Macy Moore
Owner, MoorePetLove · Oakville, ON
Not all home dog boarders are created equal. Some are experienced, thoughtful, and genuinely passionate about animal care. Others are just looking to make some extra money and don't have much experience beyond owning a dog themselves. Here's a checklist for telling the difference.
Any boarder who's willing to take your dog without meeting them first should be a red flag. The meet and greet isn't just a formality — it's how a responsible boarder assesses whether your dog is a good fit and gathers the information they need to care for them properly.
Ask: how many other dogs will be here at the same time as mine? What are they like? How do you handle introductions? A good boarder has thought about compatibility and won't just put any dogs together without consideration.
What's the nearest 24-hour vet? What do they do if a dog gets injured or sick overnight? These should be instant answers, not blank looks. Emergencies don't give you time to Google.
Daily photos and a check-in message should be standard. If a boarder doesn't mention this unprompted, ask about it explicitly. You shouldn't have to wonder if your dog is okay.
Google reviews, Nextdoor recommendations, personal referrals. Look for details in the reviews — specific things the boarder did well. Generic "great service" reviews tell you very little.
Ultimately, trust your gut. Did your dog warm up to them? Did you feel comfortable asking questions? Did they seem genuinely interested in your dog as an individual? The right boarder will make you feel good about leaving — not anxious.
We're happy to answer every question on this list — and then some. Book a free meet and greet and come see the space for yourself.