about a trial overnight stay so you can see how they cope. On drop-off day, keep your goodbye calm and brief — long emotional farewells increase your pet's anxiety. Most dogs are exhausted for 24 –48 hours after boarding, and temporary clinginess usually resolves within 2 –3 days.

Use the interactive checklist above to track your preparation. Your progress is saved automatically and persists between visits, so you can work through it at your own pace. Print a copy to keep in your boarding folder alongside your vaccination certificates and other documents.