Leaving the Pets Behind: Using Pet Boarding While You're Away

Being a pet owner will come with times where you find yourself in search of a pet sitter or a pet boarding facility. As much as we love having our pets with us wherever we go, taking a pet on vacation or on a business trip, simply won’t work. Aside from asking a family member or friend to come to your home to check on your pet or to accept your furry friend into their home, where should you turn? Pet boarding is a trustworthy solution.

What exactly is pet boarding and how does it work?

Pet boarding is leaving your pet at a professional facility that will care for your pet while you're away. These places can be specific for dogs, cats, reptiles, or birds or may offer care under one roof for a variety of animals. Some facilities offer short daytime care, an overnight, or longer stays for traveling pet parents. These types of businesses are called by many names such as boarding kennels, doggy daycare, pet hotels and resorts, and veterinarian boarding kennels.

A dog with anxiety will feel more at ease at doggy daycare while you’re at work and these short daytime care providers know exactly how to entertain and care for your dog. For example, at the daycare, the pup can play with other dogs, enjoy several walks during the day, and have each of its needs met. This level of care prevents someone from returning from their job and finding the furniture has been chewed due to boredom, the dog had an accident inside or the dog barked all day and your neighbors are complaining.  

How It Works

Determine the length of time you’re in need of pet care. Check the availability dates at the provider of your choice.

Before being accepted pets are screened to learn if they are:

• Potty-trained
• Spayed or neutered
• Temperamental around other pets and people
• Current on their vaccinations
• Microchipped
• Have tags and a collar for quick identification

Choosing a Boarding Facility

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about how they operate, about their services, and what your pets’ day/night will be like while in their care. You’re looking for a provider who understands how to care for a high-energy pet as well as one that’s feeling anxious or one that’s feeling stressed. Go ahead and schedule a time to meet with the staff and tour the facility.

For a dog, will you get the options to choose housing which includes a kennel run or being inside of a pen? For a cat, are the cats housed in crates, a cat condo, or in suites with other cats? It’s important to get a feel for what your pet will experience.

Be sure to ask about medications if you pet has special needs or a specialized care diet plan. Ask about how emergencies are handled and any other essential questions specific to how you would like your pet cared for.

Several top boarding facilities to check out include:

Camp Bow Wow

Location: 744 Crab River Road, Sugar Land, TX

Camp Bow Wow provides daycare, boarding, training and grooming services. Dogs will get the exercise they need plus the socialization they love in their large climate-controlled play yards. There’s plenty of space to romp, run, and play with other dog-campers their size. They even have camper-cams so you can take a peek at your dog’s day and see what your pup is doing in both the indoors and outdoors play yards.   

PetSuites of America

Location: 20430 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX

Daycare, boarding, training and grooming services are what you’ll find at PetSuites of America. The Pet Pros at PetSuites take pride in delivering personalized service in fun, convenient, and modern spaces. PetSuites cares for all breeds including those with special needs.

Lonestar Pet Lodges

Location: 3207 Williamsburg Lane, Missouri City, TX

Offering daycare, boarding, training and grooming services is what Lonestar Pet Lodges does well. Lonestar strives to create a full-service, state-of-the-art pet solution center that is friendly to both pets and humans. Pet parents are given access to a private webcam portal to choose from multiple cams to view their pet.

Oystercreek Vet

Location: 1218 Museum Square Drive, Sugar Land, TX

This facility is operated by Vet Specialists who are committed to providing excellent care for you and your pet family for many years to come. Among their services include: dental care, pet boarding, surgery, spays and neuters.

Awesome Paws Pets

Location: Sugar Land, TX

Awesome Paws Pets serves Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond plus the surrounding areas by offering dog and cat sitting, dog walking and pet transportation. These professional pet sitters can additionally provide watering your potted plants, bring in or conceal packages and newspapers, alternating lights and window coverings, keeping an eye out for suspicious activity, and checking on your pool level and skimmer. Bringing peace of mind to people and pets is what they excel in.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.