10 signs of a good dog hotel

Choosing where to leave your dog is a decision built on trust. Pretty photos and tempting prices count for little if the essentials are missing: safety, hygiene and real care. We've gathered 10 concrete signs that help tell a genuinely good dog hotel from one that only looks good.

1. It is registered with DGAV

In Portugal, an animal-boarding establishment must notify the local council before it starts operating, and the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV) then gives it a registration number, published in DGAV's official list of establishments. That registration isn't decorative: the establishment must still meet requirements for space, hygiene, safety and record-keeping. A good hotel gives you its number without hesitation, and you can check it against DGAV's list.

2. It checks every dog's vaccinations

A hotel that takes your dog without asking for a vaccination record is, in practice, accepting unvaccinated dogs alongside yours. The mandatory check at arrival is what protects every animal present — including yours. It's also the best defence against illnesses like kennel cough. Learn more about the requirements in Vaccination — what you need to know.

3. It controls capacity

More dogs per carer means less attention for each one and a higher risk of stress and conflict. A good hotel sets clear occupancy limits and respects them, even in high-demand periods like Christmas and summer. Ask how many dogs they house at once and how many carers are present.

4. It keeps unfamiliar dogs apart

Socialisation is good — but it can't be forced. A good establishment assesses each dog's temperament and manages groups with judgement, separating animals by size, energy and compatibility. Dogs that prefer quiet have a right to quiet.

5. It has trained carers on site

The difference between supervising and caring lies in the people. Carers who recognise signs of stress, discomfort or illness can act early. Ask who stays with the dogs overnight — a serious hotel has 24-hour presence or monitoring, and doesn't lock the door at 7pm.

6. It maintains visible, rigorous hygiene

A smell of urine, dirty water bowls or shared beds left unwashed are warning signs. Rigorous hygiene of surfaces, bowls and toys isn't aesthetics — it's disease prevention. On a visit, trust your nose and your eyes.

7. It offers stimulation, not just lodging

A dog shut in a kennel all day gets bored and stressed. A good hotel builds walks, play and moments of environmental enrichment into the daily routine. Ask what a typical day looks like for a boarding dog.

8. It communicates with you

You want news of your dog — and you have every right to it. Establishments that naturally send a photo or a message show transparency and pride in their work. A total absence of communication should make you wonder what isn't being shown.

9. It welcomes (and encourages) pre-visits

A hotel proud of its facilities opens its doors. Refusing a pre-visit, or only letting you see reception, is a sign to take seriously. Use the visit to prepare the stay well — we have a full guide in How to prepare your dog for their first stay.

10. It has a plan for emergencies

What happens if your dog falls ill at 3am? A good hotel has a defined veterinary protocol, emergency contacts and insurance. Ask — the answer tells you a great deal about the level of responsibility on offer.

Questions to ask before booking

If you want a quick way to test an establishment, take these questions to a visit or a phone call. The answers — and the willingness to answer — tell you almost everything:

• Are you registered with DGAV? What is your registration number?
• Do you ask every dog for a vaccination record? Do you check it at arrival?
• How many dogs do you house at once, and how many carers are present?
• How do you decide which dogs stay together and which are kept apart?
• Is someone with the dogs overnight?
• What does a typical day look like? Which activities and walks are included?
• Will I get news or photos during the stay?
• What's the protocol in a veterinary emergency?
• Can I visit the facilities before booking?

An establishment that answers these clearly and openly has already passed the most important test. Hesitation, evasiveness or irritation are, in themselves, an answer.

Trust your instinct, too

Beyond the checklist, there's a factor that's hard to measure but impossible to ignore: how does your dog feel in the place? Dogs read environments long before we do. If your dog walks in relaxed, sniffs the space with curiosity and accepts the carers, that's an excellent sign. If they react with persistent fear, it's worth paying attention. Your instinct as an owner, combined with these ten objective criteria, is the best decision-making tool you have.

In summary

A good dog hotel combines heart and method: it loves dogs and follows rules. DGAV registration, verified vaccinations, controlled capacity, serious hygiene, daily stimulation and open communication are the minimum to demand. Everything else — the décor, the name, the price — comes after.

At Cão com Cão we built each of these care practices as a foundation, not an extra. Book a visit or a stay and come see for yourself, or get in touch with any questions.