How to Choose a Boarding Kennel for Your Dog

Leaving your dog at a boarding kennel for the first time can feel like a big deal — because it is. Your dog is family, and you want to know they'll be safe, happy, and well looked after while you're away. Having worked in kennels for over 15 years, we've seen what makes the difference between a good kennel and a great one. Here's our honest guide to finding the right home from home for your dog.

What a Really Good Kennel Should Offer

• Heated, comfortable accommodation — Your dog's kennel should be warm in winter and cool in summer. Ask whether the kennels are heated. Clean, regularly washed beds are a must — dirty bedding can cause skin problems and make dogs miserable.
• Individual outdoor runs — Every dog should have their own outside space where they can get fresh air, stretch their legs, and watch the world go by. Not just a communal yard — their own run.
• Regular countryside walks — A good kennel doesn't just let dogs out into a yard. They take them for proper walks. Twice daily is ideal. Being walked through fields and woodland gives dogs the mental stimulation and exercise they need.
• A large indoor exercise area — British weather being what it is, there will be rainy days. A kennel should have indoor space where dogs can move around freely when outdoor walks aren't practical.
• Small numbers and personal attention — This is the big one. A small kennel with limited spaces means your dog gets genuine attention, not just a quick check. Staff should know every dog by name and temperament.
• Vet access around the clock — A vet should be on call 24/7. All staff should be trained in basic pet first aid.
• A clean, well-run kitchen area — There should be dedicated facilities for preparing food, washing bedding, and bathing dogs. Hygiene matters enormously in a kennel environment.
• No peak price surcharges — A kennel that hikes its prices at Christmas isn't putting your pet first. The same care, the same price, all year round.

Always Visit Before You Book

Never book a kennel without seeing it first. A good kennel will welcome visitors with open arms — they'll be proud to show you around. If a kennel makes excuses about visiting, that's a red flag. When you visit, trust your instincts. Does it smell clean? Do the dogs look happy? Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable? Does it feel like a place you'd be happy for your dog to stay?

At Greenbank, we tick every single box on this list — and we're always happy to show you around so you can see for yourself. Come and visit us, bring your dog, and see what we're all about.