Nikki's Dog Boarding

Nikki's Dog Boarding is an in-home, cage-free dog boarding service in Los Angeles, run out of a private house on Lyceum Ave. rather than a commercial kennel building. No more than five dogs stay overnight at a time. Dogs have the run of the house instead of a numbered run, and the group stays small enough that one person knows each dog in it.

What a stay looks like

Dogs move between the house and a fully enclosed backyard with a locked gate. The yard has both sunny and shady areas, so there is somewhere comfortable to settle in most weather. Every dog goes out for a long walk each day. Owners get photo and video updates while they are away.

Key details

• Cage-free overnight boarding at $65 per night
• Fully enclosed backyard with a locked gate
• A long daily walk for every dog
• Daily photo and video updates
• Oral medication administered and special diets accommodated

Before the first stay

A pre-boarding Meet & Greet at the house comes first. It gives the owner a look at the rooms and yard where the dog will actually be staying, and it lets the dog get a low-key introduction before drop-off day. Proof of current vaccinations is required.

Who it tends to suit

The small-group, in-home setup fits dogs who do better in a household than in a kennel environment: seniors, dogs on daily medication, dogs with particular food needs, and dogs who get rattled by noise and crowds. Dogs who are crate-trained and sleep better in a crate can bring one along, though the house itself is cage-free. With only five overnight spots, it is worth asking about dates early by phone at 310-308-3976 or by email.