Dog boarding, also known as dog sitting, refers to overnight care for dogs.[1] It is offered through various establishments, including dog kennels, professional boarding facilities, dog hotels, dog resorts, private dog sitters' homes, or the homes of dog owners.
The practice of dog boarding emerged as a solution to accommodate dogs when their owners were away, whether for vacation, business trips, or other reasons. Dog boarding facilities can vary widely, ranging from traditional kennels to more contemporary free-roaming dog hotels. In addition, some individuals opt for in-home dog boarding services or seek local dog sitters in their communities.
The concept of dog boarding evolved in the early 1990s, evolving from traditional kennels.[2] Before World War II, dogs in the United States predominantly lived outdoors, but urbanization led to increased indoor living for dogs. In the 2010s, demographic changes, such as a growing population of childless adults, contributed to heightened attention and expenditure on pets.
Since its inception, the dog boarding industry has experienced continuous growth. In 2022, the global pet boarding services market was valued at US$6.72 billion, and it is projected to maintain a robust compound annual growth rate of 8.30% from 2023 to 2030. This expansion is primarily driven by factors like the increasing popularity of pet boarding and dog daycare services, the rise in pet ownership, the trend of humanizing pets, and the growing expenditure on pet care in both developed and developing nations.[3]
The United States boasts a considerable number of over 8,500 dog-friendly boarding kennels. These facilities provide a safe and secure environment for dogs to reside while their owners are away. Unlike breeding kennels, which focus on producing puppies, boarding kennels may offer additional services such as doggy day care, dog walking, dog training, and grooming.
Kennels serve as temporary housing for dogs in exchange for a fee, providing an alternative to hiring a dog sitter. Many kennels offer one-on-one playtime opportunities to allow dogs to socialize outside their kennel environment. Furthermore, some kennels permit the inclusion of familiar items, such as blankets and toys from the dog's home.[4]
In-home dog boarding is overnight dog care that is provided by a dog sitter in their own home. Home boarding offers your dog the opportunity to stay with a boarder in their own home.[5] This form of boarding is popular for dogs that suffer from anxiety as it is typically crate free and in a similar environment as their home. Dog sitters can be found through classified ads, personal websites, or pet sitting marketplaces where they are commonly background checked. Many dog sitters offer "Meet & Greets" to ensure dogs and their owners are comfortable with the sitter prior to a stay.[6]
House sitting is a form of overnight dog care that takes place in a dog owner's home. Many dog owners prefer to leave their dogs at home in familiar surroundings while being cared for by other dog lovers. Pet sitting is the reason for 80 percent of house-sitting arrangements.[7] Outside of dog boarding, house sitters frequently perform other general maintenance tasks including watering plants, collecting mail, and protecting a property from trespassers. House sitters can be found through provider websites, classified ads, or pet service marketplaces. Similar to house sitting, drop-in dog sitting offers short check-ins in a dog owner's home. Drop-in sitters can provide dogs with food, water, and potty breaks during short daily visits.
Pet hotel means boarding for dogs and other domesticated animals for overnight or daily stays, and may include pet grooming and training.[8] Dog hotels offer upscale accommodations and represent a more luxurious option for dog boarding services. Amenities at dog hotels can include entertainment options like TVs, spa treatments, swimming pools, personalized attention and exercise plans, and group playtimes. These establishments often provide climate-controlled indoor and outdoor areas, supervised community play zones for safe interactions among canine guests, and around-the-clock supervision.