Dog boarding: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What dog boarding is

Dog boarding houses your dog overnight at a boarding facility or a host home, with meals, play, rest and supervision. Boarding is used when you travel, work long days or need a safe place for your dog while you are away.

Signs you need it

  • You are travelling and need a safe place for your dog to stay overnight
  • You work long hours and your dog cannot be left alone at home all day and night
  • Your dog enjoys company and does well with other dogs and staff
  • You are moving and need a safe place for your dog during the move
  • You need a boarding plan that includes daily care, play and medication if needed

What the pro does

  • Takes your dog's details, vaccination records, medication and feeding routine
  • Checks your dog for health or behavior concerns at drop-off
  • Houses your dog in a kennel suite, a room or a host home, depending on the plan
  • Feeds, waters and walks your dog on the agreed schedule
  • Supervises play and rest, and watches for signs of stress or illness
  • Sends updates and returns your dog at the agreed time with a report

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number of nights and the number of dogs
  • The type of housing, such as a kennel suite, a room or a host home
  • Whether play time, extra walks or group play is included
  • Whether medication, special feeding or a behavior plan is needed
  • Whether grooming, bathing or extra updates are included
  • How long the dog has to stay and whether the stay is extended

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number of nights, the drop-off and the pick-up times
  • The housing type and the play, walk and feeding plan
  • Whether medication, extra care and updates are included
  • Whether vaccination records are required before drop-off
  • The cancellation terms and any late pick-up fees

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What vaccinations do you require, and do you check them before drop-off?
  • How do you house dogs of different sizes and temperaments?
  • Is the boarding area supervised at all times, and by whom?
  • What is your plan if my dog gets sick or hurt during the stay?
  • Do you give medication, and how do you record each dose?
  • Can I see the boarding area and the play area before I book?
  • How do you handle dogs that do not get along with others?

Red flags

  • Does not ask for vaccination records or health history
  • Houses dogs in crowded or dirty spaces with no clear cleaning routine
  • Will not let you see the boarding area before you book
  • Leaves dogs unsupervised for long periods
  • Has no emergency plan or no vet they will call

What you can do yourself

You can prepare for a boarding stay by gathering vaccination records, the food and medication in labeled bags, and your dog's favorite bed or toy. Practice short separations at home so your dog is used to being away. Choose a boarding facility or host home when your dog needs supervision during the day and night, and visit the place before you book.

Licenses and permits

Some cities and counties license boarding kennels or require a boarding permit, so check with your local city, county or animal control office before you book. No state license is usually required for a home-based host, but check local rules.

Dog boarding questions

What vaccinations will my dog need?

Most boarding facilities require proof of certain vaccinations before the stay. Ask the facility for their list, and check with your veterinarian about the timing for your dog.

What should I bring for my dog?

Bring the food in labeled containers, the medication with written instructions, your vet's number, and a familiar bed or toy. Tell the facility about any fears or triggers.

What happens if my dog gets sick while boarding?

The facility should contact you right away and follow the emergency plan. Ask them who they call and what happens if you cannot be reached.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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