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
Any reputable facility should welcome tours during regular business hours. Photos never tell the full story.
What to look for:
- Cleanliness: Swept floors, tidy play yards, no overwhelming odors.
- Happy, relaxed dogs: Loose body language, playful behavior.
- Friendly staff: People who clearly enjoy interacting with dogs.
- Safe enclosures: Quality boarding rooms, secure fencing, slip-resistant floors.
- Real outdoor space: Dogs need room to explore and potty outside.
Red flag: If a facility restricts tours or only shows certain areas.
2. Ask How Often Dogs Go Outside to Potty
This question alone reveals a lot about a facility’s philosophy. Dogs should never be required to potty indoors all day.
- Frequent outdoor potty breaks
- Dedicated outdoor potty yards
- Staff who escort or supervise dogs outside
- A clear explanation of the potty schedule
If the answer is vague or dismissive, keep looking.
3. Why Potty Breaks Matter
Physical issues from holding it too long:
- Bladder and urinary tract infections
- Kidney complications
- Constipation or painful stools
- Anal gland issues
Behavioral regressions:
- Confusion about where to potty
- Anxiety around asking to go out
- Housetraining setbacks
- Suppression of natural instincts
Dogs most affected:
- Puppies
- Seniors
- Small breeds
- Dogs on medications (diuretics, steroids)
4. Find Out How Much Human Interaction Your Dog Will Receive
Dogs thrive on human connection.
Ask:
- Do staff pet, redirect, and engage with dogs?
- Are employees allowed to interact or told not to?
- How structured is supervision?
- How many staff per play group?
NC Department of Agriculture requires: 1 staff member per 10 dogs, physically in the same enclosure.
5. Ask About Play Groups: Size, Frequency & Structure
- How often do play sessions occur?
- Are dogs separated by size, age, or temperament?
- How many dogs are in each group?
- How are new dogs introduced?
Playtime should be structured—not chaotic.
6. Don’t Forget About Rest Time
A balanced day includes play, potty breaks, and rest.
- Do dogs get nap breaks?
- Are rest periods scheduled?
- How many breaks do boarding dogs receive?
Dogs sleep 14–18 hours per day. Overstimulation increases anxiety and fights.
7. Ask About Feeding & Medication Procedures
- How often can my dog be fed?
- Are special diets accommodated?
- How are medications logged and administered?
- Do you offer treats? What kind?
8. Ask About Safety Policies
- How are new dogs evaluated?
- What vaccinations are required?
- Are dogs ever left unsupervised together?
- What is the emergency protocol?
- How are incidents documented?
9. Pay Attention to the Overall Feel
- Do you feel welcome?
- Does the staff understand your dog’s breed and needs?
- Is the environment clean and organized?
- Do the dogs look happy and relaxed?
Experience matters—choose professionals with true dog-handling knowledge.
10. Choose a Facility that Treats Your Dog as an Individual
- Customized play groups
- Special care for seniors, puppies, and shy dogs
- Options for multi-dog families
- Emphasis on emotional well-being
Your dog deserves personalized care—not a one-size-fits-all routine.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right daycare or boarding facility is about more than convenience—it’s about finding a place where your dog can thrive. Tour, ask questions, compare philosophies, and trust your instincts.
A great facility will make you feel welcome, confident, and informed—and it will make your dog feel happy, safe, and loved.