What Is Dog Boarding and How Does It Work?

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Although vacations can be fun, it's always tough to leave your sweet dog behind. Not only do you miss playing with your pup every day, but you may worry that your pup misses you, too. Finding reputable and safe dog boarding is so important for your peace of mind and your dog's happiness. If you're leaving town, there are several different types of boarding facilities to choose from. Here's a look at your options and what might be best for your furry best friend.

Types of dog boarding

What is dog boarding, and how does it work? Dog boarding can refer to anything from a traditional kennel that will care for your pup to in-home sitters. The main kinds of boarding are:

1. Kennels and traditional boarding

At traditional boarding facilities and dog kennels, pups have their own space, separate from other dogs.¹ Your dog may also have his own dog run, or he'll be taken for walks and play multiple times a day. Veterinary offices may offer traditional boarding facilities of their own, which can be helpful if your pet has any special needs.

2. In-home boarding with pet sitters

In-home or private pet boarding typically refers to your pet staying at another person's home, usually a professional pet sitter.¹ These dog-sitting services may keep just one pet at a time or a few, depending on the space.

3. Pet care in your own home

Another option is keeping your pet at your home and either having a live-in pet sitter or someone visiting your dog multiple times a day.² The person might be a professional dog sitter, a neighbor or a friend.

4. Luxury or upscale boarding

If you want a little more posh for your pet, consider luxury and upscale boarding options. It's like doggy daycare every day! These may offer larger yards or even have pools for swimming.³ They may offer grooming, special treats or TV and music for mental stimulation. Others have webcams so you can check on your pet every day.²

Pros and cons of dog boarding

Dog boarding can benefit both you and your pup. For one thing, you'll feel less worried knowing your pup is in safe hands.⁴ But the pros and cons can vary depending on which type of boarding you choose.

Pros and cons of boarding away from home

There are quite a few pros and cons for boarding away from home, whether it's a traditional kennel or a more upscale boarding location.

At a kennel, your dog will be in the hands of professional caretakers.⁴ In some cases, there may even be veterinarians on site. You'll have a professional making sure your pup gets his medications and the right kind of food.²

Your dog will also enjoy a lot of exercise and socialization opportunities with pets and people, depending on the location.²

But it's worth noting that these same benefits can be disadvantages, depending on your dog and the facility you choose. Some kennels can be stressful and noisy. And exposure to more dogs means potential exposure to illnesses.

Some dogs may feel anxious being away from home. If your dog is particularly uncomfortable being around other people or animals, lodging him outside of your home might not be the best choice.

Pros and cons of boarding in your own home

If you choose to board in your own home, there are other pros and cons to consider.² You'll still feel safer knowing your pup is being watched over, and you'll know there's someone around to make sure he gets his medications and the right kind of food. But, depending on who you hire, you may not have professional care. Instead, you might have a trusted friend or family member watching your dog, which could mean just as much to you (if not more).

Many dogs will feel more comfortable staying in the home they're familiar with, rather than being moved to a different location. However, a downside is that it might be more expensive to hire a professional to come to your home or stay at your place overnight for several days, especially during busier seasons like holidays.

In addition, more social dogs might feel lonely if someone is only visiting once a day. And there's a chance they might try to escape if you don't have a sitter who is taking enough precautions. It's important to make sure you hire someone you know and trust or who has a lot of references.

What to look for when choosing a dog boarder

When choosing a dog boarder or pet sitter, don't be afraid to visit the facility or interview the sitter and ask a lot of questions. Here are some things to look for:

• Credibility. Is the facility or sitter licensed and insured?³ What do online reviews or other pet parents say about the service?⁵
• The inside of the space. How clean and safe is it?⁵ Is it noisy? Does it have temperature control? Is the kennel spacious enough?¹
• The outdoor area.⁵ Is it secure enough that your dog can't slip out the fence? How much socialization do the dogs get each day?¹ Are the dogs allowed to interact? (Note that this could lead to an increase in contagious illnesses and potentially scuffles.)
• Qualifications. Meet the staff or sitter. What is their training and experience? How do they interact with dogs?
• Safety. If it's a facility, is someone on site 24/7?⁵ What is the ratio of pets to people?¹
• Access to medical care. Do they have first aid certification and access to veterinary services?⁵ If your dog needs veterinary attention, will they use your preferred vet, or do they use a different one?
• Health precautions. Which vaccinations are required? Is there flea and tick screening?⁵ Are there other requirements, like temperature checks?²
• Special support. Are there accommodations for dogs with special needs?² Who will be giving medications if needed?

If your dog has special needs—whether she's often anxious and scared or doesn't socialize well—this could determine the best boarding solution. A dog who gets stressed around other pups might need an in-home pet sitter, while a dog who craves socialization might thrive in a boarding facility.²

How to prepare for dog boarding

You'll need to do a few things to get ready to board your dog:

• Make sure your pet has all her required vaccinations and health records.¹
• Pack his medications, food and favorite treats.¹
• Pack comfort items for your dog, such as bedding, favorite toys and something with your scent on it.¹
• If you can, bring your dog for an early visit to meet the staff or sitter.³
• Write out detailed explanations about your pet's food and medicine requirements, including when she gets walks and meals. Leave your contact information and an emergency in-town contact.⁵ Some facilities will cover this in a questionnaire you complete before boarding your dog.
• Ask what your dog's daily schedule will look like there, so you know what he'll be doing while you're gone.
• Find out if you'll be given daily updates and photos or if you'll have a webcam to check.
• Ask about any drop-off and pickup rules.

Cost of dog boarding

The average cost of dog boarding varies depending on the facility.¹ Traditional kennels cost less than fancier facilities. Pet sitters who visit your house may cost less than sitters who keep your dog in their home or stay in your home. While you're shopping around, ask about any discounts or specials, such as a multiple pet discount.

Will your dog be happy in a boarding facility?

If you're worried your dog will be unhappy or feel abandoned while you're gone, you can most likely put those fears aside.⁶ In general, dogs do great when boarding, and they don't hold a grudge! Your pup will have lots of playtime to distract him, whether he's in a boarding facility or in your home. Just leave him with his favorite toys and ask for updates every day. You'll both have a relaxing time, and your reunion when you get home will be joyful.

From Pets Best

Investing in pet insurance is a great way to prepare for the unexpected, even if something happens while you're out of town. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans cover unexpected illnesses and accidents and can be customized for your pet's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.

Sources/Citations

1. Lam, Jackie. (2020, December 16). Everything You Need to Know About Pet Boarding. Chewy. https://be.chewy.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pet-boarding/

2. (2020, November 3). The Pros and Cons of Pet Boarding and Pet Sitting. Chewy. https://be.chewy.com/pros-and-cons-of-pet-boarding-and-pet-sitting/

3. Howerton, Traci. (2023, April 7). Need Dog Day Care While You're on Vacay? Ask These 10 Questions Before Choosing One. NOLA.com. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/need-dog-daycare-while-youre-on-vacay-10-questions-to-ask/article_6aae434c-d312-11ed-a88e-e7ba52adf716.html

4. Cosgrove, Nicole. (2023, March 22). 5 Health Benefits of Dog Boarding—Based on Science. Hepper. https://www.hepper.com/health-benefits-of-dog-boarding/

5. (2021, June 16). Dog Boarding: What to Know & What to Look For When Boarding Your Dog. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-boarding-tips-for-boarding-your-dog/

6. (2020, February 19). How to Leave Your Dog at Home While You're on Vacation or Away. JetPet Resort. https://jetpetresort.com/blog/dog-boarding/how-to-leave-your-dog-at-home-while-youre-on-vacation-or-away/