The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Pet Boarding Facility in El Paso

Leaving your pet behind when you travel can be tough – you want them to be safe, comfortable, and loved just like at home. Finding the right pet boarding facility in El Paso can give you peace of mind while you’re away. But with so many pet hotels, kennels, and dog boarding options, how do you pick the best one? Don’t worry, we’ve done the deep research on this topic. Here’s a warm, friendly guide (with a local El Paso perspective) to help you choose a boarding facility that’s a perfect fit for your furry friend.

1. Cleanliness & Safety: First impressions matter. When you tour a facility, take a sniff and a look around. Does it smell clean? Are the kennels and play areas tidy and secure? A top-notch pet hotel should pride itself on sanitation and safety. Secure fencing, locked gates, and clean play yards are must-haves to keep pets safe . Tip: Pay attention to how it “feels” – a clean, well-ventilated facility with no overpowering odors is a good sign that they maintain high hygiene standards (and it’ll be healthier for your pet).

2. Qualified, Caring Staff: The best boarding facilities have staff who absolutely adore animals and know how to care for them. Ask about the staff’s training and experience. Are they certified in pet CPR or animal behavior? Experienced staff can spot if a pet isn’t feeling well or if two dogs aren’t getting along, and they’ll intervene appropriately. At The Fur Seasons Pet Hotel, for example, all our team members are pet CPR certified and trained in canine behavior – which means your pet is in skilled, knowledgeable hands. A friendly, attentive staff can make all the difference in your pet’s stay, giving them snuggles, playtime, and comfort when needed.

3. Space and Exercise: Dogs (and cats) need room to stretch out and play. Look for a place with ample space – whether it’s a large indoor playroom, outdoor yards, or both. A facility with separate areas for large and small dogs is even better, so your teacup Yorkie isn’t trying to play tackle with a Great Dane. The Fur Seasons offers 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play yards, so pets aren’t cramped in cages all day – they’re out romping with friends under careful supervision. More space and playtime means a tired, happy pet and not a ball of pent-up energy.

4. Comfort & Amenities: Consider what will make your pet feel at home. Cozy, climate-controlled boarding suites or kennels are important – especially in El Paso’s hot summers. Does the facility offer bedding, or can you bring your pet’s favorite blanket? Little extras can also help: calming music or TV in the kennels, night lights, or web cameras for you to check in. (We’ve installed TVs in our luxury suites at The Fur Seasons Pet Hotel that play soothing music, to help pets relax – talk about a spa experience for Fido!) While “luxury” perks are nice, what really matters is that your pet will feel secure and comfortable, with a clean space to eat, sleep, and lounge.

5. Health Requirements & Care: A reputable boarding facility will require proof of vaccinations (like rabies, distemper, and Bordetella for dogs) – and that’s a good thing. It keeps all pets safe by preventing the spread of illness. Check that they have protocols for if a pet gets sick or injured. Do they have a vet on call? Are staff trained to give medications if your pet needs any? These policies show that the facility is serious about your pet’s health. Don’t be shy about asking – a quality kennel will be happy to explain their procedures.

6. Reviews and Reputation: What do other pet owners in El Paso say? A facility’s reputation in the community can speak volumes. Check online reviews, or ask your veterinarian and friends for recommendations. Consistently positive feedback (especially about things like cleanliness, staff friendliness, and how pets looked upon pickup) is a great sign. If people mention that their dog pulls them through the door to get in – even better! That means the pets themselves give it a paws-up.

7. Location & Convenience: Practical but important – is the facility easy for you to get to? If you’re a frequent traveler, a pet hotel close to the airport or your home can save you time. The Fur Seasons Pet Hotel is conveniently located just 5 minutes from El Paso International Airport, perfect for pet parents on the go. But even more than distance, consider drop-off and pick-up hours. Do they fit your schedule (early morning flights, late-night returns)? Some places offer flexible hours or even transportation services to accommodate busy travel plans .

8. Tour and Trust Your Gut: Always visit in person before booking. A tour will let you see the actual kennels, meet the staff, and observe other boarding pets. Are the animals there looking relaxed and happy? Is the staff interacting with them? This visit is your chance to ask questions and get a feel for the place. Trust your instincts – if something feels off or if they won’t let you see certain areas, walk away. You should leave a tour feeling confident and comfortable. When you find “the one,” you’ll know – it’s the place where you can tell they truly love and care for their furry guests.

Choosing a pet boarding facility is about finding a home away from home for your dog or cat. By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be able to find a boarding option that checks all the boxes. And remember, at The Fur Seasons Pet Hotel & Grooming, we built our services around exactly these priorities – safety, cleanliness, loving staff, spacious play areas, and comfy suites. We treat every pet like family, so you can travel knowing your beloved companion is in great hands. Happy boarding and happy travels!