Before trusting a boarding facility with your dog, ask specific questions about care, safety and the daily experience. A tour, clear policies and direct answers can tell you much more than price alone. The best facility for your pet should be prepared to explain who provides care, where your dog will sleep, how exercise is supervised and what happens if your pet needs help.
Use this checklist when comparing dog boarding facilities. Tailwaggers Country Inn has also included its own answers so pet parents can see how our Van Alstyne resort approaches each part of a stay.
1. How Long Have You Been Caring for Pets?
Experience matters because boarding teams need to recognize normal behavior, signs of stress and changes that may require attention. Ask how long the business has operated, how team members are trained and whether staff members hold pet-care certifications. Learn more About Tailwaggers, which was established in 1998 and employs trained, certified and experienced pet counselors.
2. What Is Included in the Boarding Rate?
Request a written explanation of what is included and which services cost extra. Ask about meals, bedding, playtime, medication administration, special diets, one-on-one attention and facility amenities. Tailwaggers’ boarding services provide a full-service, all-inclusive experience. Everyday care includes balanced meals, clean bedding, group play, playtime and cuddle time. Optional upgrades and services are available for families who want to customize the stay.
3. Where Will My Dog Sleep?
Ask to see the accommodations and confirm whether they are appropriately sized, climate controlled, clean and secure. Find out whether bedding is supplied and how often it is cleaned. Tailwaggers provides spacious kennels and suites, elevated orthopedic beds and bedding cleaned daily. Select VIP suites include televisions, covered patios and webcams.
4. How Much Exercise and Supervised Play Will My Dog Receive?
The answer should describe a routine, not simply promise that dogs get exercise. Ask how often pets go outside, how playgroups are selected, who supervises them and what happens during poor weather. Tailwaggers offers four or more supervised play periods, multiple fenced play parks, swimming and an indoor gym. Activities depend on the individual dog’s needs, comfort and safe participation.
5. How Do You Evaluate Dogs for Group Play?
Not every dog enjoys the same social setting. Ask how staff members consider size, temperament, energy level and play style, and what alternatives are available if group play is not appropriate. Share any history of fear, reactivity, guarding or discomfort so the team can plan responsibly.
6. What Vaccinations and Records Are Required?
A clear vaccination policy helps protect the boarding community. Tailwaggers requires current Rabies and Distemper/Parvo vaccinations, with Bordetella given within six months of the stay. If a pet cannot receive a required vaccination, Tailwaggers asks for a veterinarian’s exemption note. Requirements can change, so review the current preparation information before arrival.
7. How Are Meals, Special Diets and Medications Handled?
Explain your dog’s normal diet, allergies, medication schedule and any feeding concerns. Ask how instructions are labeled and recorded. Tailwaggers supplies Fromm Family Pet Food in Classic Adult chicken and whitefish blends. Prescription or sensitive-stomach diets may be brought in individual meal bags with instructions, and medications should arrive in their original containers with clear dosage and timing information.
8. What Happens During a Medical Emergency?
Ask how the facility monitors pets, contacts owners and reaches veterinary care. Provide your veterinarian’s information, an emergency contact and authorization instructions before leaving. Be candid about health conditions, recent symptoms and medications so staff members have the information needed to respond.
9. How Is the Facility Secured and Maintained?
Look for secure fencing, controlled entry, clean sleeping and play areas, safe air circulation and procedures that reduce escapes or accidental contact. Tailwaggers provides 24-hour security, climate-controlled indoor facilities and a filtered air-exchange system. The property includes designated fenced play parks for supervised outdoor activity.
10. Can I Tour the Facility and Read Recent Reviews?
A tour can help you evaluate cleanliness, organization, accommodations and how staff members interact with pets. Recent client reviews may reveal consistent patterns in communication and care. Ask questions about anything you see rather than relying on assumptions.
11. What Should I Bring?
Some facilities require beds, bowls, food and toys. Tailwaggers supplies those everyday items. Families generally need to bring current vaccination records, medications and any prescription or sensitive-stomach diet. Tailwaggers removes personal collars at drop-off for safety and uses a temporary breakaway collar during the stay. Review the complete What to Bring list before departure.
12. How Early Should I Reserve?
Ask about availability, cancellation terms and busy periods. Tailwaggers recommends booking early for holidays and summer travel. Reservations can include boarding, daycare, grooming and optional transportation.
Choose a Facility That Welcomes Your Questions
You should leave the conversation understanding how your dog will eat, sleep, exercise and receive care. Tailwaggers Country Inn welcomes questions from pet parents throughout Dallas, Collin County, Grayson County and North Texas.
Call 1-877-774-DOGS or make a reservation online to discuss your dog’s needs and upcoming travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Important Question to Ask a Dog Boarding Facility?
Ask what a typical day looks like for your dog. The answer should cover supervision, meals, rest, exercise, play, cleaning and communication.
Should I Tour a Boarding Facility Before Booking?
A tour is helpful when available because it lets you evaluate cleanliness, security, accommodations and staff interactions firsthand.