- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
You’re venturing away from home for a few days—on vacation, to a weekend wedding, or sorting out your new house—and can’t take your pup with you. What now? Say hello to dog boarding!
Dog boarding is when a dog remains overnight with a sitter or rotating staff members while their owner is away. Dogs can stay in facilities, like local brick and mortar locations, or in a private home with a sitter found through sitter marketplaces like Rover. Your dog will get food, activities, and socialization opportunities, and at the end of the day they’ll enjoy a sleepover—sometimes with luxury extras included!
Boarding your dog helps keep them safe and secure when you head somewhere pets aren’t allowed, but it might have some benefits, too. For example, boarding can help ease the stress of a dog who misses their owner and can be especially helpful for active dogs who love human company, according to Dr. Mike Dugan, senior veterinarian at Small Door Vet.
But exactly how does dog boarding work, and what type of boarding facility will work best for your pet? Read on to find out!
Reasons to Board Your Dog
While some locations offer both boarding and day care, the use case are very different.
Boarding your dog is for when you can’t take your dog with you on your travels, work commitments, or maintain their usual routine for a period of time.
This is different from dog day care, which is where dogs socialize with other dogs and get exercise. For example, people have used dog boarding during wedding events, childbirth, or when moving homes. Knowing that their dog’s exercise, socialization, and care needs are met even while they are away can bring peace of mind.
Types of Dog Boarding Options
All dog boarding facilities provide food, care, and shelter. However, some facilities may offer extras and special services, like individual training or spa treatments.
Traditional boarding kennels
Average price: $22-$55 per night
These are usually a purpose-built block of kennels and require a license, says Victoria Keating, manager at Animal Magic Family Pet Retreat. “Each kennel will have a small area for the dog to sleep and an enclosed run they can access at any time.”
She says many kennels now offer more home comforts and options for exercise sessions. With most kennels of this kind, the owners live on-site and have cameras in all areas to keep an eye on the dogs.
Traditional boarding kennels are fairly inexpensive, but they’re not ideal for all dogs.
For example, Keating says they’re not suitable for anxious dogs—boarding an anxious dog in a kennel can result in increased anxiety, which is very difficult to improve once they get home, Keating says.
In-home dog boarding
Average price: $45-$75 per night
This type of boarding involves your dog staying at another person’s house, where they may have crates and beds set up to care for multiple pets. This service can be found in your local network or through marketplaces like Rover.
“Most in-home dog boarding providers are not licensed or insured,” Davis says. He adds that this type of boarding usually has just one caretaker watching over the dogs and providing occasional walks.
“In-home boarding is a great option for senior dogs and dogs that cannot be socialized,” Davis says.
Daycare and dog boarding kennels
Average price: $55-$80 per day and night
These facilities generally offer a set price for a combination of daycare and overnight boarding, Davis says. “Professionally run daycare/boarding facilities will be licensed through the city they operate in and insured,” he adds.
Some facilities of this type offer both kennel and open care options, so you can choose the best fit for your dog. They will also provide exercise, rest, and play sessions throughout the day
“Most daycare and kennel facilities will have enough staff to provide 24/7 care,” Davis says. The activities offered during the daycare sessions make these facilities better suited to sociable and energetic dogs.
Luxury dog hotels and resorts
Average price: $65-$140 per night
Luxury boarding hotel is where your dog will get a resort like experience while you’re away. Keating says these facilities need a license to operate, and they have one staff member for every four dogs.
In addition to luxurious settings—think human-style beds, underfloor heating, and beautiful decor—these pet hotels offer playtime and exercise sessions (often one-on-one). They also have additional extras, like grooming and pampering.
A luxury boarding hotel can work for all types and sizes of dogs, but it’s best if your dog is friendly and tolerant of dogs around them, Tryon says.
Board and train facilities
Average price: $1,500-$4,000 per stay
Want to combine overnight stays with some behavior training? Board and train facilities could be a good solution.
This type of boarding offers dedicated training sessions alongside overnight care, often in a kennel, plus exercise, playtime, and rest time. Training can cover everything from obedience to aggressive behaviors.
Instead of single-night stays, board and train facilities usually involve a longer 1-3 week stay.
“These facilities are usually licensed and insured in the city they operate,” Davis says. “Board and train facilities are great options for busy pet parents who frequently travel or don’t have time to personally train their pets.”
House and pet sitting
Average price: $25-$45 per night
This option involves someone staying at your house while you’re away, so they can keep an eye on your pets and your belongings.
“A house sitter often works alone or with a partner and may do other tasks such as cleaning, washing, or gardening,” Keating explains.
While no license is required for this service, it’s important to establish ground rules—including how long the sitter can leave your dog alone if they need to go out.
You should always make sure your sitter has had extensive training in animal care, handling, and safety, Tryon says. She adds that this type of care is a good option if your dog has any major health or mobility issues or experiences separation anxiety.
Veterinary boarding
Average price: $30-$60 per night
Some veterinary clinics may offer boarding facilities. However, this practice seems to be less common now, Dr. Dugan says.
Clinic-based facilities usually involve kennels with beds and blankets, as well as an enclosed outdoor space for dogs to exercise. Since clinics have trained medical staff on-site, you might consider this option if your dog has health issues or you’d like staff with extra first-aid training.
“The nice thing is that there’s doctor readily available if something happens,” Dr. Dugan says.
However, not all clinics have staff on-site overnight, so it’s important to check before you book your dog’s stay.
What Does Dog Boarding Include?
The demand for dog boarding services is growing rapidly: In fact, the worldwide market seems likely to reach over $35 billion in the next five years. Dog boarding has also changed throughout the years, moving away from traditional kennels to in-home boarding and luxury pet resorts where care can be customized to meet the needs of various dogs with widely different personalities.
1. A temporary space
Dog boarding facilities have come a long way from a routine of crate rotations. Places now offer private rooms or shared spaces for siblings.
If your pup doesn’t love social settings, kennels and crate-based facilities can offer a sense of security and comfort, DJ Davis, owner of Animal Kingdom Santa Monica says. An “open care” boarding facility may be great for social dogs who love to play and explore.
2. Meet & Greets and trial days
Before your dog officially stays over, they should have a Meet & Greet at the home or practice day at the dog boarding facility you choose. If your dog is a good fit, then you’ll come back on the day of your booking and check them in, bringing all their items (such as food, medical records, and toys).
3. Play, exercise, and socialization
During the stay, many boarding facilities offer some kind of routine involving rest, play, and exercise. Routine is important, since it promotes stability and confidence in a dog, says Davis. Play can be in groups or one-on-one times with a staff member. Well-socialized dogs who regularly interact with other dogs and people are often happier throughout their stay.
If you have a specific routine for your dog, then pet sitting or house sitting may be a better option. With house sitting services, sitters agree to your dog’s routine and needs while dog boarding environments require a dog to adapt to the facility or home’s schedule. Under socialized dogs will also prefer in-home boarding than a traditional kennel.
4. Report cards and updates
Some boarding facilities provide updates with pictures each day so you can keep up with your dog. When booking through Rover, pet parents can receive a Rover Card from their sitter as part of their photo updates.
“Pet parents feel at ease and more connected to their animals when we provide these updates in their absence,” Davis says.
5. Special care for food, hygiene, or playtime
Alongside set feeding times, Kim Tryon, veterinary technician and owner of K9 Resorts Mount Pleasant, says many boarding facilities offer various feeding options, including allowing you to bring your dog’s favorite foods from home. “They can closely monitor intake and provide additives if your pet isn’t eating as well as they should be,” she adds.
Other facilities also provide an a la carte menu where you can request solo walks, chew treats, or even a nail trim for an additional fee. Sitters through Rover include most of these services in their boarding fees. (Although bathing and grooming is usually an add-on.)
6. Specific drop off and pick up times
When picking up or dropping your dog, there will be an assigned or agreed upon time. Missing this window often leads to additional fees, such as extended care costs or cost of day care.
Do Dogs Understand They’re Being Boarded?
Dogs can definitely tell when they’re being boarded, Keating says. Most dog will encounter some degree of stress when at a boarding facility the first time, but the stress can decrease as they become familiar with their caretakers and staff.
Feelings of stress and anxiety can show up as:
- Pacing
- Drooling
- Whining
- Barking
- Loose stools
- Tiredness
- Behavior changes
- Refusing food
If these signs or symptoms are a one-off, L’Huillier says it might simply be that your dog feels a bit overwhelmed or overstimulated.
If these signs persist, however, he suggests having a conversation with the facility or trying something else instead of boarding, like a mix of pet sitting and dog walking.
Speak to your vet if symptoms such as loose stools, tiredness, and loss of appetite continue, since these can also point to an underlying illness.
Dog Boarding Risks and How to Avoid Them
The pros and cons of dog boarding depend on your dog’s personality, the care provider, and environment. We recommend researching and evaluating your sitter or facility carefully to lower the following risks:
- Increased disease
- Worsened underlying health issues
- Environmental stress
- Decreased quality of care
Here are steps you can take to mitigate the risks:
1. Make sure your boarding option requires vaccinations
Most facilities require up-to-date vaccinations for diseases such as parvovirus, influenza, distemper, and kennel cough before taking them on.
Just like people, dogs have a higher risk of picking up germs and developing infections after time in group settings. “Disease risk is always present when dogs mix,” Jamie L’Huillier, co-owner of Kuri City Doggy Daycare in Christchurch, says.
2. Keep your dog on their preventative schedule
Sticking to your dog’s flea and worm prevention schedule before you board them will help prevent parasites, according to Keating.
3. Match the environment to your dog’s preferences
While some dogs thrive in group environments, even while away from their families, others find it more challenging. Dogs who feel stressed may bark excessively.
Dr. Dugan says it’s important to consider whether your dog has any underlying health conditions that an incompatible boarding stay could exacerbate. “This would include things like stress-induced colitis, and hormonal deficiencies,” he says. “[These] can be made worse by stress.”
4. Opt for luxury or in-home boarding
“High-anxiety dogs, dogs with a history of aggression, or dogs that don’t cope well with change may struggle,” L’Huillier says. Some dog hotels or facilities have enough space for your dog to acclimate.
Finding an option that allows Meet & Greets or trial days for dogs will help set expectations. If your dog doesn’t do well in group settings, in-home dog boarding may be a better fit.
5. Acclimate your dog to being separated
To help your dog settle at a boarding facility, Keating and Tryon share a few tips:
- Don’t let your dog watch you leave. Wait until they’re distracted by play or exercise.
- Take care how to react when you leave your dog. If you feel anxious or upset, they’ll often pick up on those emotions.
- Socialize your dog as much as possible beforehand to help them get used to new people, scents, and sounds. If possible, visit the facility to let your dog “sniff it out.”
- Try not to let your dog sleep in your bedroom before their boarding stay.
How To Research Your Dog Boarding Options
Deciding where to board your dog is a big decision. After all, you want to make sure your dog gets the care they deserve!
Our experts share some important questions to ask any facility you’re considering, along with a few points to think about as you make your decision.
1. Ask about the environment
- Can I have a tour of your facility and meet your staff members?
- Can I see a copy of your facility license and insurance?
- What is your staff-to-dog ratio?
- How are dogs monitored when nobody is around?
- Do you have webcams?
- What rooms and spaces are available for boarding dogs?
- How often do you clean your facility?
- Is your perimeter and outdoor area secure?
Choosing a clean and well-ventilated facility where the staff communicate honestly and openly can help reduce your dog’s disease risk, according to L’Huillier.
2. Ask about qualifications
- What communication approaches do you take with dogs?
- Do you use positive reinforcement training?
- Are you or your staff certified in any elements of dog care?
- Do you have experience with special needs, anxiety, or medication administration?
- How long have you been caring for dogs, and do you have any experience with my breed of dog?
3. Ask about health requirements
- Do you screen dogs for any health issues upon arrival?
- What vaccinations do you require dogs to have before they can board with you?
4. Ask about routine
- Can you describe a typical day and night at your facility?
- What exercise-based activities do you offer dogs boarding with you?
5. Ask about emergency protocol
- What happens if a dog becomes ill or injured in your care?
- How soon will you contact me if there is an issue or concern?
“A good facility will welcome questions, encourage tours where possible, and have clear policies for illness and behavior issues,” L’Huillier says.
