Is Dog Boarding Right for Your Pup? A Pet Parent’s Guide
Leaving your dog behind when you travel is never easy. Whether it’s a weekend trip, a family vacation, or a work conference, many pet parents wonder: Is dog boarding the right option for my pup?
Boarding can be a safe, enriching experience when it’s done at a facility that puts your dog’s comfort and wellbeing first. In this guide, we’ll help you decide if dog boarding is a good fit, what to look for in a facility, and how to prepare your dog for their stay.
What Is Dog Boarding?
Dog boarding is overnight care for your dog provided at a professional facility. It offers a structured, supervised environment where your dog can play, rest, and be monitored by trained staff. At Collars Dog Resort, our boarding dogs enjoy the same access to daycare as our regular guests, along with premium suite options and overnight webcam access for our apartments and thunder suites.
When Is Boarding a Good Option?
Boarding is ideal when:
- You’re traveling and can’t bring your dog along
- Your dog needs structure and supervision while you’re away
- You want your dog to enjoy playtime and enrichment, not just a crate at home
- You’re looking for professional, consistent care from trained staff
Some dogs thrive in a boarding environment—especially those who are social, adaptable, and enjoy daily routines. At Collars, we take extra steps to ensure every guest is comfortable, from group playtime to cozy suites with optional nap breaks based on each individual dog’s needs. .
When Might Boarding Not Be the Best Fit?
While boarding can be a great solution for many dogs, it’s not always the right choice—especially for dogs who:
- Experience intense separation anxiety when apart from their humans
- Are fearful or reactive toward other dogs
- Are elderly, recovering from surgery or require specialized medical care
- Are not interested and have negative reactions when socializing with other dogs
For these pups, we offer our DayStay option—individual accommodations with private play and enrichment outside of group settings.
Still not sure? Our team can provide an evaluation, after your temperament test day, to assess your dog’s comfort level before their first overnight.
What Makes Collars Dog Resort’s Different?
We designed our boarding experience with comfort, safety, and transparency in mind. Here’s what sets us apart:
1. All-Inclusive Daycare
Boarding dogs participate in full-day group play (if temperament-tested and approved) at no extra charge. This keeps them happy, active, and tired by bedtime.
2. Suite Options for Every Pup
We offer three different boarding accommodations to meet a range of needs and budgets:
- Standard Suites – Spacious glass-front open air runs
- Apartments – Extra-large private rooms with webcams and dedication HVAC supply and returns. Perfect for families with multiple dogs!
- Thunder Suites – Soundproofed suites for dogs sensitive to storms, fireworks or noise, complete with chandeliers and webcams (also has dedicated HVAC supply and returns)
Explore our Waldo suites or Olathe suites.
3. Webcam Access for Peace of Mind
Our apartment and thunder suites come with overnight webcam access so you can check in anytime and see how your dog is doing all night long.
4. Staff Trained in Dog Behavior & Safety
Our team is trained in pet CPR, basic first aid and canine body language. We focus on preventing stress and scuffles before they happen, keeping our environment safe and calm.
Preparing Your Dog for Their Boarding Stay
To set your dog up for success, follow these steps before their stay:
1. Schedule a Temperament Test
We require all dogs to pass a behavioral assessment before joining group play. This ensures your dog is safe and comfortable around others. We recommend doing this prior to your first boarding stay, but if that doesn’t work with your schedule we understand.
2. Visit the Facility
At Collars, we offer tours and encourage you to visit before booking. Our facilities feature glass walls so you can see our playrooms, not just hear about them. In addition, our tours are all encompassing unlike some other facilities who only show you a portion of their facility.
3. Bring Familiar Items
A favorite toy, blanket, or t-shirt that smells like home can help your dog settle in more quickly. You do not need to bring food bowls, food scoops, etc. We have that covered!
4. Maintain Feeding Routines
Bring your dog’s food from home and let our staff know about feeding times and amounts. We’re happy to stick to your pup’s routine.
5. Add a Grooming Service (Optional)
Many of our boarding clients book an exit bath, full-service bath or full groom before pickup, so their pup comes home clean and refreshed.
What If My Dog Has Special Needs?
At Collars Dog Resort, we believe every dog deserves excellent care—especially those who need a little extra support. Whether your dog isn’t suited for group play or just needs a more personalized experience, we’re here to help.
If your dog requires:
- One-on-one attention with our trained staff
- Medication administered during their stay
- Extra TLC to feel safe and comfortable
Let us know in advance! We’ll tailor their visit to ensure they feel right at home, often by placing them in one of our quieter suites designed for calm and comfort.
If your dog needs medication, please bring it in the original packaging provided by your veterinarian. This helps us follow dosage instructions safely and accurately.
Your dog’s well-being is our priority—no matter their needs.
Real Talk: Is Your Boarding-Ready?
Every dog is different. While some pups dive right into boarding with tail wags and excitement, others need a little time—and support—to adjust. If you’re planning an overnight stay, here are a few questions to help you assess if your dog is boarding-ready:
- Has my dog spent time away from home before?
- Does my dog enjoy being around other dogs and new people?
- Can they relax and sleep in unfamiliar environments?
- Do I feel confident in the facility’s transparency, safety, and level of care?
If you’re unsure, don’t worry—you’re not alone. That’s why we recommend a trial daycare day before booking your pup’s boarding stay. It gives us a chance to observe their comfort level, and more importantly, it helps your dog get to know our staff, space, and routines.
Bonus: Your dog’s first day of daycare is free, so you can schedule a no-pressure trial day before their boarding visit. It’s our way of making sure both you and your dog feel great about the experience.
Final Thoughts
Dog boarding can be an enriching, safe, and enjoyable experience—when it’s done right. At Collars Dog Resort, we treat every pup like one of our own, with full transparency, individual attention, and a facility designed for their comfort and safety.
If you’re searching for dog boarding near me, visit us in Waldo, KC or Olathe, KS. Schedule a tour, book a temperament test, or chat with our team to find the perfect fit for your dog.
Want help deciding? Contact us here or reach out to our Olathe team—we’re always happy to talk dogs.