Is Boarding Bad for Dogs?

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 3 sources

Short answer

Boarding isn't bad for most dogs when the facility is clean, well staffed and suited to your dog. Many social, confident dogs enjoy the activity. But boarding can be stressful for anxious, elderly or medically fragile dogs, and stress can cause poor appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. For those dogs, an in-home pet sitter is often a better option.

Whether boarding suits your dog depends on your dog's personality and health and on the quality of the facility.

Dogs that usually do well at boarding

  • Social, confident dogs that enjoy other dogs
  • Dogs that already go to daycare at the same facility
  • Young, healthy, active dogs that like routine and play

Dogs that may find boarding hard

  • Anxious or fearful dogs, including dogs with separation anxiety
  • Senior dogs and dogs with mobility problems
  • Dogs with medical conditions that need close monitoring
  • Dogs that are reactive to other dogs or to noise

Veterinarian Ken Tudor, writing for PetMD, notes that boarding stress can lead to prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, reduced appetite and weight loss, and that pets risk injuries from scuffles with other boarders. He considers a live-in pet sitter the option closest to a dog's normal life.

Signs boarding was stressful for your dog

  • Not eating or eating very little during the stay
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Excessive thirst, panting or exhaustion after pickup
  • Hoarse bark
  • Clinginess or withdrawal for a few days at home

Mild tiredness and thirst for a day after pickup are common. Call your vet if diarrhea, vomiting, coughing or lethargy last more than a day or two.

How to make boarding easier

  1. Choose a facility that fits your dog: small and quiet for anxious dogs; good play groups for social ones. The SF SPCA suggests visiting twice and listening for barking levels as a sign of stress.
  2. Do a trial day or one night first.
  3. Bring familiar food and an item that smells like home (if allowed).
  4. Keep drop-off calm and short.
  5. Share your dog's routine and any fears in writing.

Better options for dogs who struggle

  • House sitting in your home (Rover's 2025 national average was $55.45 per day)
  • In-home boarding with one sitter and few other dogs
  • Drop-in visits for very independent adult dogs, as long as they get enough potty breaks

For dogs with separation anxiety, AAHA's behavior toolkit suggests options like pet sitters or care in a familiar setting rather than confinement that triggers panic. See dog boarding vs. pet sitter.

Find pet boarding and pet sitters near you.

Sources

  1. PetMD (Dr. Ken Tudor): Pet boarding vs. pet sitting
  2. SF SPCA: Selecting a boarding facility
  3. AAHA: Canine separation anxiety toolkit

Find pet boarding & kennels near you

Going away and need someone to look after your dog or cat? Compare local boarding kennels and pet hotels by Google rating, reviews and opening hours below.

Pet Boarding & Kennels by state

AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDNorth DakotaMNMinnesotaILIllinoisWIWisconsinMIMichiganNYNew YorkRIMAOROregonNVNevadaWYWyomingSDIAIowaINIndianaOHOhioPAPennsylvaniaNJCTCACaliforniaUTCOColoradoNENebraskaMOMissouriKYKentuckyWVVAMDDEAZArizonaNMNew MexicoKSKansasARArkansasTNTennesseeNCNorth CarolinaSCSouth CarolinaDCOKOklahomaLALouisianaMSMississippiALAlabamaGAGeorgiaHITXTexasFLFlorida

Tap your state to see listings by city.

This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.

Related questions