Start by arranging a tour of the facility — most will have specific tour times throughout the day. Be leery of any facility that doesn't want you to visit. The dog and cat kennels should be clean, bright, and show signs of care; rusty fences or broken windows are a sign of neglect for the property, which can indicate a similar neglect for the animals.
Most kennels will have staff available 24 hours a day, though this can take several forms. One or two employees may be present on-site (in the case of a family-owned business on their property, for example), or the kennel may be monitoried by video and audio. Feedings are usually handled at the discretion of the owner; whatever food you prefer must be supplied, along with instructions on how much to feed and how often.
Keeping your furry family member safe and happy is our top priority. Before your pup starts their boarding stay, a member of our team will conduct a Meet & Greet with your dog to determine if they are comfortable in our open play environment. To book the Meet & Greet, find your nearest location and follow the new pet parent page steps to schedule a Meet & Greet.
Our dog daycare facilities include a variety of fun playrooms that provide everything an active pup needs, including space and supervision. Our climate-controlled playrooms are grouped by size, personality and play style to make sure your dog is safe and comfortable. As your dog ages, grows, and develops, they may switch playrooms as their confidence builds and/or play preferences change.
Do dogs miss their owners?
My whole life revolves around the care and love for animals of all kinds. I've been working in the veterinary field for over 5 years and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am well versed in the specific needs of all pets, whether it be a simple walk to go potty, or administering insulin to a diabetic cat. I am currently employed as a Certified Vet Tech in the Tampa area. My job allows me to be around all types of animals, which in turn has helped me become very comfortable with watching pets that have different behaviors and needs. I am also very active and have no issues giving the exercise needed pet specific. I know how hard ... View Profile
How much does it cost to board a dog at Petsmart?
Dogs need proof of Distemper, Parvo and Bordetella (kennel cough) annually and Rabies every 1-3 years. Puppies must be 10 days past their final round of distemper/parvo vaccination before kennels will accept them for boarding. Vaccinations need to be given no less than 7 days prior to boarding. If this is the dog's first Bordetella vaccination, it must be given 2 weeks prior to boarding.
Kennels typically come with a per-night cost, though some offer lowered rates for longer term stays, for example a week or month. Included in the basic price will be a space for your animal — for dogs, this is usually a small gated area which includes a place to sleep and eat. Some will also include a "doggy door" and outside area for them to nap or play. Cats are usually given small rooms with multiple levels and windows onto the main floor of the kennel. There is wide variation over what's included and at what price — it's critical to visit a kennel, and get a full tour, before you make any decisions.
With Dogtopia, your furry family member will learn how to be a well-balanced canine citizen. Each new dog gets a report card at the end of the day detailing their behavior, who they made friends with, and how well they interacted with the team and other dogs. We also provide our regular customers with frequent updates on their dog’s temperament, as well as advice on how to replicate their training at home.
Dogtopia is a very active environment, with the dogs interacting for several hours per day. Even if your dog did not run all day, simply being awake can make them very, very tired. At home, most dogs sleep the day away getting 18 or more hours of sleep. Although we have a two-hour nap, and the dogs sleep approximately eight hours per night, they will be tired. Please let them rest. We do not recommend that you take them to the dog park or any other social environment for at least a few days.