Bedtime for Fido or Fidolina

Which is Better:              Cage Free boarding or a Private Sleep Suite?

Dog Boarding at a Daycare Facility

Most dog daycare centers in urban areas offer some form of overnight dog boarding.  Some offer a cage free "Dormitory" setting while others provide a private kennel.  A few have both options available, such as Woof! Play & Stay in downtown Seattle.

Which form of dog boarding is better; cage free or private suite?  The answer depends upon several factors, including the temperament of the dog.  In most cases my personal opinion leans toward the private suites.

For short stays of 1 or 2 nights, "Dorm" style dog boarding is usually an acceptable option and is typically $10 - $20 less expensive than a private suite or den.  Boarding for anything longer than a couple of days I believe a private suite (kennel) or private den (an extra large fancy crate) is usually better for most, but not all dogs.  Heres why:

Off-leash Group Play is Fun...And VERY Tiring 

Dogs boarded at a daycare facility typically spend the day totally cage free in an indoor dog park, off leash and hard at play.  Reputable daycare centers will provide dogs with "timeouts" for rest, water and/or food.  Still, most dogs are exhausted after a half day of dog daycare, even more after a full day.  Dogs typically go home from daycare much more mellow than they were going in. That's a real benefit to most busy urban dog owners as "a tired dog is a well behaved dog".

Overnight Dogs Don't Go Home

Dogs boarding at a dog daycare center don 't get to go home for for some chill time of rest and relaxation.  Thats why I believe that a private suite or den is the best alternative for the health and well being of the dog.  A private suite or den affords the four legged guest some alone time away from the pack.  They can enjoy a room service dinner and cuddle up in a blanket in their own personal space.  They can de-stress, have a moment of Zen and recharge for the next fun-filled indoor dog park play day.

Exceptions to Every Rule

All that said, there are, of course, exceptions to every rule.  For example, some dogs HATE confined spaces, no matter how comfy.  Others can't stand to be alone from either human or canine companionship. In these cases "Dorm" style cage free group boarding is likely the better option.  On the other hand, some dogs LOVE a cozy little private den or suite, especially those that have been crate trained.  These dogs get a sense of security and safety and need alone time in their own private enclosed space.

Woof Play and Stay is a luxury dog daycare and dog boarding facility in beautiful downtown Seattle. A fitness and dog activity center, Woof also offers dog training, walking and in-home pet care services.