A first stay at a Maidstone boarder or day care

Twelve dog boarders, day cares and kennels are listed for Maidstone, and several of them build a trial or settling-in period into a first booking rather than taking a dog straight into a full stay. What that looks like varies by business, so it is worth asking before you commit to a date.

Trials and meet-and-greets

Elite Pet Services, a home boarder in the Bearsted area, gives a new dog two visits before its first full-day boarding stay, so it can settle in beforehand. The Best (Not Very Exotic) Doggy Hotel, a home boarder in the Coxheath area, asks for a meet-and-greet before any booking is confirmed, since it keeps its own resident dogs alongside boarders. Parsley and Pals, in the Bearsted area, offers a free first trial session ahead of a paid booking. None of the other Maidstone businesses listed here publish a trial or meet-and-greet policy, so ask directly whether one is offered.

What to pack

Whichever business you choose, take your dog's usual food for the length of the stay, any medication with clear written instructions, a lead and collar with an up-to-date tag, and a familiar bed, blanket or toy if your dog has one. Note your vet's details and a contact number where you can be reached, and confirm with the business beforehand exactly what it needs you to bring.

Handover and collection

Some businesses run set windows for drop-off and pick-up rather than an all-day arrangement. East Dean Kennels, near Headcorn, takes collection and delivery between 9am and 11am and 3pm and 6pm daily, and asks that a first viewing be arranged by appointment. Chart Sutton Boarding Kennels is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, and Sunday and bank holidays 9am to noon and 5pm to 6pm. The remaining businesses do not publish set hours, so confirm handover and collection times when you book.

During the stay

Ask how the business will let you know how your dog is getting on, since practice varies: some send updates during a stay and others do not offer this as standard. Confirm in advance how medication is given if your dog needs any, and what happens if your dog needs a vet while in the business's care, since this is not something the directory can answer on a business's behalf.

Before you go

• Ask about the trial or settling-in process, if any, well before your travel dates.
• Confirm drop-off and collection windows in writing.
• Check what happens on a bank holiday, since this is often charged differently.
• Ask what the business needs from you if your dog needs medication or has additional needs.

See our guide to choosing a boarder for how to weigh up home boarding, kennels and day care before you get this far.