Top Boarding Options for Your Pet: A Vet’s 2025 Guide to Safe & Comfortable Stays 🐾🏨

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog

Heading out of town or during times your pet needs care, choosing the right boarding option is essential. Each choice has benefits—and risks. In 2025, vets and pet-care experts agree: understanding each arrangement helps ensure your companion’s experience is safe, healthy, and stress-free. This guide covers kennels, pet hotels, in-home sitters, vet-clinic boarding, and cat-only catteries. We'll share pros, cons, cost ranges, and how to choose wisely based on your pet’s needs.

1. 🐕 Kennels (Traditional Boarding)

Kennels offer structured overnight stays in designated runs with scheduled feedings and exercise. They're ideal for pets comfortable in structured environments.

• Pros: 24/7 supervision, routine, social opportunities for social pets :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Cons: Risk of stress reactions, respiratory illnesses like kennel cough, risk of minor injuries :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Cost: $50–$100+/night depending on location, run size, and added amenities :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Vet tip: Ensure all vaccinations are current—rabies, bordetella, influenza, and FVRCP for cats.

2. 🏨 Luxury Pet Hotels & Upscale Boarding

If your pet prefers a quieter environment, upscale pet hotels offer spacious suites, webcam access, spa treatments, and personalized care.

• Pros: Less stressful, individualized attention, added comforts like heated floors, TVs, or themed suites :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Cons: Significantly more expensive—holiday rates surge, risk of over-humanization stress :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Cost: Premium $75–$150+/night; UK and luxury locales may exceed £250/night :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Vet tip: Tour the suites—look for clean bedding, non-slip floors, HVAC, and visual barriers between neighboring pets.

3. 🏡 In‑Home Boarding (Pet Sitters)

Your pet stays at a sitter’s private home, often with fewer animals and more personal attention.

• Pros: Familiar-like environment, one-on-one care, lower stress—great for anxious pets :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Cons: Quality varies with sitter's experience; vet access may be limited; risk of unsupervised care :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Cost: $40–$60+/night; often cheaper than kennels for single-pet stays :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Vet tip: Verify sitter’s insurance/bonding, ask for references, and check familiarity with your pet’s routine and medication needs.

4. 🏥 Vet-Clinic Boarding

Some vet practices offer boarding, ideal if your pet has medical needs or anxiety about new places.

• Pros: Access to veterinary care if health issues arise; medical monitoring included :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Cons: Less playroom and socialization; rooms may feel more clinical :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Cost: Similar to kennels but can include extra fees for medical care.
• Vet tip: Best for pets with health conditions—regular checks and prompt response for emergencies.

5. 🐈 Cat Catteries & Cat-Only Boarding

Catteries specialize in feline stays, offering feline-enriched environments and safety-focused setups.

• Types: → Communal: shared rooms—more space but higher disease risk; Semi-communal/celled: night separation, shared play; Private units: individual suites :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Pros: Cat-focused routines, minimized stress, personalized feeding/medication :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Cons: Communal areas risk infection; separation strategies vary by facility :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Cost: $40–$80+/night; private suites cost more.
• Vet tip: Choose celled or private setups for senior or medicated cats to ensure diet and medication control.

6. 🧠 Deciding What’s Best for Your Pet

7. 📌 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Stay

• Tour facilities beforehand—observe cleanliness, space, staff interaction.
• Confirm vaccination requirements and health protocols :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Provide your pet’s bedding, toys, and meals to ease transition.
• Trial stay helps assess fit and reduce stress.
• Use webcams or regular updates to monitor your pet.

8. 💰 Cost Comparison Summary

• Kennels: $50–$100/night
• Luxury pet hotels: $75–$150+ (holidays higher)
• In‑home sitters: $40–$60/night
• Vet‑clinic boarding: kennel‑level + medical fees
• Cat catteries: $40–$80/night (private suites cost more)

9. 📌 Preparing Before You Leave

• Update ID tags and microchips.
• Pack medical records, medications, diet instructions.
• Arrange drop-off/pick-up in non-rush hours.
• Ensure updated emergency contact and vet info is on file.

🛠️ Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz Support

• Ask A Vet App: Share videos of your pet’s stay stress signals—receive expert behavioral advice for comfort and acclimation.
• Woopf: Offers travel-ready pet beds, calming wraps, and kennel-friendly enrichment toys.
• Purrz: Supplies feline pheromone mist, calming treats, and portable carriers designed for stress reduction.

❤️ Final Thoughts from Dr Houston

Choosing where your pet stays while you're away matters—not just for their physical safety, but for mental well-being too. In 2025, plenty of options exist—choose based on your companion’s age, health, anxiety level, and your budget. Whether it's a kennel, luxury suite, in‑home sitter, vet‑clinic, or cat-specific cattery, proper preparation, safe environment, and occasional check-ins will make your pet’s stay happy and secure. If you're unsure which setup is right, ask through the Ask A Vet app and explore Woopf and Purrz tools for supportive boarding prep. Here's to worry‑free travel—for you and your pet! 🐾✨