When youāre looking to board your dog, itās important to find a situation thatās comfortable for both you and your dog. These days, there are more options than ever to choose from when leaving your dog in the care of others. In addition to boarding kennels, there are dog sitters who will board your dog in their home or your own.
A good place to start is by asking your veterinarian, groomer, dog-owning friends, or neighbors for the names of boarding kennels or dog sitters they recommend. Itās important to know the right questions to ask and the right things to look for when finding the right āhome-away-from-homeā boarding experience for your dog.
Types of Pet Boarding Facilities
Dog Kennels
When people think of traditional pet boarding, dog kennels usually come to mind. Dog kennels usually have an individual, designated area for each canine. Pet parents may prefer to keep their dogs separated from other dogs because theyāre aggressive; are small, meek, dogs; or donāt like other dogs.
Doggy Daycare
While doggy daycare is typically a place you take your dog for several hours during the day, some offer pet boarding as well.
Some daycare facilities, under the supervision of a trained staffer, offer an open area where pooches can roam freely and play with one another. Other facilities house pets in separate, caged areas for part of the day, and then let them roam in an open play area with other dogs for the rest of the time. This is best if your dog is social and enjoys the company of other dogs.
Pet parents will be questioned on their canineās medical history and whether they have any behavioral issues. Because thereās a heavy degree of socialization at this type of facility, thereās a more in-depth evaluation process.
Pet Hotels
While some pet hotels may provide more luxurious accommodations, sometimes a pet hotel is another way of saying kennel boarding or cage-free boarding. Youāll want to review each pet hotel separately. Contact the facility directly to receive specific information about the setup and structure.
Veterinary Offices
If your dog or cat has special medical needsāan older pet on medication, a pet who has an infection, is contagious, is bandaged up from a wound, or is recovering from surgery several weeks agoāyou may want to board him through you veterinarianās office.
While boarding through a veterinary office, cats usually are in a cage, while dogs are in a large run and get several walks a day. Multiple dogs may be housed in a single run.
As for the onboarding process, pet parents typically need to provide basic information, such as what the pet eats, if there is any special medical attention or care needed, and emergency contact info.
Private Pet Boarding
An alternative to traditional types of pet boarding is private, in-house boarding where you take your pet to someoneās home. Benefits include a more intimate setting with fewer animals, and typically more playtime and attention.
How to Choose a Boarding Facility
Start by visiting a boarding facilityās website and look over reviews there and on review sites like Yelp.com to glean as much info as you can. If you have additional questions, give the facility a call.
Checklist
Here are some of the basic things to consider bringing when boarding your dog.
- Daily Food
- Favorite Treats
- Blankets or Towel
- Make sure beds are provided. If not, bring one for your furry friend!
Locations
Tails of the City – Doggy Daycare and Boarding – 1621 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
š www.tailsofthecityseattle.com
Little Dog Garden – 1424 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
š www.littledoggarden.com
Seattle Puppyworks – 3851, 1417 10th Ave studio a, Seattle, WA 98122
š www.seattlepuppyworks.com
Jake N Friends Pet Services – 2121 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122
š www.jakenfriends.com
Trails and Tails Dog Walking – 601 E Roy St, Seattle, WA 98102
š trailsandtailsdogwalking.com
Downtown Dog Lounge – 1011 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109
š www.downtowndoglounge.com
Kristiās Grooming – 2407 10th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
Grateful Dog – 2711 NE 54th St, Seattle, WA 98105
š www.gratefuldogseattle.com
Metro Dog – 4020 23rd Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199
š www.metrodogseattle.com
Seattle Canine Club – 2751 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
š www.seattlecanineclub.com
The Dog Resort Sodo – 629 S Industrial Way, Seattle, WA 98108
š seattledogresort.com
Questions (FAQ) :
- How much does it cost to board a dog?
- The average cost to board a dog is $40 per night, with rates ranging from $25 to $85. Doggy daycare costs about $25 per day or $15 for a half-day, while luxury overnight hotels charge $75+ a night. Get free estimates from dog boarding kennels near you.
- What is included in dog boarding?
- The cost to board a dog ranges, depending for the most part on where you are in the country and what services are included. Many boarding facilities offer group playtime during the day as well as other options you can add on like training, grooming, treats, and walks.
- Is it OK to board your dog?
- While it may seem like a logical idea, boarding your dog in a traditional kennel while youāre away may do more harm than good. Dogs left in the kennel often go through undue anxiety, physical issues, and behavioral changes associated with feelings of abandonment.
Questions to ask a Boarding Facility:
- What shots do dogs need to be boarded?
- How noisy is the facility?
- Do they allow intactāthose not spayed or neuteredāanimals?
- Do they offer transportation for your pet?
- How large are the playgroups?
- How are the facilities cleaned?
- Whatās the ratio of dog or cat per people?
- How much playtime and exercise will they get?