Choosing a boarding kennel for your pet -- Visit the pet boarding kennels before agreeing to place your dog there. Ask for a tour of the facilities and introduce yourself to the staff. Good kennels will have friendly staff who enjoy being with dogs and the facilities will be clean and tidy. Look for kennels which are well designed; do they have a separate sleeping area and a run? Are they large enough? Is there excessive noise? Are there unfamiliar smells (for your dog)? Do the current boarded dogs look happy and well? Do they seem comfortable with the staff?