How to Choose the Right Doggie Daycare & Boarding Facility

A Pet Parent’s Complete Guide

Choosing a daycare or boarding facility is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your dog. Whether your pup needs daytime play or overnight care, the right environment should offer safety, structure, comfort, and genuine connection—not just a place to park your dog.

This guide walks you through exactly what to look for so the process feels easy, transparent, and stress-free.

1. Start With an In-Person Tour

Photos never tell the full story. Any reputable facility should welcome tours during regular business hours.

What to look for:

• Cleanliness: Swept floors, tidy play yards, no overwhelming odors.
• Happy, relaxed dogs: Loose body language, playful behaviors, no visible stress.
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff: People who clearly enjoy working with dogs.
• Safe, sturdy enclosures: Quality boarding rooms, secure fencing, slip-resistant floors.
• Real outdoor space: Dogs need room to move, explore, and potty outside.

Red flag: If a facility restricts tours or only lets you see certain areas.

2. Ask How Often Dogs Go Outside to Potty

This single question reveals a lot about the facility’s philosophy.

Dogs should never be required to potty indoors all day. Some facilities are indoor only with minimal outdoor concrete space and expect dogs to potty inside. It’s important to ask! A high-quality daycare or boarding facility will offer:

• Frequent outdoor potty breaks throughout the day
• Dedicated outdoor potty yards (not artificial turf inside a warehouse)
• Staff who safely escort or supervise dogs outside
• A clear schedule they can confidently explain

If the answer is vague—or if they tell you “dogs don’t know the difference”—keep looking.

3. Understand Why Potty Breaks Matter

Holding urine or stool for too long creates physical and emotional stress.

Physical issues linked to inadequate potty breaks:

• Bladder & urinary tract infections
• Kidney complications
• Digestive stress, including constipation or painful stools
• Anal gland problems

Small breeds and dogs with sensitive digestion are especially vulnerable.

Behavioral regressions:

• Confusion about where they’re supposed to potty
• Anxiety about asking to go out
• Setbacks in housetraining
• Suppressed natural instincts

Dogs who suffer most from limited breaks:

• Puppies (tiny bladders, frequent needs)
• Seniors (weaker bladder control)
• Small breeds (faster metabolism, more frequent urination)
• Dogs on certain medications (steroids, diuretics)

A “one-schedule-fits-all” routine does not work.

4. Find Out How Much Human Interaction Your Dog Will Receive

Dogs thrive with human connection.

Ask:

• Do staff members pet, supervise, redirect, and engage with the dogs? Unbelievably, some do not.
• Are employees allowed to touch and interact or told not to? Surprisingly, some have a hands-off approach.
• How structured is the supervision?
• How many staff members are assigned per play group?

North Carolina Department of Agriculture requires one staff member per ten dogs, and that staff member must be in the same enclosure at all times. Make sure your pet care provider is in adherence for the safety of your pet!

Human interaction is essential for safety, enrichment, and emotional well-being.

5. Ask About Play Groups: Size, Frequency & Structure

Play groups should be intentional, safe, and supervised—never chaotic or overcrowded.

Good questions:

• How often do play sessions occur?
• Are dogs separated by size, age, temperament, or play style?
• How many dogs are in each group?
• How are new dogs introduced?

Playtime should be structured and fun—not a free-for-all.

6. Don’t Forget About Rest Time

A balanced schedule includes play, potty breaks, and rest.

Ask:

• Do dogs get nap breaks?
• Are rest periods scheduled?
• How many breaks/play sessions do boarding dogs receive?

Dogs sleep 14–18 hours per day depending on age and breed. Facilities that prevent overstimulation usually have fewer fights and happier, more relaxed pups.

Reminder: Dogs self-regulate themselves, not the dogs around them. A tired dog + an overly persistent playmate = conflict.

7. Ask About Feeding & Medication Procedures

For long daycare days or boarding stays, clarify:

• How often can my dog be fed?
• Can you accommodate special diets?
• How are medications handled, logged, and administered?
• Do you offer treats? What kind?

Every detail impacts your dog’s comfort and health.

8. Ask About Safety Policies

Your dog’s safety should never be negotiable.

Important questions:

• How are new dogs evaluated before joining play groups?
• A quick “butt sniff and toss them in” is NOT enough.
• What vaccinations are required?
• Are dogs ever left unsupervised together?
• What is the emergency protocol?
• How are incidents documented and communicated?

Experienced facilities have clear, confident answers.

9. Pay Attention to the Overall “Feel”

Your instincts matter.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel welcome and comfortable here?
• Does the staff understand my dog’s breed, coat type, personality, and needs?
• Do they seem proud of their facility?
• Do the dogs appear happy and relaxed?
• Is everything clean, organized, and thoughtfully laid out?

Also consider who you're entrusting your dog to: someone who simply “likes dogs,” or someone with years of hands-on experience, training, and a lifelong passion for animal care?

Dogs are not all the same—breeds differ in temperament, health needs, and play styles. Experience matters. Does the staff have the experience to recognize bloat, torsion, and other medical emergencies?

10. Choose a Facility That Treats Your Dog Like an Individual

The best daycares and boarding resorts understand that every dog is unique.

Look for places that:

• Adjust play groups based on temperament
• Offer special accommodations (seniors, puppies, shy dogs)
• Provide options for multi-dog families
• Prioritize emotional comfort and well-being
• Respect your dog’s normal routines

Your dog deserves a personalized experience—not a one-size-fits-all program.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right daycare or boarding facility is about more than convenience—it’s about finding a place where your dog can truly thrive. Take the time to tour, ask questions, compare philosophies, and observe the environment.

A great facility will make you feel informed, welcomed, and confident.

Most importantly, it will make your dog feel safe, happy, and loved.