All commercial dog boarding companies require a boarding license. You can check for an official license number and if you can’t find one, you can visit the public register and send the name and address of the boarding facility to the licensing team.

Plus, you can just ask your intended carer if they have one and if you need further proof, they can just show you their license.

Dog boarding is good for dogs, but it depends on the conditions of the dog boarding facility. For example, here at Springfield, we take good care of each guest, providing stimulation, affection and exercise. We have a high staff-to-guest ratio, which means our guests receive plenty of attention and interaction.

However, at some more traditional dog kennels, dogs can receive limited care, attention and opportunities to interact and exercise. Plus, if the admittance for certain reactive dogs is loose, other dogs can feel threatened within a hostile environment.

Safety should be the number one priority for all dog boarding facilities. Ensuring the guests and staff remain safe from harm requires a careful vetting process, secure areas and enough staff to manage a situation if any danger occurs.

At Springfield, we have secure areas for the dogs to play, roam and relax and enough staff on shift in case any on-hand situations occur.

Whether a dog boarding facility will accept neutered pets depends on its specific policy. At Springfield, we have a neutered policy for male dogs but can allow unspayed female dogs to attend.Due to our unique outdoor and socialising policy, our facility cannot accept entire (non-castrated, non-neutered) males over 9 months old.

Most dog boarding facilities prefer dogs to be spayed before staying to reduce any tension with other dogs. However, at Springfield, we have a neutered policy for our male dogs but can allow unspayed female dogs to attend. If there are going to be any issues with your unspayed dog, we can check for any signs during your trial day.

While house-sitting can leave your dog in a familiar environment, dog boarding allows your dog to interact with dog-loving people and socialise with fellow guests. Which option your dog prefers might depend on their energy levels and temperament.  

All dogs staying with us need to be fully vaccinated, including protection against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough. The kennel cough vaccination must be administered at least 2 weeks before your dog’s stay. This vaccination will be displayed on your dog’s vaccination card as L4, DHP and KC. We will require a photo/copy of the vaccination card prior to your dog’s stay.  All dogs will also need to have had flea and worming treatment prior to their stay.  

You will need to supply the necessary dog food for the duration of your dogs stay.  We have plenty of bowls, so please only bring your own if you require a specialist bowl such as a slow feeder or if they like a particular bowl, please bring that along.  Most importantly, bring your dogs bed/blankets, toys and any home comforts that will help them relax.

As long as your dog day care centre meets the needs of its guests, doggie day care is a great way for dogs to receive stimulation, interact with people and socialise with other dogs. Doggie day care also helps dogs to build confidence and form friendships while getting all the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.