Key takeaways
- Options include boarding kennels, pet hotels, home boarding, in-home sitters and friends or family.
- Visit in person, check cleanliness and ask about supervision and emergencies.
- Most facilities require up-to-date vaccines, often including kennel cough.
- Do a trial stay before a long trip.
Vacations, business trips and emergencies happen. Planning dog care in advance makes it less stressful for you and your dog.
Your options
| Option | Pros | Cons | Typical cost (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding kennel | Professional staff, secure, often vet on call | Noisy, less individual attention, stressful for some dogs | $30–$60/night |
| Pet hotel / resort | Private suites, extra activities | More expensive | $50–$100+/night |
| Home boarding (in the sitter's home) | Home environment, fewer dogs | Quality varies; check other pets in the home | $30–$75/night |
| In-home pet sitter (stays at your home) | Dog stays in familiar surroundings; house-sitting too | Most expensive for overnight; need to trust with your home | $50–$120/night |
| Drop-in visits | Affordable for short absences | Dog alone most of the time; not ideal for social dogs | $20–$35/visit |
| Friends or family | Familiar, low cost | Reliability and experience vary | Free–low |
How to choose
Visit in person
- Is it clean and free of strong odors?
- Are dogs supervised? What's the staff-to-dog ratio?
- Where do dogs sleep, and are they alone at night?
- Are play groups separated by size and temperament?
- Is there secure fencing and a double-gate entry?
- How is temperature controlled?
Questions to ask
- What vaccinations do you require? (Usually rabies, DHPP and Bordetella; sometimes canine influenza.)
- What happens in a medical emergency? Which vet do you use?
- Can you give medications? Is there an extra charge?
- How much exercise and one-on-one time will my dog get?
- Can I bring my dog's own food and bedding?
- Do you send updates or photos?
- Are you licensed and insured? (Requirements vary by location.)
- Can I do a trial stay?
For in-home sitters and apps
- Read reviews and check background checks.
- Meet in person first and watch how they interact with your dog.
- Do a trial visit or overnight stay.
Preparing your dog
- Update vaccinations at least 1–2 weeks before (some vaccines need time to work).
- Make sure parasite prevention is current.
- Do a trial stay of one night or a day of daycare.
- Pack: food (pre-portioned), medications with clear instructions, bed or blanket from home, a favorite toy, leash and harness.
- Leave your contact details, your vet's details and an emergency contact.
- Consider leaving a signed note authorizing emergency treatment and a spending limit.
Signs your dog is stressed after boarding
It's normal for dogs to be tired, thirsty or to have a slightly upset stomach after boarding. But call your vet if your dog has a cough, diarrhea lasting more than a day or two, isn't eating, or seems unwell. Kennel cough can show up several days after a stay.
Dogs that shouldn't board in a kennel
Very anxious, elderly, medically fragile or reactive dogs often do better with an in-home sitter or home boarding with no other dogs.
