What Paws Inn Pet Essentials Recommends You Ask (and How to Ask It)

Choosing a boarding facility for your dog is about far more than finding an open spot on the calendar. It’s about safety, structure, supervision, and whether the people caring for your dog truly understand canine behavior.

At Paws Inn Pet Essentials, many pet parents come to us asking for boarding recommendations. While we don’t offer boarding ourselves, we believe strongly in helping pet parents know what to look for and, just as importantly, how to ask the right questions.

The goal is not yes-or-no answers. The goal is understanding a facility’s systems. A well-run boarding operation should be able to clearly explain how they manage dogs, staff, and safety throughout the day.

Here’s what we recommend asking.

Staff-to-Dog Ratio: Ask for Real Numbers

Instead of asking, “Are dogs supervised?” try asking:

“How many dogs is one staff member responsible for at a time?”

Then follow up with:

  • “Does that number change depending on energy level?”
  • “What is the maximum number of dogs in one play group?”

Quality boarding facilities keep:

  • Small, manageable play groups
  • Fewer dogs per staff member
  • Adjusted ratios for higher-energy dogs

If a facility can’t clearly explain their ratios or seems uncomfortable giving specifics, that’s an important red flag.

How Dogs Are Grouped: Make Them Explain the Process

Rather than asking, “Do you separate dogs?” ask questions that reveal how decisions are made:

  • “How do you group your dogs?”
  • “What criteria do you use for grouping?”
  • “What would cause a dog to be moved to a different group?”

You should hear that dogs are grouped by:

  • Size
  • Age
  • Energy level
  • Individual temperament

Dogs should never be expected to simply “figure it out” in a group setting. Thoughtful grouping is essential to safety and emotional well-being.

Puppies Need Puppy-Only Groups

Puppies are still learning social skills and boundaries. They should never be placed with adult dogs during group play.

Important questions to ask:

  • “Where do puppies play?”
  • “What age range are they grouped with?”
  • “How long are puppy play sessions?”
  • “Are puppies ever placed with adult dogs?”

Best practices include:

  • Puppies only interacting with other puppies
  • Smaller group sizes
  • Shorter play sessions
  • Built-in rest and nap time

Anything less puts young dogs at unnecessary risk.

Play Time and Rest: Structure Matters

It’s easy to assume that more play equals happier dogs, but that’s not always true.

Ask:

  • “How long are dogs out for each play session?”
  • “How many play sessions do they have per day?”
  • “Is rest time required or enforced?”

Overtired dogs are stressed dogs. Stress leads to poor decision-making, conflicts, and injuries. A good boarding facility prioritizes balance, not constant stimulation.

Toys and Group Play: Understand the Risk

Instead of asking, “Do dogs play with toys?” ask:

“What enrichment is used during group play?”

A safe answer sounds like:

  • No toys during group play
  • Toys used individually or in one-on-one settings

Toys in group environments often trigger guarding behaviors and conflicts, even in dogs who do well at home.

Weather Policies: Look for Clear Guidelines

Weather matters, especially in group settings.

Ask:

  • “What temperature do you consider too cold?”
  • “How do play routines change during extreme heat or cold?”
  • “What adjustments are made for puppies and senior dogs?”

Facilities should have clear, established policies. Guesswork is not acceptable when it comes to safety.

Staff Training and Emergency Preparedness

Finally, ask about the people themselves.

Important questions include:

  • “What training do staff receive before supervising dogs?”
  • “Do staff participate in continuing education?”
  • “Are staff trained in CPR and first aid?”
  • “How do staff recognize stress or escalation?”
  • “What is your protocol if a fight breaks out?”

Strong facilities will talk confidently about:

  • Reading canine body language
  • Recognizing green, yellow, and red behavior signals
  • Calm, practiced emergency procedures

Paws Inn’s Bottom Line

A quality boarding facility can clearly explain how they operate.

If answers feel vague, rushed, or defensive, keep looking. Your dog deserves thoughtful care, clear structure, and an environment designed with safety in mind.

As always, we’re happy to talk through questions, concerns, or next steps with you in-store.