Whenever boarding your pet, you want to leave it with someone you trust, and this may often be a relative or friend. When this is not possible and you need to seek out professional services, registered providers should be meeting a minimum set of requirements outlined by the Code of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments. 

All Boarding Establishments must also register as a Domestic Animal Business with the local council in the municipality that they reside.

Boarding establishments house dogs and/or cats for their owners when their owners are away from home. Boarding establishments can offer either day boarding, overnight boarding or both.

Boarding establishments are normally set up as a cattery and/or kennel. Some small boarding businesses may offer "Home Boarding" for up to 2 animals from the same household at any given time.

It is important that anyone thinking about using Boarding establishments is familiar with the minimum legal and welfare requirements that are required.

Tips when boarding your pets at a kennel or cattery:

• Book well in advance to ensure you get a place during busy school or public holiday periods (you may need to book many months ahead)
• Visit the boarding establishment to make sure you're happy with the facilities, cleanliness and staff
• Ensure your pet is vaccinated, microchipped and all worming and other medications are up to date
• Help your pet feel more at home by leaving it with familiar items (such as your old jumper) and its favourite toys.