Dog Boarding in Washington, DC

Dog boarding in and around Washington ranges from small kennels to pet resorts and day care centers with overnight stays. Visit before you book: a good facility will happily show you where dogs sleep, play and eat, and how it keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer.

What DC law requires of boarding facilities

DC law says that no one may own or operate a commercial pet care facility without first obtaining a basic business license with an Inspected Sales and Service endorsement and a health permit from the Mayor. The law defines the term to include a facility that provides day or overnight boarding or pet-related services such as bathing or grooming, and it lets the Mayor set standards of care and require initial and periodic inspections. A boarding facility or day care should be able to show its license and health permit, so ask to see them. The visit is still 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.

Vaccines

Most facilities ask for rabies, DHPP and Bordetella (kennel cough), and many ask for canine influenza, whose first course is two doses a few weeks apart. Ask which vaccines a facility requires well before your trip, and how it separates a dog that starts coughing.

What to ask

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

Extreme weather rules

DC Health says it is unlawful to leave pets outdoors in extreme weather, defined as below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, without human accompaniment or adequate shelter for more than 15 minutes.

Busy dates and your dog's license

Facilities fill up for summer, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, so book early. Bring your dog's vaccination records and its DC license, which is required for dogs over four months old.

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.