All American Pet Resorts

These are the questions that come up before a first boarding stay — and a few that only surface after something didn’t go as expected. Covered here first so you’re not surprised later.

• 1
  How much does All American Pet Resorts charge for boarding? Boarding typically starts around $50–$65/night depending on location · Daycare averages $25–$40/day · Grooming is priced by breed and size · Exact pricing varies by franchise — call your local resort for a quote

  AAPR is a franchise network, which means each location sets its own rates within a general framework. The Dallas location charges $60/night for boarding as a published baseline, which is typical for their mid-market positioning. Urban locations in higher cost-of-living cities run at the higher end; smaller market locations come in lower. When you call for pricing, ask specifically about: the base boarding rate, whether group play is included or extra, what the add-on services cost (grooming, bath, nail trim, private play time), and whether there’s a holiday surcharge for peak dates like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, or spring break. Holiday rates at most AAPR locations run noticeably higher than standard rates.
• 2
  What vaccinations does my dog need before their first stay? Required at all AAPR locations: Rabies · Distemper (DHPP) · Bordetella · Flea and tick prevention must be current · Some locations also require Leptospirosis · Fecal testing for parasites required at some locations · Bordetella first-timers: must be given at least 72 hours before boarding (2 weeks is ideal)

  The vaccination requirements catch a lot of first-time boarders off guard — especially the Bordetella timing. If your dog has never had the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine before, a single dose given two days before drop-off isn’t sufficient protection. The vaccine needs time to build immunity. AAPR asks for a minimum of 72 hours between first Bordetella administration and arrival; two weeks in advance is what they recommend as genuinely protective. If you book a boarding stay and realize your dog’s Bordetella is expired or your dog has never had one, contact the resort before the appointment — they may allow a grace window, or they may require postponing. Trying to handle this at drop-off creates a problem for you and the staff. Leptospirosis requirements vary by location, and some locations also require fecal parasite testing. Verify with your specific AAPR before bringing medical records.
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  Can I watch my dog on webcam while they’re boarding? Yes — webcam access is a signature feature at AAPR locations · Public play area cameras visible to all pet parents · VIP suite cameras are password-protected and reserved for current guests · Not all suites have dedicated cameras — request one at booking · Some locations offer daily photo updates and report cards

  Webcam access is one of the most-mentioned positives in AAPR reviews, and it’s a genuine differentiator from standard kennels where you drop your dog off and hear nothing until pickup. The setup at most locations: shared cameras show the group play areas, accessible to any current guest during operating hours. VIP suite cameras are private and accessible only to the guest whose dog is in that specific suite. If live camera access matters to you — and for anxious dog owners it’s a significant comfort — ask specifically at booking whether the suite you’re being assigned has a webcam, and request one that does. Daily photo updates and report cards are available at select locations and are usually mentioned at booking. Ask if your location does them — parents consistently describe receiving a photo mid-stay as meaningfully reassuring.
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  What happens during the pet evaluation — and why is it required? All new guests complete a free evaluation before their first boarding or daycare stay · The evaluation tests temperament, sociability, and how the dog responds to group play · Staff assess play style, energy level, and behavior around other dogs · Usually takes a few hours · A dog that isn’t a good fit for group play is offered private time with staff instead

  The evaluation isn’t a test your dog can “fail” in the sense of being turned away — it’s more about placement. The staff observe how your dog responds to other dogs, to unfamiliar people, and to a new environment. Based on what they see, they determine which playgroup size and energy level suits your dog best, and whether any special handling notes are needed. A reactive or anxious dog doesn’t automatically get rejected; they’re typically placed in a smaller group or offered private one-on-one time with a Pet Care Specialist instead. This costs more than group daycare, but it’s better than forcing an anxious dog into a group situation that makes their stress worse. The evaluation is free and is usually done during a short drop-off visit before the actual boarding stay is scheduled. Don’t skip it — it’s what allows the resort to set your dog up well from the first night.
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  Can my dog’s medication be administered during their stay? Yes — most medications can be administered to boarding guests · Must be in original container with vet prescription or pharmacy label · Insulin injections are available at select locations — call first to confirm · Medication-only without boarding is generally not available · No restrictions on number of medications for boarding guests

  This is one of the most important questions for owners of senior dogs or dogs with chronic health conditions. AAPR resorts are generally well-equipped to handle medication administration for boarding guests — this includes oral medications, eye drops, and at select locations, insulin injections for diabetic dogs. Bring medications in their original pharmacy container with the label intact; staff cannot accept unlabeled bottles or medications transferred to other containers. If your dog requires insulin, call ahead to confirm that the specific location can handle it — not all AAPR resorts offer this. For dogs on multiple medications or with complex medical needs, explain everything when you make the reservation so staff can prepare. Seniors with special needs are noted in AAPR’s profile as a population the resort actively accommodates — with softer bedding and raised feeders available — but the more detail you give at booking, the better the care during the stay.
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  Can I bring my dog’s own food, bed, and toys? Food: yes — bring pre-portioned in individual labeled serving bags · Bedding from home: no — AAPR provides clean bedding daily (outside bedding not permitted) · Soft or cloth toys: not allowed for safety · Hard toys may be accepted subject to staff approval · Treats from home: yes, but raw treats are typically not permitted

  The no-personal-bedding rule surprises a lot of first-time boarders who assume bringing something that smells like home will comfort their dog. AAPR’s reasoning is sanitation-based — shared facilities that rotate bedding daily can maintain a cleaner and more hygienic environment than accommodating personal items from various homes. The practical effect is that your dog sleeps on clean facility-provided bedding, which most dogs adapt to quickly. Food is different — if your dog has dietary needs, allergies, or simply doesn’t do well with a food change, bringing your own is not just allowed but encouraged. Pre-portion it in individual serving bags labeled with your dog’s name and the meal (breakfast, dinner, etc.) so staff can feed the right amount at the right time without opening a large bag repeatedly. Treats are generally fine if commercially packaged, but check with your specific location about whether raw treats or fresh food items are accepted.
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  What are the hours — and what happens if I need to pick up after closing? Typical weekday hours: 7am–7pm · Weekends: 8am–5pm (some locations vary) · After-hours pickup: available at most locations for an additional fee · Early drop-off: available before lobby opens for a fee · 24/7 staffing means your dog is never without supervision — hours affect owner access, not care

  The after-hours pickup fee is one of the less-discussed costs that can catch people off guard. If your flight lands at 8pm and you want to pick your dog up the same night, expect to pay an after-hours service charge — which is reasonable given that a staff member has to accommodate an arrival outside normal lobby hours. Plan your travel pickup window when you book the boarding stay. If your return travel is unpredictable (connecting flights, potential delays), it’s worth letting the resort know and having a plan for whether your dog stays an extra night versus a late pickup. The 24/7 staffing guarantee is the core safety promise of AAPR’s model — unlike smaller kennels where the facility is empty and unsupervised overnight, AAPR maintains staff presence around the clock for every boarding guest.
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  How is All American Pet Resorts different from a regular kennel? 24/7/365 on-site staffing — not empty overnight · Group play grouped by size, energy, and temperament (not all dogs together) · Climate-controlled indoor and outdoor play spaces · Live webcam access · Daily report cards and photos at many locations · Grooming available on-site · No stacking of kennels

  The difference between AAPR and a traditional boarding kennel is meaningful on the specifics. A standard kennel typically has someone come in to check on dogs a few times a day, with the facility empty at night. Dogs are often housed in rows of runs with limited social interaction. AAPR’s model is built around the “resort” concept — your dog is supervised constantly, participates in structured play sessions with similar-sized dogs, sleeps in a suite rather than an outdoor run, and the whole experience is designed around activity and engagement rather than containment. Whether that difference is worth the higher price point than a basic kennel is a personal call, but for dogs that get anxious or bored in isolation, the structured socialization model genuinely produces a different outcome. The webcam feature is also a functional anxiety reducer for owners — being able to see that your dog is running around with other dogs during play time is materially different from wondering what’s happening behind a closed door.

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