Free template · 8 min read
Dog boarding contract template and intake form
A plain-English boarding contract plus the intake form that goes with it. Fill in your rates and policies below, then download it for Word or Google Docs, save it as a PDF, or copy the text. Works for kennels, daycare-with-boarding and in-home boarders.
Why boarding needs its own contract
A walk is thirty minutes. A boarding stay is days or weeks with the dog living under your roof, often while the owner is on a plane. More can happen, and more of it happens when nobody can be reached. That is why a boarding contract carries terms a walking contract does not: vaccination proof, a vet spending limit you can act on alone, group play consent, late pickup fees, and a clause for the rare owner who never comes back.
It also protects your calendar. Boarding is booked by the night, and a holiday week cancelled two days out is a week you cannot resell. A deposit and a clear cancellation window fix that.
What the contract covers
- Stay dates, drop-off and pickup. Set windows and a late fee, and say that pickup after closing is another night.
- Rates and deposit. Per-night rate, extra pet rate, deposit percentage, and when the balance is due.
- Holiday and peak dates. A per-night surcharge for the weeks everyone wants.
- Cancellation. How many days out the deposit is refundable, and that early pickup does not shorten the bill.
- Vaccinations. Which ones, proof from a vet, and your right to refuse a dog without it.
- Health and behavior disclosure. Conditions, allergies, bite history, escape habits, in writing.
- Emergency vet authorization. Permission to treat up to a set dollar amount without reaching the owner.
- Medication and feeding. Original containers, enough food plus spare, and what happens if it runs out.
- Group play consent. Opt in or opt out, with the honest risk spelled out.
- Liability. Injury, illness, stress-related stomach upset, escape, and damage the dog causes.
- Pets not collected. When a dog counts as abandoned and what you are allowed to do.
- Photo consent and signatures.
Fill it in and download it
Add your business details, rates and policies. The preview updates as you type. Owner and pet details stay as blanks to fill in per booking. Leave the intake form ticked to get both documents in one file.
Your details
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Dog Boarding Agreement
This agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on [DATE] between [YOUR BUSINESS NAME], operating at [YOUR ADDRESS] (the "Provider"), and [OWNER FULL NAME], of [OWNER ADDRESS] (the "Owner"), for the boarding of the pet(s) listed on the attached intake form.
1. Stay dates, drop-off and pickup
The stay begins on [CHECK-IN DATE] and ends on [CHECK-OUT DATE]. Drop-off is between 8:00 to 10:00 am and pickup is between 4:00 to 6:00 pm, unless agreed otherwise in writing. Pickup after the window is charged a late fee of $25, and pickup after closing is charged as an additional night.
2. Rates, deposit and payment
Boarding is charged at $55 per night for the first pet and $35 per night for each additional pet from the same household. A deposit of 25% of the estimated total is due to confirm the booking. The balance is due at pickup, payable by card, Venmo or Zelle. Add-on services are charged at the rates in effect at the time of booking.
3. Holiday and peak dates
Stays that include a holiday or peak date published by Provider are charged an additional $15 per night for each such night. Provider will state any peak dates at the time of booking.
4. Cancellation
Cancellations made at least 7 days before check-in receive a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations with less notice forfeit the deposit. Early pickup does not reduce the charge for the booked nights. Holiday and peak bookings may carry a longer cancellation window, stated at booking.
5. Vaccinations
Owner will provide proof of current vaccinations before check-in, issued by a licensed veterinarian. For dogs this includes rabies, DHPP (distemper/parvo) and Bordetella, plus [ANY OTHERS YOU REQUIRE, e.g. canine influenza]. Provider may refuse or end a stay for any pet without current proof on file, and the deposit is then non-refundable. Owner confirms the pet(s) are on flea and tick prevention.
6. Health and behavior disclosure
Owner confirms the pet(s) are in good health and has disclosed, on the intake form, all known medical conditions, allergies, and any history of aggression, biting, escaping, or separation anxiety. Provider may separate, decline, or end the stay of a pet whose behavior puts people or other animals at risk, and Owner agrees to collect the pet promptly if asked.
7. Emergency veterinary authorization
If a pet becomes ill or injured, Owner authorizes Provider to seek care from the Owner's listed veterinarian or the nearest available veterinary hospital and to approve treatment up to $750 without first reaching Owner. Provider will make reasonable efforts to contact Owner and the emergency contact. Owner is responsible for all veterinary costs and transport, payable within 7 days.
8. Medication
Provider will give medication as written on the intake form, in its original labeled container, at the stated dose and times. Provider is not responsible for reactions to medication supplied by Owner or for doses refused by the pet. Medication administration may carry an additional fee.
9. Feeding
Owner will supply enough of the pet's usual food for the full stay plus [2] extra days, portioned or clearly labeled. If food runs out, Provider may substitute a comparable food and charge for it. Sudden diet changes can cause stomach upset, which Provider will monitor.
10. Group play
Check one: [ ] Owner consents to supervised group play with other boarded dogs. [ ] Owner requests individual play only. Owner understands that group play carries a risk of minor scrapes, nicks, and illness even with supervision and vaccination.
11. Liability, injury, illness and escape
Provider will use reasonable care at all times. Provider carries [INSURANCE CARRIER] insurance, and Provider's liability for any single incident is limited to the coverage limits of that policy. Provider is not liable for illness or injury arising from pre-existing conditions, normal play, stress-related conditions common in boarding (such as loose stool or reduced appetite), or behavior Owner did not disclose. Owner is responsible for any injury or damage the pet causes to people, animals, or property. If a pet escapes, Provider will notify Owner immediately and make every reasonable effort to recover it.
12. Belongings
Owner may bring bedding, toys, and leashes, listed on the intake form. Provider is not responsible for wear, loss, or damage to items brought for the stay.
13. Pets not collected
If a pet is not collected within 5 days of the scheduled pickup date and Provider cannot reach Owner or the emergency contact, the pet will be considered abandoned. Boarding continues to be charged at the nightly rate until collection, and Provider may transfer the pet to a local animal shelter or rescue as permitted by [YOUR STATE] law. Owner remains responsible for all charges.
14. Photo and social media consent
Check one: [ ] Owner grants Provider permission to post photos and videos of the pet on Provider's business channels. [ ] Owner does not consent to photo use beyond private updates sent to Owner.
15. Term and governing law
This Agreement covers the stay above and any later stays booked with Provider unless replaced by a newer version. It is governed by the laws of [YOUR STATE].
Boarding Intake Form
Owner
Full name: ______________________ Mobile: ______________ Second phone: ______________ Email: ______________________ Address: __________________________________ Where you will be during the stay, and whether you will have signal: ______________________
Emergency contact (local, can collect the pet)
Name: ______________________ Relationship: ______________ Phone: ______________
Veterinarian
Practice: ______________________ Phone: ______________ Address: ______________________ Microchip number: ______________________
Each pet (one block per pet)
Name: __________ Species / breed: __________ Age: ____ Sex: ____ Spayed or neutered: Y / N Color and markings: ______________________ Weight: ______ Food (brand, amount, times): ______________________________________ Treats allowed: ______________ Must not be given: ______________ Medications (name, dose, times, how given): ______________________________________ Allergies and medical conditions: ______________________________________ Daily routine (wake, walks, toilet, bedtime, crate or bed): ______________________________________ Gets along with other dogs: Y / N / Some Cats: Y / N Children: Y / N Fears, triggers, escape habits, guarding, bite history: ______________________________________ Quirks we should know about: ______________________________________
Items brought for the stay
[ ] Food (amount: ______) [ ] Medication [ ] Bed or blanket [ ] Toys [ ] Leash / harness [ ] Other: ______________
Vaccination records
[ ] Rabies (expires ______) [ ] DHPP (expires ______) [ ] Bordetella (expires ______) [ ] Other: ______________ Records attached or sent: Y / N
How to use it
- Fill in the builder with your real numbers. If you are still settling on a nightly rate, the guide to starting a dog boarding business walks through pricing, insurance and licensing.
- Download the Word version and edit anything that does not match how you work, such as the vaccine list or how many spare days of food you ask for.
- Have a local lawyer read it once. Ask specifically about the abandonment clause and the liability limits, since those vary most by state.
- Send the contract and intake form before the meet and greet, not at drop-off. Owners rushing to the airport sign without reading.
- Get proof of vaccinations before the first night and note the expiry dates, so you know when to ask again.
- Re-sign when you change your terms, and check the intake form at every stay. Medications and diets change between visits.
The full boarding contract
The same wording as the builder, with [bracketed] fields for your details.
Dog Boarding Agreement
This agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on [DATE] between [YOUR BUSINESS NAME], operating at [YOUR ADDRESS] (the "Provider"), and [OWNER FULL NAME], of [OWNER ADDRESS] (the "Owner"), for the boarding of the pet(s) listed on the attached intake form.
1. Stay dates, drop-off and pickup
The stay begins on [CHECK-IN DATE] and ends on [CHECK-OUT DATE]. Drop-off is between [DROP-OFF WINDOW] and pickup is between [PICKUP WINDOW], unless agreed otherwise in writing. Pickup after the window is charged a late fee of $[25], and pickup after closing is charged as an additional night.
2. Rates, deposit and payment
Boarding is charged at $[NIGHTLY RATE] per night for the first pet and $[EXTRA PET RATE] per night for each additional pet from the same household. A deposit of [25]% of the estimated total is due to confirm the booking. The balance is due at pickup, payable by [YOUR PAYMENT METHODS]. Add-on services are charged at the rates in effect at the time of booking.
3. Holiday and peak dates
Stays that include a holiday or peak date published by Provider are charged an additional $[HOLIDAY SURCHARGE] per night for each such night. Provider will state any peak dates at the time of booking.
4. Cancellation
Cancellations made at least [7] days before check-in receive a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations with less notice forfeit the deposit. Early pickup does not reduce the charge for the booked nights. Holiday and peak bookings may carry a longer cancellation window, stated at booking.
5. Vaccinations
Owner will provide proof of current vaccinations before check-in, issued by a licensed veterinarian. For dogs this includes rabies, DHPP (distemper/parvo) and Bordetella, plus [ANY OTHERS YOU REQUIRE, e.g. canine influenza]. Provider may refuse or end a stay for any pet without current proof on file, and the deposit is then non-refundable. Owner confirms the pet(s) are on flea and tick prevention.
6. Health and behavior disclosure
Owner confirms the pet(s) are in good health and has disclosed, on the intake form, all known medical conditions, allergies, and any history of aggression, biting, escaping, or separation anxiety. Provider may separate, decline, or end the stay of a pet whose behavior puts people or other animals at risk, and Owner agrees to collect the pet promptly if asked.
7. Emergency veterinary authorization
If a pet becomes ill or injured, Owner authorizes Provider to seek care from the Owner's listed veterinarian or the nearest available veterinary hospital and to approve treatment up to $[750] without first reaching Owner. Provider will make reasonable efforts to contact Owner and the emergency contact. Owner is responsible for all veterinary costs and transport, payable within 7 days.
8. Medication
Provider will give medication as written on the intake form, in its original labeled container, at the stated dose and times. Provider is not responsible for reactions to medication supplied by Owner or for doses refused by the pet. Medication administration may carry an additional fee.
9. Feeding
Owner will supply enough of the pet's usual food for the full stay plus [2] extra days, portioned or clearly labeled. If food runs out, Provider may substitute a comparable food and charge for it. Sudden diet changes can cause stomach upset, which Provider will monitor.
10. Group play
Check one: [ ] Owner consents to supervised group play with other boarded dogs. [ ] Owner requests individual play only. Owner understands that group play carries a risk of minor scrapes, nicks, and illness even with supervision and vaccination.
11. Liability, injury, illness and escape
Provider will use reasonable care at all times. Provider carries [INSURANCE CARRIER] insurance, and Provider's liability for any single incident is limited to the coverage limits of that policy. Provider is not liable for illness or injury arising from pre-existing conditions, normal play, stress-related conditions common in boarding (such as loose stool or reduced appetite), or behavior Owner did not disclose. Owner is responsible for any injury or damage the pet causes to people, animals, or property. If a pet escapes, Provider will notify Owner immediately and make every reasonable effort to recover it.
12. Belongings
Owner may bring bedding, toys, and leashes, listed on the intake form. Provider is not responsible for wear, loss, or damage to items brought for the stay.
13. Pets not collected
If a pet is not collected within [5] days of the scheduled pickup date and Provider cannot reach Owner or the emergency contact, the pet will be considered abandoned. Boarding continues to be charged at the nightly rate until collection, and Provider may transfer the pet to a local animal shelter or rescue as permitted by [YOUR STATE] law. Owner remains responsible for all charges.
14. Photo and social media consent
Check one: [ ] Owner grants Provider permission to post photos and videos of the pet on Provider's business channels. [ ] Owner does not consent to photo use beyond private updates sent to Owner.
15. Term and governing law
This Agreement covers the stay above and any later stays booked with Provider unless replaced by a newer version. It is governed by the laws of [YOUR STATE].
Signed:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________
[OWNER FULL NAME]
_____________________________________ Date: ____________
[YOUR NAME], [YOUR BUSINESS NAME]
The boarding intake form
The contract sets the terms. The intake form tells you how to look after this particular dog at 7am on day three. Have owners fill it in for every pet, and confirm it at each check-in. For a longer version with the reasoning behind each field, see the client intake form checklist.
Boarding Intake Form
Owner
Full name: ______________________ Mobile: ______________ Second phone: ______________ Email: ______________________ Address: __________________________________ Where you will be during the stay, and whether you will have signal: ______________________
Emergency contact (local, can collect the pet)
Name: ______________________ Relationship: ______________ Phone: ______________
Veterinarian
Practice: ______________________ Phone: ______________ Address: ______________________ Microchip number: ______________________
Each pet (one block per pet)
Name: __________ Species / breed: __________ Age: ____ Sex: ____ Spayed or neutered: Y / N Color and markings: ______________________ Weight: ______ Food (brand, amount, times): ______________________________________ Treats allowed: ______________ Must not be given: ______________ Medications (name, dose, times, how given): ______________________________________ Allergies and medical conditions: ______________________________________ Daily routine (wake, walks, toilet, bedtime, crate or bed): ______________________________________ Gets along with other dogs: Y / N / Some Cats: Y / N Children: Y / N Fears, triggers, escape habits, guarding, bite history: ______________________________________ Quirks we should know about: ______________________________________
Items brought for the stay
[ ] Food (amount: ______) [ ] Medication [ ] Bed or blanket [ ] Toys [ ] Leash / harness [ ] Other: ______________
Vaccination records
[ ] Rabies (expires ______) [ ] DHPP (expires ______) [ ] Bordetella (expires ______) [ ] Other: ______________ Records attached or sent: Y / N
Paper, PDF, or e-signature
Paper and emailed PDFs work fine for a handful of regulars. The trouble is keeping track: who signed which version, whose rabies certificate expired last month, and which new client booked a holiday week without signing anything.
If you use Nuzzo, paste your contract into Settings > Agreement (the Copy text button above gives you the wording ready to paste). Clients e-sign it before their first stay, either from a link you send or as part of booking online through your booking page, and you keep a copy of exactly what each client signed. Turn on the requirement and any client who has not signed is flagged with a “No agreement” tag in your client list. When a pet has no vaccination records on file, you can request them by link and the owner uploads them from their phone. It is built for this kind of business; see how Nuzzo works as dog boarding software.
Common questions
- What should a dog boarding contract include?
- Stay dates with drop-off and pickup windows, the nightly rate and any extra pet rate, the deposit and when the balance is due, your cancellation policy, holiday or peak date pricing, required vaccinations and proof, a health and behavior disclosure, emergency vet authorization with a spending limit, how medication and feeding are handled, group play consent, a liability section covering injury, illness and escape, what happens if a pet is not collected, photo consent, and signatures from both sides.
- Is there a free dog boarding contract PDF?
- Yes. Fill in your details in the builder on this page and use Print or save as PDF. Your browser's print dialog saves a PDF with your rates and policies already in it. If you want to edit the wording first, download the Word version, which also opens in Google Docs and Pages.
- What forms do I need for dog boarding?
- Two at minimum: a boarding contract that sets the terms (rates, cancellation, liability, vet authorization) and an intake form that captures how to care for each pet (food, medication, routine, behavior, emergency contact, vet). Add current vaccination records on top. Many boarders also keep a short check-in sheet listing the items each dog arrived with.
- Which vaccines should a boarding contract require?
- Most boarding businesses require rabies, DHPP (distemper and parvo) and Bordetella for dogs, and some add canine influenza. Requirements vary by state and by local outbreaks, so check with your vet and your insurer. Ask for proof from a licensed veterinarian rather than the owner's word, and note the expiry dates.
- Does a home boarder need a different contract from a kennel?
- The core terms are the same. Home boarders should also cover the home environment honestly: other animals in the house, children, whether dogs are crated, and how many dogs you take at once. If your local rules cap the number of dogs, keep your contract and your bookings within that number.