Weekly Website Wednesday – Week #21

Boarding Information Sheets

This week’s NetKennel Wednesday Website post focuses on an overlooked but essential part of running a successful boarding kennel: keeping accurate records. It’s been a common theme the past couple of week, but with the holiday season in full swing, it’s a good reminder that—just like Santa—you should be making a list and checking it twice. Two of the most important documents every boarding kennel should use are a Boarding Information Sheet and a Boarding Liability Waiver. These forms help ensure the safety of the dogs in your care, protect your business, and create clear communication between you and your clients.

A Boarding Information Sheet is a detailed form that gathers all the critical information you need to properly care for a dog while it is staying at your facility. This document should include the owner’s contact information, emergency contacts, feeding instructions, medical details, allergies, medications, veterinarian information, and any special needs the dog may have. You can also use it to record behavior notes, such as whether the dog is shy, energetic, prone to escaping, or reactive to other dogs. In addition, documenting the dog’s personal belongings, such as bedding, toys, and leashes, helps prevent confusion when the owner returns. Collecting this information upfront allows your staff to provide consistent, safe, and personalized care throughout the dog’s stay.

The Boarding Liability Waiver is equally important for any professional boarding operation. This waiver is a contract between the kennel and the dog owner that outlines the responsibilities of both parties and helps protect your business from liability. Even with excellent care, dogs can become injured, stressed, or ill during boarding due to unforeseen circumstances. A well-written liability waiver clearly explains what the kennel is and is not responsible for, helping avoid miscommunication or disputes. This document should also authorize the kennel to seek emergency veterinary care if needed and clarify who is financially responsible for any medical treatment. Having this authorization in place ensures you can act quickly in the dog’s best interest if an emergency arises.

Kennels should use both the Boarding Information Sheet and the Boarding Liability Waiver because these documents work together to protect the dog, the owner, and the boarding facility. The information sheet ensures that caregivers have accurate details to meet the dog’s daily needs, manage behavior, and respond appropriately to any medical concerns. The liability waiver provides legal protection for the kennel while offering owners confidence that their dog will be cared for according to clearly defined guidelines. By using both documents, kennels can improve safety, maintain professionalism, and create a smoother, more reliable boarding experience for everyone involved.

I’ve create two documents you can use as a template and uploaded them to the NetKennel website.
You can view the Boarding Information Sheet here : Boarding Information Sheet
And the Boarding Liability Waiver here : Boarding Liability Waiver