They have their basic needs met.

They have relaxed body language.

They have relaxed facial expressions.

There’s a set routine for your pet.

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They take part in enrichment, like exercise, training or using puzzle toys.

They have an owner who is willing to advocate for them.

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Dog boarding and dog day care are two different options for getting support with caring for your pup. Many pet sitters and boarding facilities offer both services and have different package options, depending on your needs.

In general, boarding your dog, either at a facility that offers overnight care or in a sitter’s home, is the service for when you’re away from home. Dog day care is when you’re unavailable during the day to exercise or supervise your dog and can sometimes be offered during dog boarding.

Read on to learn more about day care and boarding, with tips to help you make the right choice for both you and your dog.

What’s the Difference Between Dog Day Care and Boarding?

The biggest difference between dog boarding and day care is the timeframe for care. However, the activities and supervision levels can also vary by pet sitter and facility.

Aspects	Dog boarding	Dog day care
Cost	Averages $40 to $50 per night	Averages $40 per day
Duration	Overnight or long-term care	Daytime only
Supervision	Often includes overnight monitoring and regular check-ins	Constant daytime supervision and group play
Purpose	Temporary routine care and socialization for dogs in a safe environment	Stimulation, supervision, and play for dogs during the day
Benefit	To maintain a dog’s routine, safety, and care while you’re away	To reduce unwanted or destructive behaviors at home by helping dogs get energy out
Environment	Quiet sleeping areas with scheduled potty breaks and playtime	Active, social setting for 6-8 hours with occasional breaks
Amenities	May include private sleeping areas, feeding routines, and walks	Play yards and kennels for naps
Ideal for	Dogs who need overnight care	Social dogs who enjoy group play and need daytime activity

Benefits of booking day care and boarding through Rover

Doggy day care through Rover has more care options for different types of dogs and their personalities. Most facilities won’t take reactive or anxious dogs during daycare, but sitters on Rover may. Pet parents can select “Accepts only one client at a time” under the “Pets in home” filter to ensure their dog still gets the daycare they need.

Or you may only be interested a smaller group of dogs, such as two or three pups per setting, which sitters on Rover are more likely to accommodate than a facility. These benefits can also be found when looking for dog boarding on Rover.

When reaching out to a sitter about dog boarding, ask if they include walking, playing, or cuddle time in their fees. Generally, the dog boarding rates on Rover are inclusive of having a personalized schedule or routine. Facilities and kennels, however, often charge more for these services because they have a smaller staff to dog ratio.

Pros of Going to the Same Day Care and Boarding Provider

Finding a day care provider on Rover who also offers boarding can come in handy. An arrangement where your dog knows the place and people can be especially helpful when:

• You need to travel on short notice and need emergency overnight care for your dog.
• You’re taking a long vacation and want your dog to stay somewhere they feel comfortable.
• You want a pet sitter who can accommodate last-minute care needs.

For most dogs, a familiar environment where they know the routine creates less stress. If your dog is already comfortable with their daytime pet sitter, they’ll generally have a much easier time boarding if you need to take a trip.

Keep in mind that some kennels may charge an additional fee if you want your dog to attend day care while boarding. This can depend on the facility, so just be sure to ask first.

Matching Your Dog’s Needs to the Care Environment

Every dog is different. Some thrive in a crowd, while others prefer quiet time and a cozy corner.

When trying to find the right dog boarding or day care option, it’s important to consider your dog’s age, health, and personality along with your schedule needs.

Personality: Extrovert vs. introvert

Your dog’s temperament can tell you a lot about what kind of care will help them thrive.

Outgoing dogs may love environments where they can play with other dogs and enjoy plenty of attention. Social dogs generally do well at both day care and boarding, whether with a sitter or at a kennel.

On the other hand, shy or anxious dogs who need boarding or day care may do better in smaller, quieter settings, like a pet sitter’s home. Some pet sitters will even come to your home to care for your dog!

Age: Puppies vs. seniors

Your dog’s age can shape what environment works best for them.

Puppies benefit greatly from interacting and socializing with other dogs. In fact, evidence suggests that properly socialized puppies are less likely to have behavioral problems as adults. Getting dogs used to boarding at an early age may make them easier clients for future sitters, as well.

Senior dogs, on the other hand, may prefer a slower pace with opportunities to rest and nap. A dog boarding facility or sitter without a day care may work best for boarding senior dogs.

In-home boarding or house sitting is also a good option for both puppies and senior dogs:

• Puppies benefit from frequent potty breaks and supervision to help prevent accidents and anxiety.
• Senior dogs who need a slow routine, have mobility issues, or need medications may benefit from one-on-one care.

Health: Medical needs or low immunity

Special health considerations can play a big role in deciding where your dog should stay.

A facility where many different dogs go in and out may not be the best place for high-risk, medically-sensitive dogs. Both day care and boarding facilities can lead to an increased risk of diseases like kennel cough.

House sitting or single-dog boarding may be the best fit for dogs with higher health risks.

You can search for sitters who accept one client at a time through Rover’s search filter function. The search filters also allow you to find sitters who are comfortable giving medications. This kind of one-on-one care can also be ideal for dogs who need a little extra help throughout the day.

FAQs About Day Care and Boarding

Does dog boarding include day care?

Whether dog boarding includes day care depends on the facility or sitter you book with. Some sitters on Rover may include day care as part of dog boarding since they provide services from their home and don’t have a separate space for day care like kennels do.

If a boarding facility or sitter you’re considering also offers day care, ask about their protocols for dogs who board.

Is it better to leave a dog at home or day care?

Day care is a good option if you need supervision for your dog. Many people opt for day care for puppies, since supervised play reduces risk of destructive chewing and other unwanted behaviors. Dogs who can stay home alone for several hours without chewing or barking will likely be fine without going to day care.

If you’ll be away from home for longer your dog can hold your pee—typically about six hours or so—consider drop-in visits from pet sitter who can take your dog for a walk.

How do I make sure my dog will adjust to daycare or boarding?

Whether you choose a kennel or a sitter on Rover, it’s a good idea to allow your dog to get to know their sitter or facility staff before you drop them off for boarding.

Some kennels and sitters may even require a trial overnight or day care session to make sure your dog gets along with the other dogs and does well in the environment.

This trial can provide some reassurance that your dog will be safe and well while you’re away—but it can be inconvenient when searching for last-minute care. If you need emergency care for your dog, look on Rover. Set your calendar dates and look for sitters who have updated their calendar recently.

Most dogs really love going for walks. It lets them get out of the house with their beloved owners and explore the world around them. Walks are also a great way for the two of you to bond and provide necessary exercise and mental stimulation for your dog. Going for walks should be fun and stimulating for your dog. It’s also important to exhibit proper etiquette when out in public and on the leash.

Here’s how to walk a dog, from getting ready to go to keeping them safe while en route.

Scheduling Your Dog’s Walks

Possibly the hardest part of walking your dog is finding the time to do it! When you’re busy with work, family, and everything else, the day can quickly get away from you. However, walks are important to your dog’s health and well-being (not to mention your own), so do your best to build your dog’s walks into your daily routine. Show your dog that you’re excited about getting some exercise and they will be more willing and excited to go, too.

If your dog seems bored or is acting out, it’s possible that they’re not getting out enough. Consider taking your dog for a full walk at least once a day.

What to Bring on a Walk

You will need to choose an appropriate leash for your dog. It should be comfortable for both you and your dog, easy to handle, and not too long; four to six feet is ideal. Before walking puppies, make sure they have been properly introduced to their leash.

You might also consider a harness over a collar. Harnesses redirect any straining onto the dog’s shoulders and chest rather than their neck. A harness also gives you greater control over your dog, and many dogs find them more comfortable to wear when on a leash, especially if he or she pulls.

Paying Attention to Your Dog

When out on your walk, pay attention to the environment around you. To make the walks enjoyable and safe, you must maintain control of your dog at all times. Keep your dog close to you when you are around other dogs or people by keeping a short leash. Ideally, your dog should walk at your side and should not be walking more than a few feet ahead of you because you will not have control if a distraction comes along.

If you notice potential distractions (like cats, birds, other dogs) before your dog, you may be able to minimize their reaction. You can have your dog sit and look at you while the distraction passes. Keeping some tasty treats in a pouch or your pocket might help your dog focus on you as well.

Don’t assume other people or dogs want to meet your dog. Always ask before you allow your dog to greet others. Make sure your dog is well-socialized and trained on how to properly meet other dogs and people (especially children). If they’re not there yet, kindly tell people who try to approach your dog that they shouldn’t. It’s not rude and is for their own safety.

Cleaning Up After Your Dog

Part of being a responsible dog owner is leaving no trace that you were there. That means you should always pick up after your dog! Rather than leaving poop around the neighborhood or park, it’s only considerate to others to carry poop bags with you so you can clean up. No one wants to step in poop!

It’s also rude to let your dog wander into private yards. Keep your dog on the curb strip side of the sidewalk (the part between the sidewalk and the street) whenever possible. Be sure to avoid letting your dog eliminate in people’s yards as well. If they do, pick it up!

Consider getting a poop bag holder that will attach to your dog’s leash or stuff a few bags in your pocket before walking out the door. Deposit the filled bags in a public garbage can along your walk or wait until you get home to dispose of it.

Keeping an Eye on the Weather

Walking outside does come with its hazards and it’s important to adapt your walks to the day’s weather. Keep walks short in hot weather or with senior dogs. It’s time to head home if your dog stops walking, begins to slow down, or shows any signs of exhaustion. Contact a vet right away if you see signs of heatstroke.

Avoid asphalt on hot summer days, as the road can burn your dog’s paw pads. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog. On these days, consider a walk in a grassy park instead, and be sure to take some water with you.

In winter, protect your dog’s paws from icy, snowy, or salted roads. Watch for signs that your dog’s feet are getting too cold, as they’re susceptible to frostbite. Doggy boots can help, but you’ll have to let your dog get used to them as most dogs find boots to be far from natural.

Also, if your dog has a short coat, you might want to get a doggy sweater to keep them warm on walks. Dogs are usually more accepting of these than boots and once your dog associates the sweater with the fun of going for a walk, they will likely welcome getting dressed.