What should I look for when choosing a dog hotel?

Look for seven things: whether the place is staffed around the clock, how many dogs they take at a time, how many walks the dogs get each day (at least three is a good sign), whether they follow your dog's own routines, what vaccination requirements they have, whether you can visit in advance, and finally your own gut feeling when meeting the people.

Are small dog hotels better than large ones?

Not automatically, but small places with few dogs naturally offer more time and attention per dog. A place with 10–15 dogs can know every single guest in a way that is hard with 50. For sensitive, young or older dogs, small groups are often the safest choice.

Why is round-the-clock staffing important at a dog hotel?

Dogs can become restless, ill or frightened at night – just like us. At a dog hotel staffed around the clock there is always a person present who can comfort, keep watch and react quickly. Always ask: “Is someone here during the night?”

Tips & advice

How to choose the right dog hotel – 7 things to look for

Published 10 July 2026 · By Ellie, Melvin Hundehotell · About 5 min read

In short: A good dog hotel is marked by round-the-clock staffing, small groups, at least three walks a day, individual attention for every dog, clear vaccination requirements, openness to visits in advance – and people who give you a good gut feeling. Ask, visit and trust your instincts.

Choosing a dog hotel is about trust: you are handing over a family member. That means you deserve good answers to good questions. Here are the seven things we would look for ourselves – and that we believe any serious dog hotel should be able to answer clearly.

1. Is someone there around the clock?

This may be the most important question of all. Dogs can become restless, ill or frightened at night – just like us. A camera records it; a person does something about it. Ask outright: “Is someone physically present during the night?”

2. How many dogs stay there at a time?

There are good large hotels, but the maths is simple: the fewer dogs, the more time for each one. A place with 10–15 guests can truly know every dog – the name, the quirks, the favourite cuddle. Also ask how the dogs are grouped: is everyone put together, or is playtime matched by size and temperament?

3. How many walks does a dog get per day?

Walks are the highlights of the day for a dog at a hotel – fresh air, new smells and exercise. Two walks should be the minimum; three is a good sign. Ask whether the walks are adapted too: a 12-year-old senior and a 2-year-old youngster need quite different rounds.

4. Do they follow your dog's own routines?

Their own food, their own feeding times, their own medication at the right time, a familiar blanket in the bed. A hotel that writes these details down and actually follows up takes your dog seriously. Ask them to explain how they keep track – the answer says a lot.

5. What requirements do they set – and for whom?

It may sound odd, but strict requirements are a mark of quality. A hotel that requires valid vaccinations (including against kennel cough) from every guest is protecting your dog. The same goes for good answers about cleaning and what happens if a dog falls ill.

6. Can you visit first?

Serious places say yes straight away – and usually with a smile. A visit lets you see the premises, meet the people and let your dog have a sniff around. If it is hard to get through the door, it is worth wondering why. Have a look at our advice on preparing your dog's first stay.

7. Listen to your gut – and to your dog

Finally: trust your instincts. Do they talk about the dogs with warmth? Do they ask more about your dog than about the payment? And watch your dog during the visit – dogs read people impressively well. A wagging tail greeting the host is a recommendation worth taking seriously.

The question list to bring along

Is someone physically present all night?
How many dogs do you take at a time?
How many walks does a dog get per day, and are they adapted?
Can my dog have their own food and their own routines?
What vaccination requirements do you have?
Can we come for a no-obligation visit first?
What is included in the price – and what costs extra?

Want to know how we answer all of this ourselves? Read about us, see services & prices – or best of all: come for a visit. We will put the coffee on, and the dogs will handle the rest of the welcome.