Preparation
First-Time Dog Boarding: Complete Checklist
Everything you need to prepare, pack, and schedule before leaving your dog at a kennel for the first time.
Read article1,074+ trusted facilities across 49 statesfacilities listed
Find a place your dog will actually love.
Compare local boarding, daycare, and pet sitting by the things that matter — real services, amenities, and verified details. No noise, no guesswork.
- Facilities listed
- 1,074+
- States covered
- 49
- Types of care
- 10
Facilities listed
States covered
Types of care
Our Standard of CarePeace of mind for you.
Peace of mind for you.
Pure joy for them.
We understand that your dog is family. Finding the right boarding facility shouldn't be a guessing game. That's why we list verified amenities and safety details.
Verified Safety Protocols
We prioritize listings that detail their staffing ratios, fire safety, and emergency veterinary plans.
Daily Updates & Transparency
Look for facilities offering daily photo check-ins, text messaging, or 24/7 live webcams.
Tailored Play & Rest Schedules
Filter for options with individual play sessions, group socialization, or luxury private suites.
Cozy, stress-free environments that feel like home
Find dog boarding, daycare, and grooming services
Every kind of care, from daycare to luxury resorts.
Safety First
How we help you find a safe dog kennel
We vet facility details and encourage transparent profiles so you can choose a home-away-from-home that meets strict care standards.
Licensing & Insurance
We prioritize listings that explicitly state their state licensing status and comprehensive liability insurance to protect your pup.
Clean Ventilation
High-quality facilities maintain advanced HVAC and ventilation systems to keep air fresh, clean, and free of airborne pathogens.
Trained Supervision
We look for listings indicating 24/7 staff presence or certified handlers trained in canine behavior, safety, and pet first aid.
Emergency Vet Access
Verified profiles indicate direct protocols for emergency care, partnering with local veterinary hospitals for fast action when needed.
Specialized Care
Select the perfect care style for your dog
Filter by specialized care categories and premium amenities to find a facility tailored to your pup's exact needs and comfort level.
Cage-Free Boarding
Ideal for social dogs who thrive in open, interactive environments. Features continuous group socialization and open sleeping setups.
Luxury Pet Resorts
Premium boarding featuring private climate-controlled suites, ultra-plush bedding, 24/7 webcams, and personalized enrichment.
Veterinary-Supervised
Boarding facilities located directly within or partnered with veterinary hospitals. Perfect for dogs requiring continuous medical monitoring.
Medical Boarding
Specialized care for dogs with ongoing health concerns, disabilities, or senior pets requiring daily insulin, medications, or mobility aids.
Training & Behavior Focused
Combine boarding with structured training. Ideal for working on recall, obedience, or social behaviors with certified professional handlers.
In-Home Boarding
A cozy, low-stress alternative where your dog lives as a member of a caregiver's household. Excellent for senior or high-anxiety pups.
Owner ApprovedBuilt for owners who
Built for owners who
love their dogs.
Leaving your pup is tough, but picking them up happy and exhausted is the best feeling. Our platform is designed to make that transition stress-free.
“
Finding a boarding facility where Cooper was actually excited to run in the door changed everything for our vacations. He gets treated like a king and comes home happy.
SK
Sarah K.
Pet Parent to Cooper (Golden Retriever)
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Find the perfect kennel close to home. Explore licensed boarding, daycare, and pet-sitting directories across the US.
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Expert Advice
View all guidesExpert tips for stress-free stays
Pricing Guide
Dog Boarding Costs: Rates & Pricing Factors
Understand typical daily rates, luxury packages, peak holiday pricing, and how to avoid hidden care fees.
Read articleAnxiety & Behavior
How to Board a Dog with Separation Anxiety
Proven techniques to help anxious dogs adjust to a kennel stay, and what instructions to leave for staff.
Read articleHow it works
1Search your area
Enter your city or ZIP to find boarding and daycare facilities near you.
2Compare services
Review services, amenities, and location to find the right fit for your dog.
3Reach out directly
Contact your chosen facility to ask questions and arrange a stay.
Preparation Guide
Anxiety-Free Boarding Timeline
Simple steps to prepare your dog for a safe, stress-free kennel stay.
012–4 Weeks Out
Vaccines & Health
Check that Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella are current. Request a PDF copy of records from your vet.
021–2 Weeks Out
Daycare Trial Stay
Book a half-day daycare session so your dog gets comfortable with the staff, smells, and routines.
033 Days Out
Pack Familiar Comforts
Pre-portion food to avoid stomach upsets. Pack a worn shirt or blanket with your scent.
04Day of Drop-off
Keep Goodbyes Quick
Avoid long emotional goodbyes. Hand off the leash with a happy, calm attitude.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Boarding
Everything you need to know to ensure a happy, safe stay for your pup.
What should I pack for my dog's boarding stay?
Always pack your dog's regular food (pre-portioned is best to prevent digestive issues), their favorite blanket or shirt with your scent to help them settle, any daily medications, and a copy of their vaccine records if not already uploaded.
How do I know if a facility is clean and safe?
A trusted kennel will gladly offer tours (often without notice during business hours), have clear sanitation protocols, show visible security fencing, have climate-controlled rooms, and maintain up-to-date vaccine requirements for all pets.
What vaccines do boarding facilities require?
Almost all professional kennels require Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), and Bordetella (kennel cough). Some also require Canine Influenza or a negative fecal exam. Always confirm with the kennel at booking.
What if my dog gets anxious or has separation anxiety?
Let the staff know in advance. Choose facilities that offer dedicated quiet spaces, sensory enrichment, or extra one-on-one cuddle sessions. Pack an item that smells like home to place in their sleeping area.
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Why families trust us
Easy to find
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Browse photos, services, and amenities — and we say plainly when a detail isn't known.
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