What to Look for When Visiting a Dog Hotel: A 10-Point Checklist

Before your visit

• Book a visit time first; many dog hotels don’t accept walk-ins
• Have your dog’s age, size, personality and health information ready
• List the questions you want to ask, such as pricing, vaccine requirements and how updates are sent

10 things to check on your visit

1. Cleanliness and smell: The space is clean, with no strong odors.
2. Play space: How big the outdoor and indoor areas are, and whether they’re securely fenced.
3. Cages or not: Where dogs spend the day and where they spend the night.
4. Grouping: Whether dogs are grouped by size and personality, and whether small and large dogs are kept apart.
5. How the dogs look: Whether the dogs there seem relaxed or tense.
6. Staff supervision: Whether someone is watching during play.
7. Feeding: Whether dogs are fed separately, and whether the hotel can work with food and medication you bring.
8. Daily updates: Whether they send photos and videos.
9. Emergency handling: What happens if a dog is injured or sick, and how quickly they can get to a vet.
10. Clear rules: Vaccines, unneutered dogs, dogs in heat and pricing are all clearly explained.

Visiting Mini Boarding House

Visits are by appointment only. Please book through LINE. We take up to 3 groups a day, each visit takes about 15–20 minutes, and we’re closed to visits during quiet time 12–2 pm. You’re welcome to bring your dog, but visiting dogs won’t go upstairs or meet the dogs currently boarding. During visits, our staff pause some activities and manage the dogs in separate areas, so please arrive on time. For more rules, see our FAQ.

FAQ

Do I need an appointment to visit a dog hotel?

Usually, yes. Visits to Mini Boarding House are by appointment only, limited to 3 groups a day, and same-day bookings are not accepted.

Can I bring my dog on the visit?

At Mini Boarding House, you can bring your dog along, but they won’t go upstairs or meet the dogs currently boarding.

What should I pay most attention to on a visit?

Cleanliness and smell, play space, whether dogs are caged, how they’re grouped, how the dogs on site look, and whether emergency handling and rules are clear.