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Types of boarding

There are three main types of boarding. Kennels keep dogs in kennel units, catteries keep cats in separate cat units, and home boarders look after dogs inside their own home. A dog home boarding licence does not cover cats.

Under the 2018 licensing rules, a kennel sleeping area must be big enough for a dog to stand, turn round and lie fully stretched out, and must be at least twice the area the dog needs to lie flat. The guidance also sets minimum sizes. Catteries have their own minimum sizes for sleeping areas and runs.

Kennels and catteries must check animals as often as each animal needs. Some have someone on site overnight or at all times, but this is a higher standard and not a legal minimum. Home-boarded dogs must not usually be left alone for more than three hours in any 24 hours.

A home boarder can only take dogs from more than one household at the same time if every owner has agreed in writing and the dogs have had a recorded introduction session. Each dog needs its own space where it can be kept apart from the others. If the boarder has cats of their own, they must be protected from the boarded dogs.

Where boarding is located

Croydon Council publishes a list of licensed boarding establishments. It includes cat-only boarders, dog-only boarders and some that take both. The list shows which animals each boarder takes but does not always say whether a dog boarder is a kennel or a home boarder, so ask when you enquire.

The south of the borough borders Surrey, and some owners there may also look at boarders over the border. Tandridge District Council publishes a directory of licensed dog businesses. For any boarder outside Croydon, check the licence with the council for that area.

Cats

Defra requires cats from different households to be kept in separate units, and communal exercise areas are not allowed. Cats can only share a unit if they come from the same household and the owner has agreed in writing.

Each unit must give the cat somewhere to climb and a raised place to rest, and the litter tray must be kept away from food and the resting area. Staff must check on cats at least every three hours between 8am and 6pm, and more often if needed.

International Cat Care advises visiting a cattery before booking. Things to look for include escape-proof doors and a safety corridor, barriers that stop unfamiliar cats touching or sneezing on each other, clean litter trays, places for a cat to hide, and a quiet area away from barking dogs. Ask whether your cat will ever share space with cats from other households, and how staff keep track of its eating and toileting.

Booking and requirements

Licensed dog boarders must see an up-to-date vet record of vaccinations. Many also ask for the kennel cough vaccine, but this varies between boarders, so check.

Cat boarders must see a current vaccination record covering feline infectious enteritis and the respiratory viruses. International Cat Care also says a cattery should ask to see the certificate.

Boarders keep records of recent flea and worm treatment. If your dog will be home boarded with dogs from another household, an introduction session is required. Policies on trial stays and parasite treatment otherwise vary, so ask the boarder directly.

Book as early as you can. International Cat Care notes that good catteries fill up early. Lead times, deposits and minimum stays are set by each boarder.

Seasonal considerations

Many boarders have minimum stays and different payment terms over Christmas and New Year. These are set by each business, so ask before booking.

In summer, Defra says kennel sleeping areas should be kept below 26°C where possible, and part of each cattery sleeping area must be kept between 15°C and 26°C. Ask how the boarder checks the temperature and what they do if an animal is too hot.

Kennel cough can spread wherever dogs are kept together. Ask what the boarder's admission and isolation procedures are.

If your pet is frightened by fireworks, tell the boarder beforehand and ask how they will give it a quieter space and watch for signs of stress. Defra requires boarders to respond when an animal shows fear or anxiety.