_{A good kennel or boarding facility should walk your dog several times a day — anywhere from two to five — and should also build in time for play or socialization. Some kennels offer free play with other animals in a common yard, while some keep dog play one-on-one with staff, for example playing fetch or in the pool, to avoid any conflicts. Rural properties may include hiking trails.}
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.
Your pet starts his day every morning at 7:30 am when we let all our guests out into our two play yards for large and small dogs, where they run and play for the next 2 hours while the resort staff gathers all the old food, water & bedding, thoroughly cleans your pet's suite and then puts down clean bedding, fresh food and water. At this time, everyone comes back in for breakfast, which is usually followed by a mid-morning nap. Throughout the rest of the day your pet is outside playing another 4 to 5 times during the day, usually at least for a half-an-hour, with the last play session usually around 10:00pm. (We play T.V., DVDs or the radio, especially in the evenings, to soothe your pet and give him the sense of 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.}