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Best Dog Boarding Facilities
2022

The Best Dog Boarding Facilities
Here Are The Top Dog Boarding Facilities
Greentree Animal Hospital

Greentree Animal Hospital

Greentree Animal Hospital offers dog boarding services to pet owners in the Seattle area. It maintains a clean and environment-controlled area where dogs can enjoy their stay. The hospital conducts a proper feeding schedule and medication and accommodates pets with serious medical or chronic conditions. In addition, it performs vaccination, in-house laboratory testing, and surgical procedures, such as laceration repair, stone removal, and spay and neuter surgery. Owner Matthew Kleven is a veterinarian who acquired the clinic in 2012.

Seattle, WA 98116

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The Family Pet

The Family Pet

The Family Pet has been serving Seattle's Ballard area for more than 70 years. The pet clinic provides boarding with additional services such as medication dispensing, nail trims, baths, and anal gland expressions. The Family Pet is also a full-service clinic that provides wellness exams, dental checkups, microchipping, and other veterinary services. The clinic is a member of the Greater Seattle Business Association, the Washington State Veterinary Association, and the Puget Sound Veterinary Medical Association.

Seattle, WA 98107

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Clubhouse for Dogs

Clubhouse for Dogs

Clubhouse for Dogs is a dog boarding facility based in Issaquah run by CPR and pet first aid-certified staff. The company's services include boarding, daycare, dog training, and pack walks. The facility has a large training area and almost seven acres of fenced, open land. Pet owners have praised Clubhouse for Dogs for its friendly, honest owners and beautiful open facilities.

Issaquah, WA 98027

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Finn Hill Animal Hospital

Finn Hill Animal Hospital

Finn Hill Animal Hospital is a pet clinic based in Kirkland. It provides overnight boarding and pet sitting for pet owners in Seattle. The staff adhere to a pet's individual medicinal and dietary needs and ensure that they get their daily exercise. The clinic also practices general veterinary care, including routine physical exams, laboratory work, nutritional counseling, vaccinations, microchipping, and specialized senior pet care. Pet owners have praised the facility for its considerate and caring staff.

Kirkland, WA 98034

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Baba Lu's Playhouse

Baba Lu's Playhouse

Baba Lu's Playhouse is a Seattle dog boarding facility that cares for dogs in a home environment. The company, founded in 2010, hosts dogs for overnight stays or daycare in a home with a large backyard. Clients have praised Baba Lu's Playhouse for its flexible, accommodating, and thoughtful owner and her home's fun, comfortable environment.

Seattle, WA 98122

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Seattle Canine Club

Seattle Canine Club

Seattle Canine Club is a dog boarding facility that serves pet owners within the Seattle metro. It offers accommodations at its climate-controlled urban oasis. With its customized play areas for dogs of different sizes and temperaments, pets are able to socialize and exercise. The employees of the company are trained to provide stress-free daily routines, scheduled private mealtimes, cool down time, and quiet napping areas for its guests. Furthermore, they handle daily drop-off and pick-up needs.

Seattle, WA 98134

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A Canine Experience Inc.

A Canine Experience Inc.

A Canine Experience Inc. offers boarding facilities for dogs in the Seattle metro and the surrounding areas. The dogs' accommodations include a heated kennel, and the dogs are also occasionally let out into a fully-fenced yard for individual playtimes and bathroom breaks. Other services that the business offers include doggie day training and obedience classes. In addition, service dog training, including for diabetic alerts, is also offered. A Canine Experience Inc. is a multi-generational family establishment. It has been in business since 1995.

Snohomish, WA 98296

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Canine Comfort Corner

Canine Comfort Corner

Canine Comfort Corner is a team of dog care professionals that serve the Seattle area. One of the services it offers is boarding, which involves playtime with the staff and other boarded dogs. Toys, blankets, and private kennels are provided at the facility, and they are regularly cleaned using products that do not contain chemicals. Furthermore, Canine Comfort Center offers board and train services. Company founder Janice specializes in competitive agility and dog obedience training. She also rescues and re-homes abandoned dogs.

Bothell, WA 98021

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The Barking Lounge

The Barking Lounge

The Barking Lounge is a Seattle dog boarding facility that provides separate and comfortable accommodations for dogs of all sizes. The company gives each overnight or daycare dog playtime in its outdoor facilities. The Barking Lounge also provides bathing care and sells pet toys. The business won King 5's Evening Magazine The Best of Western Washington Award and the Seattle Magazine Best of Award. The Barking Lounge is a founding member of the Seattle Dog Daycare Association.

Seattle, WA 98109

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Paradise Pet Lodge

Paradise Pet Lodge

Paradise Pet Lodge offers pet boarding services in Seattle. It caters to cats and dogs and is equipped with ceiling fans, zone-controlled floor heating, and an outside air exchange system for fresh air. The business was founded by Brian and Libby Baarstad in 1990. Since she was young, Libby has been an animal lover who used to get in trouble for bringing stray animals into their home, while Brian is well-versed in business and remodeling fields.

Woodinville, WA 98077

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Expert Answers To Common Questions:

  1. Introduction
  2. What is dog boarding? 
  3. What is included with dog boarding?
  4. Should I board my dog at the vet?
  5. What is board and training for dogs?
  6. Do dog board and train programs work?
  7. Are there any regulation requirements for dog boarding facilities?
  8. How can I prepare my dog for boarding in a kennel or pet hotel?
  9. What should I bring with my dog for long-term boarding?
  10. How do I board my dog for the first time? 
  11. Do dogs like boarding kennels?
  12. How much is dog boarding per day?
  13. How much is dog board and training per day?
  14. Do you tip for dog boarding?
  15. How long can you board a dog?
  16. Is it safe to board a puppy?
  17. Do dogs get sad when boarded?
  18. What vaccines do dogs need to be boarded?
  19. Can dogs get sick from boarding?
  20. How long does kennel cough last after being boarded?
  21. How do I start a doggy daycare?
Q: Introduction
A:
Dog boarding, sometimes referred to as doggie day care, offers pet-sitting services for dogs of varying breeds and ages. Services provided include overnight housing in temperature- and light-controlled kennels, medication administration, bathing, and feeding with veterinarian-approved food or food brought from home.

Dog boarding and doggie day care facilities provide owners with peace of mind in knowing that their pets are being cared for by licensed and trained professionals. Boarding options range from one to 30 days or longer, and many companies offer additional services, such as spa treatments and obedience training.
Q: What is dog boarding? 
A:
Dog boarding facilities provide housing and care for dogs for short- and long-term stays. Services include kenneling, daily exercise, feeding, and grooming. While at-home pet sitting providers offer similar services, the main difference between the two is that professional facilities are licensed, and they must follow state regulations to ensure the safety of animals in their care.
Q: What is included with dog boarding?
A:
Services included with dog boarding can vary based on specific facility offerings, but most boarding centers offer daily exercise programs, clean, sanitized bedding, temperature-controlled housing, fresh water, and veterinarian-approved dog food. Boarding technicians also administer required medications and supplements, and many facilities offer grooming and bathing services.
Q: Should I board my dog at the vet?
A:
Certain veterinary offices provide boarding services, as overnight staff are readily available, and animals have immediate access to medical care. While boarding a dog at the vet is perfectly safe, some dogs are uneasy about going to the doctor, leading to anxiety and resistance at drop-off.
Q: What is board and training for dogs?
A:
Board and training programs for dogs combine overnight boarding with obedience training. Dogs stay at boarding facilities throughout their training programs, which typically last between one and four weeks. During their stay, dogs are trained to hinder behavior, such as jumping and pulling on leashes, and they learn basic commands, such as heel and stay.
Q: Do dog board and train programs work?
A:
Board and train programs have proven to be effective for many dogs, as they learn everything from basic commands to new behaviors that result in positive reinforcement. However, not all dogs respond to board and train programs, so alternative training and behavior modification courses may be necessary in some cases.
Q: Are there any regulation requirements for dog boarding facilities?
A:
Specific regulation requirements for dog boarding facilities can vary from state to state, but all kennel owners must obtain the appropriate licensing, and property must be zoned for kenneling. Additionally, all facilities must be designed to remain structurally sound and maintain fresh-air ventilation systems, and hot and cold running water is required.
Q: How can I prepare my dog for boarding in a kennel or pet hotel?
A:
Dog owners may wish to visit the facility with their pets before boarding to help them acclimate to the environment. A visit to the veterinarian is also a good idea to ensure the dog is in good health before spending time away from home. If a dog is used to sleeping with other dogs or people, owners should encourage them to sleep alone for a few nights before the stay.
Q: What should I bring with my dog for long-term boarding?
A:
When dropping off a dog for long-term boarding, owners should bring the following:
  • Food to last the duration of the pet's stay
  • Medication and supplements, if needed
  • One or two favorite toys for comfort and familiarity
  • Vaccination documentation
  • One or two dog leashes, if required by the facility
Q: How do I board my dog for the first time? 
A:
Before boarding a dog for the first time, it's a good idea for owners and their pets to visit the establishment to get a feel for the environment and learn about the boarding process. It's also important for dogs to be vaccinated for kennel cough, canine distemper, and rabies prior to boarding. Dog owners can also "try out" boarding facilities by placing their pets for a one-night stay to gauge their comfort levels and familiarize them with the environment.
Q: Do dogs like boarding kennels?
A:
Dogs are highly adaptable; however, whether they are comfortable in a boarding kennel depends on various factors. Anxiety due to missing their owners and being in an unfamiliar space may cause a dog to feel stressed. Reputable providers work hard to ensure dogs are comfortable and content during their stays.
Q: How much is dog boarding per day?
A:
On average, dog boarding costs between $25 and $85 per day/night. Factors that can lead to higher or lower costs include the state, additional services needed, special diets, included grooming, and included training. Weekly dog boarding costs average $150, and monthly costs are approximately $500.
Q: How much is dog board and training per day?
A:
Rates for dog board and training per day can vary based on specific company prices and services offered. In general, two-week programs start at around $900, but they can go significantly higher. Dog owners should confirm with dog boarding centers if single-day sessions are offered, as professional training often requires more than one session.
Q: Do you tip for dog boarding?
A:
It's not customary or required to tip for dog boarding or kenneling, but customers can offer tips if so inclined. It's always a good idea to check with the boarding center before providing a tip to ensure it's not against company policy.
Q: How long can you board a dog?
A:
Specific lengths of boarding time can vary per facility, but in general, it's recommended to board a dog for no longer than 30 days at a time. While many dogs adapt to new environments, they may also form attachments to their caregivers, leading to resistance when it is time to leave the facility.
Q: Is it safe to board a puppy?
A:
It's safe to board puppies that are four months of age or older. Depending on the boarding facility, dog owners may be required to bring proof of age and documentation of all puppy shots. Puppy owners should consult with their veterinarians before boarding to ensure their pets are healthy enough to be placed in a new environment.
Q: Do dogs get sad when boarded?
A:
Yes, it's common for some dogs to become emotional when boarded. They may miss their owners and the overall change of environment, including dietary changes, which can be jarring. However, dogs are adaptable, and quality kennels and boarding centers work hard to ensure that their needs are met through socialization and attention.
Q: What vaccines do dogs need to be boarded?
A:
The vaccines required for dogs to enter boarding facilities or doggy day care centers are upper respiratory or kennel cough, rabies, and canine distemper. Dogs should also be current with all other vaccines and take preventative tablets for fleas and heartworm.
Q: Can dogs get sick from boarding?
A:
Several factors can cause a dog to become ill during boarding. While transmittable viruses that lead to kennel cough are quite common, dogs can also get sick due to the stress of a new environment and dietary changes that lead to stomach upset. Vaccinations help prevent dogs from picking up certain viruses and bacterial infections, so owners need to ensure that all shots are up-to-date before boarding.
Q: How long does kennel cough last after being boarded?
A:
When a dog is exposed to kennel cough, the incubation period is approximately two to 14 days following exposure. Symptoms, such as a mild cough and nasal discharge, can last a few weeks. In most cases, kennel cough is not serious, but pet owners should schedule a veterinarian visit to rule out secondary infections.
Q: How do I start a doggy daycare?
A:
You should have experience with and knowledge of dog care before launching a dog daycare. Your business must comply with all state and local laws. You also need to choose what type of business formation you want. Visit the Small Business Administration website and the site for your Secretary of State’s office for guidelines, tips, advice, and resources.