Dog Boarding in Fort Lauderdale

Dog boarding in and around Fort Lauderdale ranges from small kennels to pet resorts and pet hotels with play areas, private suites and day care. Visit before you book: a good facility will happily show you where dogs sleep, play and eat, and how it keeps them cool.

Visiting is your best check

Look for clean, dry runs, fresh water, secure fencing, staff who know the dogs by name, and a clear plan for a dog that gets sick. Ask whether the facility holds any county or city permits that apply to it, and whether it carries insurance.

Vaccines and registration

Most facilities ask for rabies (required by Florida law from four months old), DHPP and Bordetella (kennel cough), and many ask for canine influenza. Broward County also requires dogs four months or older to be registered and wear a county tag. Ask which vaccines a facility requires, and how it separates a dog that starts coughing.

Hurricane season

The City of Fort Lauderdale advises owners in an evacuation zone to pre-plan and evacuate early, because pet-friendly hotels and motels fill quickly, and to work boarding or sheltering into the evacuation route. Its pet kit list includes veterinary records with the rabies certificate and the current license tag number. If you plan to board instead, book early and ask what the facility does if it floods or loses power.

What to ask

• Where do dogs sleep, and is someone on site overnight?
• How do they keep dogs cool, and is there a generator?
• Is play time in groups or one dog at a time, and how are groups matched?
• Which vet do they use in an emergency?
• Can you bring your dog's own food, bedding or medication?

Busy dates

Facilities fill up for the winter season, spring break and the Fourth of July, so book early. Check your dog's county tag and microchip details before its stay, and tell the facility if your dog is scared of fireworks or thunderstorms.

About these listings

Many listings here were added from public business data and have not been claimed by the business yet. Check hours, prices and availability with the business directly. If you run one of these businesses, you can claim or correct your listing from its page.