Dog Boarding 101: How to Build a Trusted, Five-Star Service
Pet owners love dog boarding because it means their pets are cared for in a safe, loving environment instead of a traditional kennel. And for sitters, it's a great opportunity to earn extra income while providing a personal touch that big facilities often can’t offer.
But make no mistake—running a successful service takes more than just opening your door to furry guests. Preparation is absolutely essential, and skipping it can quickly lead to stressful stays, unhappy clients, and even dog safety issues.
Here’s how to offer a five-star dog boarding experience every time.
Preparation is the key to a successful dog boarding service
The most important ingredient to a successful dog boarding stay? Preparation. And that starts with a Meet & Greet. This step is non-negotiable.
The Meet & Greet is your opportunity to get to know the dog, understand their routine, activate the Pawshake Guarantee, and assess if your home is a good fit for their needs. It’s also your chance to spot potential red flags—like separation anxiety, reactivity, or behaviours that might not be manageable in your space.
Many boarding mishaps happen because the Meet & Greet didn’t happen—or wasn’t taken seriously. Without it, you’re essentially welcoming an unknown dog into your home, which is a big risk for both you, the pet, and your family, especially when it comes to dog safety.
Use the Meet & Greet to walk through everything: feeding, walking, sleep routines, any medications, quirks, or triggers. Make sure to ask if the dog is toilet-trained, how they get along with other animals, and whether they’ve boarded before.
Also use this opportunity to introduce the guest dog to your own pets (if you have them) or any other animals that may be present throughout the service. Many times, services can fail due to two or more guest dogs not getting along because they weren't given an introduction until the booking began, which does not leave any time to make adjustments if there is a conflict.
💡Pro tip: Use the Pawshake Pet Intake Forms to effortlessly gather all the essential info—no detail left behind!
Setting up your space for success, licensing, and dog safety
Your home should be clean, dog-proofed, and ready before the dog arrives. Set up a quiet sleeping area, have fresh water available, and remove any hazards like exposed cords or small objects. If you have your own pets, make sure introductions are gradual and supervised.
If you have a yard, do a thorough check that all gates and fences are secure and there is no chance the guest dog could fit under (or over) the fence line. You will also need to ensure that you are abiding by your local council guidelines and have all relevant permits and licenses. You can enquire about this on your local council website. Council requirements vary depending on where you are based—but you do need to ensure you are compliant with all relevant codes of practice.
Dog safety should always be your top priority. Every dog has different needs—some may require more attention, others might need space to relax alone. Be ready to adjust your home setup to ensure a calm, secure stay for every pup.
Clear communication builds trust
A successful service relies on open, clear communication with the owner—before, during, and after the booking.
Make sure you confirm all the important details before the stay begins. Once the dog is with you, send regular updates with messages, photos, and videos. This keeps owners reassured and helps build long-term relationships (and repeat bookings!)
Be reliable, professional, and transparent
Boarding someone else’s beloved pet is a big responsibility. Be punctual, follow the owner's instructions carefully, and don’t make any assumptions about what the dog can or can’t do. If you ever feel something isn’t working, let the owner know immediately—it's better to be honest and collaborative than to power through and hope for the best.
Lastly, if plans change or you’re not comfortable accepting a booking after a Meet & Greet, it’s completely okay to say no. It’s far better to decline than to take on a stay that may not go smoothly—especially if it might impact the dog’s wellbeing or your ability to provide a successful service.
Dog boarding vs kennels: Why preparation matters
When comparing kennels vs boarding, the biggest advantage of home dog boarding is the personalised care dogs receive in a homely, low-stress environment. But that benefit only shines through when the sitter is properly prepared. Without the right prep, even a home setting can become just as stressful as a kennel.
When preparation is thorough, the Meet & Greet goes well, and the stay is well-managed, dog boarding can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You’ll gain experience, glowing reviews, and repeat clients who trust you with their pets again and again.
So before your next dog boarding booking, take the time to prepare properly. It’s the simplest way to ensure dog safety, owner satisfaction, and a truly successful service—for you, the pet, and their loving owner.
Ready to offer a 5-Star Service? Sign-up to Pawshake to start you Pet Care career!
