How long can you board a dog? There is no one-size-fits-all answer for the perfect dog boarding duration or the maximum time dog boarding is recommended. While temporary dog boarding for a weekend or a week is common, long-term dog boarding or extended dog boarding stays of several weeks or even months are also possible. The ideal dog kennel stay length or length of dog boarding stay depends greatly on your dog’s personality, age, health, and the quality of the boarding facility. There isn’t a strict dog boarding limit set by law, but rather guidelines based on animal welfare.
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Factors Shaping Dog Boarding Duration
How long your dog can happily stay at a boarding place changes. Many things play a part in this. Think about your dog. Think about the place where they will stay.
Your Dog’s Own Traits
Every dog is different. Just like people, they have their own feelings.
- How old is your dog?
- Young puppies need lots of care. They learn fast. They might miss you a lot. Very long stays can be hard for them.
- Older dogs might have health problems. They might not like change. A long time away can be stressful. It can be tiring.
- Adult dogs often handle boarding better. But this still depends on their nature.
- How healthy is your dog?
- Does your dog need medicine?
- Do they have health issues?
- A good boarding place can give medicine. But a long stay means more chances for things to go wrong. It means more stress on their body. Talk to your vet first if your dog is not very healthy.
- What is your dog’s nature?
- Is your dog brave and social? Do they make friends easily? A social dog might do well with other dogs. They might like playtime.
- Is your dog shy or scared? Do they hide from new things? A shy dog might find boarding very hard. They might get scared. A long time in a new place with new sounds and smells can be tough.
- Does your dog get anxious when you leave? Some dogs worry a lot. A long stay can make this worse. They might not eat or sleep well.
- What is your dog used to?
- Has your dog stayed away from home before?
- Did they stay with friends or family?
- Did they stay at a boarding place?
- A dog used to new places might do better. A dog who always stays home might find boarding a shock.
The Boarding Facility Matters
The place where your dog stays is very important. Not all places are the same.
- How is the place set up?
- Do dogs stay in small cages? Or do they have bigger rooms?
- Is there a place for them to run and play? Is it safe?
- Is it clean?
- A place with more space and comfort is usually better. This is extra true for long stays.
- What do they do there?
- Do dogs just stay in their spot all day?
- Do they get walks? How many? How long?
- Do they get playtime with people? With other dogs?
- Do they offer training or fun things?
- A place that keeps dogs busy and happy is much better. A long stay with nothing to do is not good.
- Who works there?
- Are the people nice?
- Do they seem to know about dogs?
- Are there enough people to watch the dogs?
- Do they seem to care?
- Good staff make a big difference. They see if a dog is not doing well. They can give extra comfort.
- How is the noise level?
- Is it very loud with lots of barking?
- A noisy place can be very stressful for dogs. Day after day of noise is hard.
Your Own Situation
Why do you need boarding? How long do you really need it?
- A short trip is easy.
- A long trip, like moving or a long job away, means a longer stay. This needs more thought.
- Can someone else help? Can a friend or family member take your dog for part of the time?
All these things work together. A social, healthy adult dog at a great facility might handle a long stay well. A shy, old dog with health issues might find even a short stay hard.
Short Vs. Long Dog Stays
People use boarding for different times. Some stays are short. Some stays are long.
What Is Short-Term Boarding?
Temporary dog boarding usually means a few days. Maybe up to one or two weeks.
- Why people use it:
- Short holidays
- Weekend trips
- Home repairs
- Family visits
- Short work trips
- Good points:
- It is less stressful for most dogs than a long stay.
- Dogs often bounce back quickly when you return.
- It is easier to find a spot.
- It costs less overall.
- Things to think about:
- Even a short stay is change. Some dogs still feel stressed.
- You still need to pick the right place.
What Is Long-Term Boarding?
Long-term dog boarding or extended dog boarding means staying for many weeks. It could be months. Sometimes even longer.
- Why people use it:
- Moving to a new home (especially far away)
- Long work projects away from home
- Serious illness of the owner
- Military service
- Home building or major repairs that take a long time
- Good points (if done right):
- It gives a safe place for your dog when you cannot keep them at home.
- A good facility can keep up routines. They offer care your dog needs.
- It avoids moving the dog from place to place. This can be less stressful than many short stays.
- Things to think about:
- This is a big change for your dog. It is a long time away from you and home.
- Some dogs might get sad or stressed.
- It costs a lot of money for many weeks or months.
- You need to find a place set up for long stays. Not all places do long stays.
- You need to plan how you will stay in touch or visit your dog.
Getting Ready For The Stay
Getting ready helps make the stay smoother. This is true for any length of time. But it is extra true for long stays.
For Any Stay
- Book early: Good places fill up fast.
- Visit the place: See where your dog will sleep and play. Talk to the people who work there. Ask many questions.
- Check health papers: Your dog needs certain shots. Make sure they are up to date. Bring the papers.
- Pack the right things:
- Your dog’s usual food. Changing food can cause tummy trouble.
- Any medicine with clear notes.
- A favorite toy or blanket. Something that smells like home. But check if the place allows this. Some places do not allow toys from home. This is to keep them safe.
- Contact numbers for you and someone else nearby.
- Your vet’s phone number.
Extra Steps For Long Stays
If your dog will be staying for a long time, do more to get ready.
- Talk to the facility a lot:
- How often will your dog get out?
- How often do they clean?
- What happens if your dog gets sick?
- How will they keep your dog happy? Do they have special long-stay plans?
- Can you call or email to check on your dog? Can they send pictures or videos?
- Talk to your vet:
- Is your dog healthy enough for a long stay?
- Are there any health concerns the boarding place should know?
- Get extra medicine if needed.
- Consider a trial run:
- If possible, have your dog stay for a shorter time first. Maybe one night or a weekend.
- See how your dog does. See how the facility handles things. This helps you both feel better about the long stay.
- Make a detailed plan:
- Write down your dog’s full daily routine. Eating times, potty breaks, walks, sleep habits.
- Write down what your dog likes and dislikes. Are they scared of loud noises? Do they love belly rubs? This helps the staff care for your dog better.
- Plan visits if possible:
- Can you visit your dog during the long stay?
- Even one visit can help your dog feel less alone. Check with the facility about their rules for visits.
Finding The Right Place
Picking the best place is key, especially for long-term dog boarding. Not all places are the same.
What To Look For
- Cleanliness: Does it smell clean? Are the areas tidy?
- Safety: Are the fences high? Is the area secure? Is play time supervised?
- Space: Do dogs have room to move? Is there outdoor space?
- Staff: Do they seem caring and knowledgeable? Are there enough staff for the number of dogs?
- Daily routine: What does a typical day look like for the dogs? Are there walks, playtime, quiet time?
- Policies: What are their rules on feeding, medicine, health? What is their plan if a dog gets sick?
- Other dogs: How do they group dogs for playtime? Is it safe? Can your dog have time alone if needed?
- Emergency plan: What do they do in a fire or other bad event?
- References: Can you talk to other people who have used the facility, especially for long stays?
Questions To Ask
- How long have you been open?
- What training do your staff have?
- How often do dogs get let out for potty breaks?
- How often do dogs get walks or playtime?
- Is playtime group play or solo? How are groups chosen?
- What happens if my dog does not get along with other dogs?
- Can you handle my dog’s specific needs (medicine, special food, fears)?
- How do you handle stress or anxiety in dogs?
- How will you update me on my dog?
- Do you have a vet on call or nearby?
- What is the cost for a long stay? Are there lower rates for long stays?
- What is your cancellation policy?
Choosing the right facility takes time. But it is worth it. A good place makes a big difference in how well your dog handles the stay, short or long.
The Dog’s Experience At A Kennel
What is it like for a dog inside a boarding kennel? It is a very different world from home.
Day-To-Day Life
- Change in routine: At home, your dog has their own routine. At a kennel, they join the kennel’s routine. Eating times are set. Potty breaks are set. Sleep times are set. This change can be hard at first.
- New smells and sounds: Kennels have many different dog smells. They can be noisy with barking. This new environment can be exciting but also scary or stressful.
- Less personal attention: At home, your dog gets lots of attention from you. At a kennel, staff care for many dogs. Attention is shared. A good facility tries to give one-on-one time. But it is not the same as home.
- Meeting other dogs (or not): Some kennels have group play. This is great for social dogs. Shy dogs might find it scary. Other kennels keep dogs separate. This might be lonely for some dogs.
- Limited space: Even good kennels have runs or rooms. This space is smaller than a whole house and yard. Dogs have less freedom to roam around.
- Different sleeping place: The bed and sleeping area are new. This can make it hard for some dogs to rest well, especially at first.
How Dogs Show Stress
Dogs cannot tell us in words how they feel. We must watch their bodies.
- Body signs:
- Tail tucked low
- Pacing back and forth
- Yawning a lot (when not tired)
- Licking their lips a lot
- Shaking their body (like shaking off water)
- Avoiding eye contact
- Stiff body
- Ears back
- Eating habits:
- Not eating their food
- Eating very fast
- Having a bad tummy (diarrhea)
- Behavior changes:
- Being very quiet or hiding
- Barking much more than usual
- Trying to escape
- Chewing on things they should not
- Suddenly acting scared
A good boarding facility staff watches for these signs. They try to help dogs feel better.
Is Long Term Boarding Okay For Dogs?
This is a big question. Is long term boarding okay for dogs? It depends a lot on the dog and the place. For some dogs, in the right place, it can be okay. For others, it can be very hard.
When It Might Be Okay
- The dog is social and outgoing. They enjoy being around other dogs and people.
- The dog is healthy and handles change well.
- The boarding facility is excellent. It offers lots of space, mental fun, exercise, and caring staff. It feels less like a cage and more like a temporary home with friends.
- The owner stays in touch. Getting updates helps the owner know the dog is doing okay. Visiting is even better if possible.
- The stay has a clear end. The dog will come home eventually. Knowing this helps the owner plan for bringing the dog back home.
When It Might Be Hard
- The dog is shy, anxious, or fearful. A long time in a busy, new place is very stressful.
- The dog has health problems. Stress can make health problems worse.
- The facility is basic. Small cages, little exercise, not much attention. This is just holding the dog, not caring for their needs for a long time.
- The dog misses their owner and home very much. Some dogs form very strong bonds and struggle when separated for long periods.
- The stay is open-ended or very, very long (many months to years). This is hard on the dog’s bond with the owner. It is hard for the dog to live away from their real home for so long.
Thinking About The Dog’s Feelings
Dogs feel things. They feel happy, sad, scared, lonely. A long time away from their family can cause emotional stress. They might adapt, but it is not the same as being home.
It is important to weigh the need for long-term boarding against your dog’s ability to handle it. Talk to your vet and people who know your dog well. Think hard about what is best for your dog.
Making A Long Stay Better
If you must use extended dog boarding, you can do things to help your dog.
Before The Stay
- Get your dog used to the place: Do short visits. Let them play there for an hour. Then half a day. Then one night. Build up slowly if time allows. This helps them see it is not a scary place.
- Practice your leaving routine: Make goodbyes calm and quick. Do not make a big fuss. Come back shortly at first. This teaches your dog that you leaving is not bad and you will return.
- Pack items that smell like home: A dirty t-shirt, a worn blanket. The familiar smell can comfort them. Make sure the facility allows this.
During The Stay
- Stay in touch: Ask the facility for updates. Get pictures or videos. This helps you see how your dog is doing. It helps you feel connected.
- Visit if you can: Seeing you, even for a short visit, can be good. It reminds them you are still there. But be ready for your dog to be very excited when you arrive and sad when you leave again. Talk to the facility first about if visits are helpful or too hard for your dog. Sometimes, for very long stays, visits can make the dog sadder after you leave. The facility staff can give advice here.
- Keep paying and follow rules: Make sure the facility knows you are reliable. This helps them care for your dog without worry.
- Send their favorite treats or a new toy (if allowed): A little surprise can brighten their day.
After The Stay
- Pick them up calmly: Be happy to see them, but do not make it a huge, stressed event.
- Go home and get back to routine: Let them explore the house. Give them time to settle back in.
- Watch your dog: See how they are acting. Are they back to normal? Do they seem more clingy or stressed? Give them extra love and patience.
- Talk to the facility staff: Ask them how your dog did. Did they eat well? Sleep well? Play? Did they show signs of stress? This helps you know for next time.
How Many Days To Board A Dog: Finding Your Limit
While there is no official dog boarding limit, finding the right how many days to board a dog depends on all the things we talked about.
- For a tough-to-board dog: Maybe only a few days is the limit. A weekend at most.
- For an average dog at an average place: A week or two might be fine. Longer starts to get harder.
- For a happy, social dog at an excellent facility: Several weeks or maybe a couple of months might be okay.
Anything over a couple of months is generally considered very long. It should only be done if there is no other safe option for the dog. In these cases, the facility choice becomes extremely important. You need a place that can provide more than just food and shelter. They need to provide care, attention, and mental activity.
Alternatives To Long Boarding
If you need care for your dog for a long time, boarding is not your only choice.
In-Home Pet Sitter
- Someone stays at your house with your dog.
- Good points: Your dog stays in their own home. Their routine stays the same. Less stress. More one-on-one attention.
- Things to think about: Costs more than boarding, especially for a long time. You need to trust someone in your home for a long time. Harder to find someone reliable for many weeks or months.
Daily Drop-In Visits
- Someone comes to your house a few times a day to feed, walk, and play with your dog.
- Good points: Dog stays home. Keeps some routine. Less costly than a live-in sitter.
- Things to think about: Dog is alone most of the time, especially at night. Not good for dogs who need lots of company. Needs several visits a day.
Staying With Friends or Family
- Your dog stays at a friend or family member’s house.
- Good points: Dog is in a home setting. Gets love and attention from people they know. Often costs nothing or very little.
- Things to think about: Is their home set up for your dog? Do they have time and energy to care for your dog properly for a long time? What if your dog does not get along with their pets or children? This is a big favor to ask for a long time.
Foster Care
- Finding a temporary foster home through a rescue group or private arrangement.
- Good points: Dog stays in a home environment. Gets personal care. Often used in emergencies.
- Things to think about: Can be hard to find. Needs careful checking to make sure the foster home is good. Hard for the dog to form a bond and then leave again.
When you face needing long-term care, look at all these choices. Think about what is best for your dog’s happiness and well-being.
Cost Of Dog Boarding
The price changes a lot. It depends on the place, your location, and how long your dog stays.
Short Stay Costs
- Usually charged per night.
- Basic places might cost $25-45 a night.
- Fancy places with more services might cost $50-100+ a night.
- Extras cost more: walks, playtime, giving medicine, special food prep.
Long Stay Costs
- For long-term dog boarding, some places give a lower daily rate if you book for many days or weeks.
- Example: A place is $50 a night. For one month (30 days), it would be $1500. They might offer a monthly rate of $1200-$1400.
- For many months, the total cost adds up fast. It can be thousands of dollars.
- Ask places about long-stay prices. Compare total costs. Remember to add costs for any extras your dog needs every day.
| Stay Length | Typical Rate Type | Example Basic Cost (Range) | Example Fancy Cost (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 nights | Per night | $25 – $45 per night | $50 – $100+ per night |
| 1-2 weeks | Per night | $175 – $630 | $350 – $1400+ |
| 1 month (30 days) | Per night or Weekly/Monthly | $750 – $1350 | $1500 – $3000+ |
| 3+ months | Often Monthly | $600 – $1200+ per month | $1200 – $2500+ per month |
Note: These are rough ideas. Prices change based on where you live, the facility, and your dog’s needs.
Long-term boarding is a big cost. Plan for it if you know you will need it.
Rules And Safety
There is no single dog boarding limit set by law everywhere. But boarding places must follow rules for animal safety and care.
- Licenses: Good boarding places have licenses from the state or local government. This means they are checked to meet basic standards.
- Health Rules: Places must follow rules about shots dogs need to stay there. This helps keep all the dogs safe from sickness.
- Care Standards: While laws vary, good places follow standards for space, cleanliness, food, water, and getting dogs out for potty breaks.
- Knowing the rules: When you pick a place, ask about their rules. How often do they check on dogs? What do they do if a dog is not eating?
You are giving someone else care of your pet. Make sure they are a proper business that follows safety steps.
When Not To Board Your Dog
Sometimes, boarding is not the best idea at all, no matter the length.
- Very sick dogs: If your dog has a serious illness or needs constant medical care, a vet clinic might be better than a regular boarding place.
- Dogs with behavior problems: Dogs who are very aggressive or very fearful might not do well in a kennel setting with many other dogs. It can be unsafe for them and the staff.
- Dogs who just cannot handle it: Some dogs get so stressed they stop eating, hurt themselves, or get very sick. For these dogs, finding an alternative like a trusted sitter is much better.
It is okay to admit if your dog is not a good fit for boarding. Finding a different solution is the kindest thing to do.
Bringing Your Dog Home
The return home is important too.
- Be patient: Your dog might be overly excited, tired, or a little off for a day or two. They are adjusting back to home life.
- Keep things calm: Avoid crowded dog parks or lots of visitors right away. Let them settle in.
- Back to routine: Get back to their normal feeding, walking, and sleeping schedule quickly. This helps them feel normal again.
- Watch for health issues: Kennels have many dogs, so sometimes dogs can pick up coughs or other mild sicknesses. Watch for any signs your dog is not feeling well.
Final Thoughts
Deciding on the length of dog boarding stay is a big choice. There is no set dog boarding limit that works for every dog. Temporary dog boarding for short trips is usually fine for most dogs. Long-term dog boarding requires much more thought.
Think about your dog’s personality. Think about their health. Look very carefully at the boarding place. Does it seem like a place your dog could be comfortable for a long time? Is it safe? Do the people seem caring?
If you need care for many weeks or months, also look at other choices like sitters or friends. Is long term boarding okay for dogs? Only if it is the right dog and the right place, and if it is truly needed.
Your goal is your dog’s well-being. Choose the option that will keep them safest, happiest, and healthiest while you are away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4 What is the longest time a dog can be boarded?
There is no single rule for the maximum time dog boarding is allowed. Some dogs can handle a few weeks or even a couple of months in a very good facility if they are well-suited to boarding. However, it is generally not recommended for longer than needed due to the potential stress on the dog. For most dogs, a few weeks is usually the upper limit for what is comfortable and healthy.
h4 Is long term boarding bad for dogs?
It can be bad for some dogs, especially if they are shy, anxious, or sensitive, or if the facility does not provide enough care, exercise, and mental stimulation. A long stay away from home and their family is stressful. However, for a social dog at an excellent facility, and when necessary, it can be an acceptable temporary solution. It is not ideal for most dogs to be in a kennel for many months or years.
h4 How many days is typical for dog boarding?
The typical dog boarding duration is often between a weekend (2-3 days) and one or two weeks, matching common holiday lengths.
h4 How can I make a long dog kennel stay length easier on my dog?
Choose a high-quality facility with caring staff, lots of exercise, and mental activities. Do trial runs before the long stay. Pack something that smells like home (if allowed). Ask for regular updates and visit if possible and if the facility advises it is helpful for your specific dog.
h4 What is the average cost of long-term dog boarding?
Costs vary a lot. Long-term boarding might have a slightly lower daily or weekly rate than short stays, but the total cost over months will be high. Expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $2500 or more per month, depending on the facility and location.
h4 Are there limits on how long a dog can stay in a boarding facility by law?
No, there is no national dog boarding limit set by law in most places. Some local rules might exist, but generally, the length of stay is up to the owner and the facility. Ethical boarding places will work with owners but also consider the dog’s well-being for very long stays.