Pet Boarding in India: 10 Things to Check Before You Leave Your Pet

The 10-point boarding checklist

Before booking any boarding facility or pet hostel, visit in person or take a detailed video tour and verify these ten things:

• Clean, dry kennels with enough space to stand, turn and stretch
• Separate areas for dogs and cats, and for large and small dogs
• Vaccination requirements for every guest pet (protects yours too)
• A vet on call and a written emergency protocol
• Daily exercise and play time, not just cage time
• Willingness to follow your pet's own food and feeding schedule
• Daily photo or video updates to your phone
• Trained staff present overnight, not just daytime
• A trial day-stay option before longer bookings
• Clear pricing with no hidden charges for walks or medication

Prepare your pet for the stay

Book a one-day trial stay first — it tells you more than any review. Pack your pet's regular food (sudden diet changes cause stomach upsets), a familiar blanket or toy carrying the scent of home, and written instructions for any medication. Keep your vet's number and your travel contact details with the facility.

For pets that have never been boarded, a gradual build-up — a few hours of daycare, then a night, then the full stay — dramatically reduces separation anxiety.

Boarding vs pet sitter: which is right?

Confident, social dogs usually enjoy good boarding facilities. Cats, senior pets and anxious animals often do better with a pet sitter visiting them at home. If you are weighing the two options, read our detailed comparison of pet boarding vs pet sitters, and choose verified providers either way.

Frequently Asked Questions