🐾 Where to Kennel Your Dog: 20 Trusted Options

When you’re away, ensuring your dog is safe, comfortable, and well-cared-for is a top priority. Finding the right kennel requires understanding your options, asking the right questions, and knowing what to look for. Here’s a comprehensive guide to answer all your questions about finding the best dog kennel near you.

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Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Your Questions 📝

• Where can I find a kennel near me? 🏡 National chains and local facilities (list below).
• What services should I look for? 🐾 Boarding, grooming, playtime, and medical care options.
• How much does dog boarding cost? 💵 $25–$75 per night on average, depending on the facility.
• How do I ensure my dog will be comfortable? ✅ Visit the facility, ask about staff qualifications, and check reviews.
• Are vaccinations required for boarding? 💉 Yes, most kennels require proof of vaccinations (rabies, Bordetella, etc.).

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Where Can I Kennel My Dog? 20 Options 🏡

Here’s a list of 20 trusted kennels and dog boarding facilities across the U.S. Each facility offers a range of services to cater to your dog’s unique needs.

Kennel Name	Location	Phone Number 📞	Special Features
PetSmart PetsHotel	Nationwide	1-888-389-7387	Playtime, grooming, 24/7 care
Camp Bow Wow	Multiple Locations	Varies by location	Dog daycare, webcams
Best Friends Pet Care	Multiple Locations	Varies by location	Spacious suites, grooming
Rover.com	Nationwide	Varies by sitter	Personalized in-home care
PetBacker	Nationwide	Varies by sitter	On-demand pet sitting
The Dog Stop	Multiple Locations	Varies by location	Training, daycare
Pet Paradise	Multiple Locations	Varies by location	Pools, medical care options
Dogtopia	Multiple Locations	Varies by location	Socialization-focused daycare
Pawsh Dog House	Los Angeles, CA	(323) 464-9600	Boutique-style boarding
Bark Avenue	New York, NY	(212) 228-2830	Customized care plans
Urban Pooch	Chicago, IL	(773) 942-6445	Agility courses, play zones
Wag Hotels	San Francisco, CA	(888) 924-5463	Luxury suites, webcams
K9 Resorts	Multiple Locations	Varies by location	Luxury boarding, gourmet meals
Pooch Hotel	Multiple Locations	Varies by location	Training programs available
Central Bark	Multiple Locations	Varies by location	Enrichment-focused boarding
DogVacay	Nationwide	Varies by sitter	Local, in-home boarding
PetSuites	Multiple Locations	Varies by location	Spacious play yards
Dog House Inn	Gilroy, CA	(408) 842-5600	Tailored activities
The Barkley Pet Hotel	Cleveland, OH	(440) 248-2275	Luxury boarding, spa services
Paradise Ranch Pet Resort	Los Angeles, CA	(818) 901-0190	Cage-free boarding

💡 Tip: Visit each facility’s website or call directly to inquire about services, availability, and pricing.

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What Should I Look for in a Kennel? 🐕

Finding the right kennel requires evaluating several factors to ensure your dog’s well-being:

1. Cleanliness: 🧼 Look for a facility that maintains hygienic conditions.
2. Qualified Staff: 🩺 Ensure the staff is trained in animal care and first aid.
3. Play and Enrichment: 🎾 Ask if your dog will have supervised playtime or activities.
4. Webcam Access: 📹 Some facilities offer webcams so you can check on your pet.
5. Medical Support: 🩺 Ensure there is a plan for emergencies or medical needs.

💡 Tip: Take a tour of the facility before booking to see how dogs are treated and housed.

Criteria	What to Ask	Why It’s Important
Cleanliness 🧼	Are the kennels cleaned daily?	Prevents illness or discomfort
Qualified Staff 🩺	Are staff trained in pet CPR?	Ensures safety in emergencies
Playtime 🎾	How often are dogs exercised?	Keeps dogs physically and mentally active

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How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost? 💵

The cost of boarding varies depending on the location, amenities, and type of care:

1. Basic Boarding: 🛏️ $25–$40 per night. This includes a kennel or crate with minimal services.
2. Mid-Tier Boarding: 🐾 $40–$60 per night. Includes playtime, feeding, and some enrichment activities.
3. Luxury Boarding: 🏨 $60–$75+ per night. Includes private suites, webcams, and spa-like amenities.

💡 Tip: Many facilities offer discounts for extended stays or multiple pets.

Boarding Type	Cost Range	Features
Basic 🛏️	$25–$40	Standard kennel, basic care
Mid-Tier 🐾	$40–$60	Playtime, enrichment activities
Luxury 🏨	$60–$75+	Private suites, premium amenities

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What Should I Pack for My Dog’s Stay? 🎒

To ensure your dog has a comfortable stay, pack the following essentials:

1. Food: 🍴 Bring enough for the entire stay, along with feeding instructions.
2. Comfort Items: 🧸 Include a favorite toy or blanket to make your dog feel at home.
3. Medication: 💊 If your dog requires medication, provide clear instructions for administration.
4. Emergency Contacts: 📞 Leave your vet’s information and an alternate emergency contact.

💡 Tip: Label all items with your dog’s name to avoid mix-ups.

Item	Why It’s Needed	How to Prepare
Food 🍴	Maintains dietary consistency	Pack pre-measured portions
Comfort Items 🧸	Reduces stress	Include familiar smells or textures
Medication 💊	Ensures health during the stay	Provide written instructions

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Are Vaccinations Required for Boarding? 💉

Most kennels require proof of vaccinations to protect all animals in their care. Common requirements include:

1. Rabies: 🐾 Mandatory for all dogs.
2. Distemper-Parvo (DHPP): 🩺 Protects against common contagious diseases.
3. Bordetella: 🛡️ Required to prevent kennel cough.

💡 Tip: Bring a copy of your dog’s vaccination records when dropping them off.

Vaccine	Why It’s Required	When to Update
Rabies 🐾	Protects against rabies	Every 1–3 years
DHPP 🩺	Prevents distemper and parvo	Annually
Bordetella 🛡️	Reduces risk of kennel cough	Every 6–12 months

Feel free to ask more questions or share your experiences with boarding facilities! 🐾

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FAQs 🐾

Comment 1: “How can I ensure my dog is comfortable in a kennel for the first time?” 🐕‍🛏️

Ensuring your dog’s comfort during their first kennel stay requires preparation and familiarity-building. Here’s how you can ease their transition:

1. Familiarize Beforehand: 🐾 Visit the kennel with your dog before their stay. Allow them to explore the environment, meet the staff, and sniff around. Familiarity reduces stress.
2. Pack Comfort Items: 🧸 Bring items that smell like home, such as their favorite blanket, a toy, or even an old t-shirt with your scent. These items provide reassurance.
3. Stick to Their Routine: 🕒 Provide the kennel with a detailed schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. Maintaining consistency helps your dog feel secure.
4. Provide Clear Instructions: 📋 Share information about your dog’s preferences, quirks, and potential stress triggers with the staff to help them tailor care.
5. Short Trial Stay: 🌟 Consider a one-night trial stay before a longer trip. This allows you to assess your dog’s reaction and address any concerns.

💡 Tip: Stay calm during drop-off. Dogs pick up on their owner’s emotions, so a confident goodbye helps reduce anxiety.

Step	What to Do	Why It Helps
Familiarize 🐾	Visit the kennel before the stay	Reduces fear of unfamiliar places
Comfort Items 🧸	Pack favorite toys or blankets	Provides a sense of security
Stick to Routine 🕒	Share feeding/walk schedules	Maintains consistency

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Comment 2: “What should I look for in a kennel staff?” 🩺🐾

The quality of a kennel’s staff directly impacts your dog’s experience. Here are key traits to look for:

1. Certifications and Training: 📜 Staff should be trained in animal care, handling, and pet first aid. Look for certifications from organizations like the American Red Cross Pet First Aid or Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC).
2. Patience and Empathy: 💕 Handling dogs requires understanding and compassion. Observe how staff interact with dogs during your visit.
3. Experience: 🐕 Inquire about the staff’s experience with different breeds, sizes, and temperaments. This is especially important for dogs with behavioral challenges.
4. Communication Skills: 📞 Staff should be responsive and willing to update you regularly about your dog’s stay. Good communication builds trust.
5. Emergency Preparedness: 🩺 Ask if the staff is trained to handle emergencies and if there’s a vet on call.

💡 Tip: During a tour, pay attention to how staff members engage with the dogs—this often speaks volumes about their professionalism.

Trait	Why It’s Important	What to Look For
Certifications 📜	Demonstrates expertise in animal care	PACCC, Pet First Aid
Patience 💕	Ensures compassionate interactions	Gentle handling, calm demeanor
Experience 🐕	Handles a variety of dogs effectively	Knowledge of different temperaments

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Comment 3: “What if my dog doesn’t get along with other dogs in the kennel?” 🐾🛡️

If your dog has trouble socializing with other dogs, many kennels offer accommodations to ensure their comfort and safety:

1. Private Boarding Options: 🛏️ Choose a facility that provides private spaces for dogs who prefer solitude. These kennels often include individual playtime and walks instead of group activities.
2. Behavioral Assessments: 🩺 Many kennels conduct temperament tests before boarding to determine the level of interaction your dog can handle.
3. One-on-One Attention: 🤝 Look for facilities offering tailored care plans, where staff provide personalized attention instead of group play.
4. Socialization Programs: 🌟 If appropriate, consider gradual exposure to other dogs under supervised conditions. This can help your dog build confidence over time.

💡 Tip: Be upfront about your dog’s behavior during registration. Transparency helps the staff create a safe and positive environment.

Concern	Solution	How It Helps
Socialization Issues 🛏️	Opt for private spaces	Avoids stress from group settings
Temperament Testing 🩺	Pre-assessment of behavior	Determines appropriate care
One-on-One Care 🤝	Individual attention	Provides tailored interaction

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Comment 4: “Can I board my dog if they have medical needs?” 🐕‍⚕️

Yes, many kennels accommodate dogs with medical needs, but you’ll need to choose the right facility and provide detailed instructions:

1. Look for Medical Expertise: 🩺 Some kennels have veterinary staff or partnerships with local animal clinics to handle medical emergencies.
2. Medication Administration: 💊 Ensure the staff is trained to administer medications, including injections if necessary. Provide clear instructions and pre-measured doses if possible.
3. Detailed Health History: 📝 Share your dog’s medical history, including allergies, chronic conditions, and emergency contacts for your vet.
4. Specialized Boarding Facilities: 🏨 Some locations cater specifically to senior or special-needs pets, offering amenities like orthopedic beds and extra monitoring.

💡 Tip: Verify the kennel’s protocols for handling medical emergencies before booking.

Need	What to Ask	Why It Matters
Medication 💊	Can staff administer medication?	Ensures consistent treatment
Medical History 🩺	Share allergies and chronic conditions	Prepares staff for emergencies
Veterinary Access 🐕‍⚕️	Is a vet on call or nearby?	Provides peace of mind

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Comment 5: “How do I evaluate a kennel’s safety measures?” 🛡️🐾

Ensuring a kennel’s safety is non-negotiable. Here’s what to evaluate during your visit:

1. Fencing and Security: 🚧 Check that outdoor play areas are securely fenced with no gaps or hazards.
2. Emergency Protocols: 🩺 Ask about fire safety plans, evacuation procedures, and how emergencies are handled.
3. Sanitation Standards: 🧼 A clean facility reduces the risk of disease transmission. Look for regular cleaning schedules and proper waste disposal.
4. Vaccination Policies: 💉 Reputable kennels require proof of vaccinations to protect all pets from contagious diseases.
5. Staff-to-Dog Ratio: 🤝 A lower ratio ensures your dog receives adequate attention and supervision.

💡 Tip: If possible, visit during operational hours to observe how safety measures are implemented in real-time.

Safety Measure	What to Check	Why It’s Important
Fencing 🚧	Secure outdoor play areas	Prevents escapes
Sanitation 🧼	Clean kennels and common areas	Reduces illness risks
Vaccination 💉	Proof required for all dogs	Protects against diseases

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Comment 6: “What should I expect during my dog’s first kennel stay?” 🐾🛏️

A dog’s first experience at a kennel can be an adjustment, but understanding the process helps you prepare and minimize stress for your furry friend:

1. Initial Assessment: 🩺 Many kennels begin with an evaluation to determine your dog’s temperament and suitability for group play or individual care. This ensures a safe and compatible environment.
2. Settling In: 🐕 Your dog may take time to acclimate to the new sights, sounds, and smells. Staff are trained to help ease this transition by offering familiar routines like walks, playtime, or meals.
3. Daily Schedule: 🕒 Expect a structured routine, including feeding, exercise, and rest. Most kennels provide enrichment activities to keep dogs mentally stimulated and physically active.
4. Updates and Check-Ins: 📞 Reputable kennels provide regular updates on your dog’s progress. Some facilities even offer webcam access so you can monitor your pet remotely.

💡 Tip: Pack comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket to help your dog feel more at home.

Stage	What Happens	How It Helps
Initial Assessment 🩺	Behavior evaluation	Ensures compatibility and safety
Settling In 🐕	Familiar routines introduced	Reduces anxiety
Daily Schedule 🕒	Structured activities	Keeps dogs engaged and happy

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Comment 7: “How do I handle separation anxiety when leaving my dog at a kennel?” 🐕‍🩺💔

Separation anxiety can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to ease the experience for both you and your dog:

1. Practice Short Separations: 🕒 Begin by leaving your dog alone for short periods at home. Gradually increase the duration to build their confidence.
2. Familiarize with the Kennel: 🐾 Take your dog for a few visits before their stay. Let them explore the space, meet the staff, and associate the kennel with positive experiences.
3. Avoid Prolonged Goodbyes: 💕 Keep drop-offs brief and upbeat. Long, emotional farewells can heighten your dog’s anxiety.
4. Comfort Items: 🧸 Pack a favorite toy or an item with your scent, such as a t-shirt, to provide reassurance.
5. Calming Aids: 🌱 Consider natural calming supplements or pheromone sprays (consult your vet first) to help your dog relax during their stay.

💡 Tip: Choose a kennel that offers enrichment activities, as physical and mental stimulation can reduce anxiety.

Strategy	What to Do	Why It Works
Practice Separations 🕒	Gradual alone time at home	Builds independence
Familiarize with Kennel 🐾	Visit beforehand	Reduces fear of the unknown
Comfort Items 🧸	Bring familiar smells	Provides emotional reassurance

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Comment 8: “Are kennels suitable for senior dogs?” 🐕‍🦳

Kennels can accommodate senior dogs, but it’s essential to choose a facility that caters to their specific needs. Here’s what to consider:

1. Health Monitoring: 🩺 Senior dogs often have unique health requirements. Look for kennels with staff trained in administering medications, monitoring chronic conditions, or handling mobility issues.
2. Low-Impact Activities: 🐾 Facilities offering gentler exercise options, such as leisurely walks or one-on-one attention, are better suited for older pets.
3. Quiet Accommodations: 🛏️ Senior dogs may prefer quieter areas away from the hustle and bustle of younger, more active dogs. Private or semi-private suites are ideal.
4. Comfort Features: 🌟 Orthopedic beds and climate-controlled spaces ensure that senior dogs remain comfortable throughout their stay.

💡 Tip: Provide detailed instructions about your senior dog’s care, including feeding schedules, medications, and any physical limitations.

Consideration	What to Look For	Why It’s Important
Health Monitoring 🩺	Medication administration, vet access	Ensures safety and continuity of care
Low-Impact Activities 🐾	Short walks, enrichment toys	Matches physical capabilities
Comfort Features 🌟	Orthopedic beds, quiet rooms	Supports relaxation and well-being

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Comment 9: “What happens if my dog gets sick or injured while at the kennel?” 🩺🐾

Reputable kennels have detailed protocols to handle medical emergencies. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Immediate Assessment: 🩹 Staff trained in pet first aid will evaluate your dog’s condition and provide necessary care until further action can be taken.
2. Veterinary Care: 🏥 Most kennels have partnerships with local vets or an on-call veterinarian to address health concerns.
3. Owner Notification: 📞 You’ll be contacted immediately and updated about your dog’s condition and the steps being taken.
4. Emergency Plan: 📝 During registration, you’ll typically provide emergency contact information and authorize care in case you can’t be reached.

💡 Tip: Discuss the kennel’s emergency protocols during your tour and provide clear instructions about your preferences for handling medical situations.

Stage	What Happens	Why It’s Important
Immediate Assessment 🩹	Staff evaluates the situation	Provides timely intervention
Veterinary Care 🏥	Vet consultation or treatment	Ensures professional medical care
Owner Notification 📞	Updates you about your dog’s condition	Keeps you informed and involved

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Comment 10: “Are luxury boarding options worth the extra cost?” 🏨🐾

Luxury boarding facilities go beyond basic care to provide an elevated experience for your dog. Here’s what makes them worth considering:

1. Private Suites: 🛏️ Instead of traditional kennels, luxury options often include spacious private rooms with cozy beds and soothing music.
2. Enrichment Activities: 🎾 Many high-end facilities offer personalized playtime, agility courses, or even doggy spa services like massages and grooming.
3. Webcam Access: 📹 Luxury kennels often provide live webcam feeds so you can check in on your dog at any time.
4. Custom Meals: 🍴 Gourmet meal options and tailored diets ensure your dog eats as well as they do at home.
5. Extra Attention: 🤝 With lower staff-to-dog ratios, your pet receives more one-on-one care and interaction.

💡 Tip: If your dog has special needs or you want peace of mind while traveling, luxury boarding can be a worthwhile investment.

Feature	Why It’s Valuable	Best For
Private Suites 🛏️	Reduces stress with a quiet space	Anxious or older dogs
Enrichment Activities 🎾	Keeps dogs mentally and physically active	High-energy breeds
Webcam Access 📹	Allows remote monitoring	Owners who want real-time updates

Feel free to ask more questions or share your kennel boarding experiences! 🐾