(“Luxury” doesn’t mean your dog’s being cared for. Here’s what you’re really paying for — and how to spot the red flags.)
You love your dog like family.
So when it’s time to travel — work trip, vacation, emergency — you do what any good human would do:
You search for the best dog boarding near you.
You check the reviews.
You look for 5-star ratings.
You feel guilty.
And then you pay… a lot.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Most people are paying top dollar for dog boarding experiences that are stressful, under-supervised, and borderline neglectful.
And no — the price tag doesn’t mean better care.
💰 The “Luxury Kennel” Illusion
Let’s start with the elephant in the room:
Just because it says “luxury” or “premium” doesn’t mean it’s better.
In fact, those extra dollars you’re shelling out?
They’re often going to:
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Decor for you, not your dog
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Branding, not behavior training
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Upsells like “treat time” and “TV” (seriously)
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Staff with zero veterinary or animal behavior background
Meanwhile, your dog is:
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Crated or isolated for hours
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Getting minimal interaction with trained staff
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Sometimes sharing space with unassessed dogs
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Getting stressed, anxious, or even sick
I know this because I was there.
I’ve paid $85/night for my dog to stay in what was basically a dressed-up warehouse with Instagrammable dog beds.
🚨 “Pet Hotel” Doesn’t Mean What You Think
Many dog boarding businesses use words like:
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Resort
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Retreat
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Suites
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Spa stay
It sounds like your dog is about to have a better vacation than you.
But behind the curtain?
I’ve seen facilities where “suites” were just 4x6 concrete cells with glass doors.
Where “all-day play” was 45 minutes in a fenced patch of artificial turf — supervised by a teenager scrolling Instagram.
That’s the trap.
We assume price = quality.
But in pet care, price often just equals marketing.
🧠 What You Think You’re Paying For vs. What You Actually Get
| What You Think | What You Often Get |
|---|---|
| Round-the-clock supervision | Staff leaves at 8 PM |
| Personalized care | Mass kennel protocol |
| Enrichment activities | Occasional group play, no training |
| Health monitoring | Missed signs of illness or anxiety |
| Emergency readiness | No on-site vet or clear protocol |
💡 Real Talk: What Actually Matters in Dog Boarding?
Here’s what you should be evaluating:
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Staff-to-dog ratio: More dogs = more risk
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Staff training: Are they certified in dog behavior, or just animal lovers?
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Emergency protocols: Who’s on-call? Where’s the nearest vet?
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Playgroup management: Are dogs matched by energy level? Supervised?
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Crate time transparency: How many hours alone is your dog spending?
You’d be shocked how many places won’t tell you.
🕵️♀️ Ask These Questions Before Booking
Want to know if you're overpaying for undercare? Ask:
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“What does a full day look like for boarded dogs?”
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“How many dogs are boarded here nightly? How many staff overnight?”
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“How often do you monitor for stress signs or illness?”
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“Are there cameras? Can I check in?”
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“Who is certified on your team in dog handling or medical response?”
If they dodge these?
Run.
✅ Better (and Often Cheaper) Alternatives
Before defaulting to overpriced “dog hotels,” consider:
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In-home pet sitters – More one-on-one care, less stress
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Licensed home boarders – Dogs in real homes, not facilities
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Hybrid daycares – Places that do both social play and boarding, with real staff
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Vet-connected boarding – For medical needs or senior dogs
Many of these cost less and offer far more actual care.
🙋♂️ My Mistake — and What I Do Now
I used to pick boarding places like I picked hotels.
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Best design
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Best reviews
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Coolest dog pool
But then I came home early from a trip once…
Unannounced.
Walked into the “luxury” kennel.
Found my dog trembling in a crate. Alone.
In the dark.
At 6:30 PM.
Since then?
I vet the humans more than the branding.
I prioritize who is with my dog — not how nice the lobby is.
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