Long-term dog boarding refers to leaving your dog at a boarding facility for an extended period of time, which could range from several weeks to even months. This is often necessary when owners go on extended trips, have work commitments, or need temporary housing that doesn’t accommodate pets. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider

when looking into long-term dog boarding:

1. Types of Boarding Options

Traditional Kennels These are facilities where dogs are kept in individual cages or runs. It’s a more basic option and can work well for healthy, low-maintenance dogs. –

Dog Hotels: A more luxurious version of kennels with private suites, temperature control, and more pampering, including grooming and playtime. –

In-Home Boarding: Some pet sitters or specialized services offer to care for your dog in their own home. This can offer a more home-like environment with fewer dogs. –

Doggy Daycare with Overnight Stays: Some daycares offer long-term boarding as an extension of their regular services, with structured activities and playtime.

2. What to Consider When Choosing a Long-Term Boarding Facility

Health and Safety: Ensure the facility has strict vaccination and health check policies. It’s essential to avoid facilities with poor hygiene or staff-to-dog ratios. –

Comfort and Space: Make sure there’s adequate space for your dog to play and rest. Some dogs may need larger areas to feel comfortable over a long stay. –

Staff Experience and Training: Check if the staff is experienced in handling dogs, especially if your dog has specific needs like medical care or behavioral issues.

Exercise and Socialization: Find out if the boarding facility offers playtime, walks, and socialization with other dogs if your dog is social. –

Veterinary Care: Ensure the facility has access to veterinary care or an emergency plan in place. –

Personalized Attention: Some dogs do better with one-on-one care, so look for facilities that offer individual attention, such as daily walks or playtime. –

Additional Services: inquire about services such as grooming, training, or special food accommodations.

3. Preparing for Long-Term Boarding

Trial Stays: Before committing to a long-term stay, consider doing a short trial boarding session to see how your dog adjusts. –

Special Needs: If your dog has any specific dietary, medical, or behavioral needs, make sure the facility can accommodate them. –

Provide Important Information: Leave detailed instructions about your dog’s routine, habits, and any special care needs. Include emergency contact information and your vet’s details. –

Pack Comfort Items: Bringing familiar items like your dog’s bed, favorite toys, or blanket can help make the transition smoother.

4. Costs of Long-Term Boarding

Costs can vary widely based on the facility’s location, type, and services offered. In general, the longer a stay, the higher the total cost, but some facilities offer discounts for extended boarding. –

Average costs typically range from $25 to $75 per day, with luxury options reaching higher prices.

5. Pet sitters

If boarding facilities are not a good fit, a professional pet sitter may be a better option. Sitters often visit your home to care for your dog or provide overnight stays. This can reduce the stress of your dog being in a new environment.

6. Communication and Updates

Choose a facility that offers regular updates, such as photos or videos of your dog, so you can check on their well-being while you’re away.

Conclusion

Long-term dog boarding can provide a safe, comfortable environment for your dog while you are away, but choosing the right facility is crucial. Take the time to research options, visit the facilities, and discuss your dog’s needs to ensure a positive experience for both you and your pet.

What to Look for in a Long-Term Dog Boarding Facility

Prioritize your dog’s well-being when choosing a long-term dog boarding facility. Look for a place that offers:

1. Safety and Cleanliness The facility should be clean, secure, and well-maintained with proper ventilation and temperature control.

2. Spacious Accommodations Dogs need enough space to move around comfortably in their personal area and ample space for exercise and play.

3. Qualified and caring staff The staff should be experienced, attentive, and passionate about animals, providing personalized care and attention.

4. Enrichment Activities The facility should offer activities to keep dogs mentally and physically stimulated, such as walks, playtime, and socialization opportunities.

5. Health and Medical Care The facility should have protocols for handling medical needs, including administering medications and access to veterinary care.

6. Personalized Services Consider if the facility offers personalized services such as special diets, grooming, or individual playtime.

Additional factors to consider:

Visit the facility: Examine the premises, observe the staff’s interactions with the dogs, and assess the overall environment.

Read reviews and testimonials: Check online reviews and ask for references from other pet owners.

Discuss your dog’s needs: Communicate your dog’s specific needs, temperament, and any special requirements with the facility staff.

Remember, choosing the right long-term boarding facility ensures your dog’s comfort, safety, and happiness while you are away.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Extended Boarding

Preparing your dog for extended boarding can make the experience much smoother for both of you.

Here are some key steps to take:

1. Choose the Right Facility:

Visit in Advance: Tour the facility to ensure it’s clean, safe, and comfortable. –

Check for Accreditation: Look for facilities that are accredited by professional organizations. –

Read Reviews: See what other pet owners have experienced.

2. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all required vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and kennel cough.

Flea and Tick Prevention: Ensure your dog is protected against fleas and ticks. –

Health Records: Provide the boarding facility with complete health records and any necessary medication with clear instructions.

3. Pack Comfort Items:

Familiar Belongings: Bring along some of your dog’s favorite items, such as a blanket, toy, or something that smells like home. These familiar items can provide comfort and reduce stress while your dog is away from home.

4. Maintain a Routine

Consistency is Key: Try to keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible prior to their stay at boarding. Feed them at the same times, take them for walks, and stick to their normal bedtime. A consistent routine will help them adjust more easily to the new environment.

5. Practice Short separations

Build Confidence: If your dog is not used to being away from you, start by practicing short separations. Leave them with a friend or at a daycare for a few hours at a time. Gradually increase the duration of these separations to help your dog adjust to being alone.

6. Consider a Trial Stay

Ease the Transition: If your dog has never been boarded before, consider a trial overnight stay. This will give them a chance to experience the environment and get used to the staff.

7. Communicate with the staff:

Share Important Information: Provide the boarding facility with detailed information about your dog’s personality, habits, and any special needs.

Stay in Touch: Don’t hesitate to call and check on your dog during their stay.

8. Prepare for Their Return:

Quiet Reunion: When you pick up your dog, keep the reunion low-key. They may be excited, but it’s important to avoid overstimulation.

Monitor Their Behavior: Watch for any signs of stress or illness after they return home. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your dog has a safe and comfortable experience while being boarded.

Common Misconceptions About Long-Term Dog Boarding

Some common misconceptions about long-term dog boarding are that dogs will be stressed and unhappy, that they will be stuck in a cage all day, and that they will not receive individual attention. However, many dogs thrive in a boarding environment. They enjoy the company of other dogs and the attention of the staff. Boarding facilities have plenty of space for dogs to run and play, and they offer activities such as walks and playtime. Staff members get to know each dog’s personality and needs, and they provide plenty of love and attention.

Understanding the Costs of Long-Term Dog Boarding

Understanding the Costs of Long-Term Dog Boarding Long-term dog boarding can be a significant investment, and the costs can vary greatly depending on several factors. Here is a breakdown of what influences the price and what you can typically expect:

Location: Like most services, prices tend to be higher in urban areas and lower in rural locations.

Type of Facility: Options range from basic kennels to luxury suites with all the amenities, and the price will reflect that.

Size and Needs of Your Dog: may cost more due to space requirements. Dogs with special needs, such as medication or specific dietary requirements, may also incur additional charges.

Length of Stay: Many facilities offer discounts for longer stays, so the daily rate might decrease the longer your dog stays.

Additional services: like grooming, training, playtime, or special treats will add to the overall cost.

Average Costs:

It’s tough to give an exact number, but here are some general ranges:

Basic Kennels: $25 – $40 per night

Mid-Range Facilities: $40 – $70 per night

Luxury Suites: $70 – $120+ per night For long-term stays (a month or more), you might be able to negotiate a discounted monthly rate, which could range from $500 to $1,000+ depending on the facility and your dog’s needs.

Additional costs to consider:

Assessment fee: Some places charge a one-time fee to assess your dog’s temperament and needs.

Vaccination Requirements: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations, as most facilities require proof.

Food: While some places provide food, others may require you to bring your dog’s own food, which can add to your expenses.

Emergency Fund It’s always wise to have a financial cushion for unexpected veterinary care or other emergencies.

Tips for Managing Costs:

Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple facilities to compare prices and services. Ask about discounts for long-term stays, multiple dogs, or military/senior discounts. Consider Off-Season Boarding if your dates are flexible. Boarding during the off-season might be cheaper.

Provide Your Own Food This can save you a bit on the overall cost.

Book in advance Especially during peak travel times, booking early can help you secure a spot and potentially a better rate.

Ultimately, the cost of long-term dog boarding is a balance between your budget and your dog’s needs. Do your research, visit potential facilities, and choose a facility where you feel confident that your dog will be safe, comfortable, and well-cared for.

Dog Boarding vs. Dog Sitting: What’s Best for Your Pet?

When deciding between dog boarding and dog sitting, it is important to consider your dog’s personality, your specific needs, and your comfort level. Both options offer care for your pet while you’re away, but they differ in terms of environment, interaction, and cost. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which is best for your pet:

Dog Boarding

Dog boarding typically involves your pet staying at a kennel or a specialized boarding facility where they are cared for by trained staff. These facilities can vary in terms of amenities, but common features include:

Group or Individual Care: Some boarding facilities group dogs together for socialization, while others offer individual kennels for more privacy.

Routine Care: Your dog will likely follow a structured routine, including set feeding times, regular walks, and interaction with staff.

Facilities: Some upscale boarding options offer added features like play areas, grooming services, and even “luxury” suites.

Safety and Monitoring: There’s usually 24/7 supervision, which can be a reassurance if you’re concerned about your dog’s safety and well-being.

Pros:

Supervised 24/7.

Consistent routines

If your dog is comfortable with other dogs, you should consider socializing it.

More formal facilities with possibly more staff.

Cons:

Less personalized attention (depending on the facility size).

A new environment can be stressful, especially for dogs with separation anxiety.

Potential for exposure to illnesses if the facility isn’t well-maintained.

Dog Sitting

Dog sitting is when a sitter comes to your home, or you send your dog to a sitter’s home, to provide care in a familiar environment. Pet sitters can range from friends and family members to professional sitters.

In-Home Care: Your dog stays in their own home, which reduces the stress of unfamiliar surroundings.

One-on-One Attention: Sitters generally offer more personalized care and are typically there just for your dog.

Flexible Schedules: You can often tailor care based on your dog’s individual needs and routine.

Pros:

Personalized care with one-on-one attention

Your dog stays in their familiar environment (reducing stress for some dogs).

Flexible care schedule (e.g., extra walks, playtime, etc.).

Ideal for dogs with special needs or anxiety.