What Is Dog Boarding? Everything You Need to Know
Leaving your dog behind—even for a short time—is never easy. Whether you're heading out of town or facing an unexpected situation, knowing your best friend will be cared for in a safe, comfortable environment can ease the stress for both of you. This guide covers everything you need to know about dog boarding: what it is, how it works, and how to choose the right fit. Because when you're away, your dog deserves a second home that feels just as loving as the first.
What Is Dog Boarding?
Dog boarding is a professional service that provides temporary care for your dog while you're away. Whether you're traveling for work, taking a vacation, undergoing home renovations, or dealing with an emergency, boarding ensures your pup receives care, supervision, and companionship.
Unlike pet sitting, which happens in your home, or dog daycare, which only covers daytime hours, boarding includes overnight stays in a dedicated facility. Dogs are typically fed, walked, exercised, and given a cozy place to sleep—all under the watchful eye of a trained team.
Types of Dog Boarding Services
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dog boarding. Here are the most common types of facilities:
Traditional Kennel Boarding
Kennels offer individual enclosures for each dog, with basic care including feeding, potty breaks, and minimal social interaction. They’re generally more affordable but may lack enrichment activities or behavioral support. These can be stressful for anxious or senior dogs due to limited space and stimulation.
In-Home Dog Boarding
In-home providers welcome dogs into their personal residence, offering a home-like environment. Dogs may enjoy more individualized attention, but services and structure can vary widely. Licensing and staff credentials aren’t always guaranteed.
Luxury Dog Retreats
Designed to feel like a vacation for your pup, luxury retreats include open fields, plush bedding, daily enrichment, and even behavior-informed playgroups. These facilities may also offer professional training, grooming, and personalized attention—ideal for dogs who thrive on care, routine, and freedom.
Dog Boarding vs. Dog Daycare vs. Pet Sitting
Service
Boarding
Daycare
Pet Sitting
Duration
Structured facility
Social/play-based
Dog's own home
Environment
Overnight/multi-day
Daytime only
In-home visits
Best For
Dogs needing full care while owners travel
Dogs needing exercise & socialization
Anxious or senior dogs who do best at home
Each service meets a different need. Consider your dog’s temperament, age, and routine to decide what feels best.
What to Look for in a Dog Boarding Facility
When choosing a boarding option, prioritize your dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Here’s a quick checklist:
Licensed, insured, and experienced providers
Emergency protocols and vet partnerships
Enrichment, play, and rest routines
Clean, secure, and well-ventilated spaces
Transparent communication and daily updates
Positive, relationship-based training practices
Individualized attention, especially for special needs or seniors
Tour the facility, ask about credentials, and trust your gut—it should feel like a place you’d want to stay if you were a dog.
Pros and Cons of Dog Boarding
Pros:
Professional care and supervision
Safe, secure environment
Built-in socialization and enrichment
Structured routines and meal schedules
Peace of mind for pet parents
Cons:
May cause stress for dogs unused to new environments
Cost can vary widely
Not all facilities are created equal (do your homework!)
Premium retreats often address these concerns with personalized care, enrichment, and force-free behavioral support.
A Different Kind of Dog Boarding Experience
At Far Fetched Acres, dog boarding isn’t just about supervision—it’s about connection, care, and countryside freedom.
Founded by expert trainer Colleen Safford, our all-inclusive retreat blends behavioral expertise with loving attention and acres of outdoor exploration. Every dog enjoys force-free, relationship-based training support, daily enrichment, and individualized care—with no hidden fees.
We even offer free NYC pickup and drop-off, so your pup’s retreat begins the moment they leave your door. From senior dogs needing extra comfort to energetic pups craving wide open space, our boarding and board and train programs are designed to help city dogs decompress and thrive.
Interested in early development for your pup? Our puppy training camp is the perfect foundation.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Boarding Option
Choosing the right boarding experience is about more than convenience—it’s about your dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing. Ask detailed questions about training philosophy, emergency care, and enrichment routines. Take time to tour the space, meet the team, and observe how they interact with the dogs. And most importantly, honor your dog’s unique needs—from their social energy to their health requirements—to ensure their stay is as safe and joyful as possible.