A good kennel answers specific questions without flinching, because it has already made these decisions. Vague warmth about 'lots of cuddles' tells you nothing about the night your dog is sick or the afternoon a fence latch fails. Ask the following before you pay a deposit, and treat evasive answers as answers.
Staffing, Supervision, and Daily Life
Ask how many dogs each staff member is responsible for, whether anyone stays on site overnight, and what training or pet first-aid preparation staff hold. Ask what a day actually contains: how many exercise sessions, how long each lasts, whether play is in groups or individual, and how groups are chosen by size, age, and temperament. Ask where your dog sleeps, whether bedding from home is welcome, how barking stress is handled, and what happens for a dog who will not settle. If your dog is reactive, elderly, or on a restricted-exercise order, ask directly whether they can honour that, and listen for a plan rather than a yes.
Health Rules, Food, and Medication
Ask which vaccinations they require and check yours are current in good time. Ask whether they will feed your own food in your measured amounts, how food is stored and labelled, and whether they charge for giving medication or can manage injections if your vet has prescribed them. Ask how they separate a dog who becomes unwell, what cleaning routine kennels and bowls get, and whether a dog showing signs of a contagious cough is isolated and the owner contacted. A kennel that boards many dogs should be able to describe its illness policy in one breath.
Emergencies, Licensing, and Proof
Ask to see the licence or inspection record where your area issues one. Then walk the emergency scenario: which veterinary clinic do they use, how quickly would they travel there, who authorises treatment if you are unreachable, and how costs are handled. Ask how and when you would be informed, whether there are live cameras or daily photo updates, and whether you may tour the sleeping and exercise areas before booking. Finish with the practical terms: drop-off and collection windows, what happens if your return is delayed, and whether a single trial night is possible before a long stay.
After You Book
Do a short trial stay if you can, send familiar food and written instructions, and confirm your emergency contact knows they are listed. KinsLe's Care Pass gives the kennel temporary, clear access to your dog's feeding, medication, and contact details for the booked dates only, so the answers you gathered and the routine you wrote down reach the people actually caring for your dog.