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Best Dog Boarders
in Washington DC
2018

We Looked at 160 Dog Boarders serving Washington DC and Picked the Top 20

Here are the Picks:

Why These Dog Boarders?

Our goal is to connect people with the best local experts. We scored dog boarders on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analysed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best dog boarders in Washington DC.

Our Selection Criteria:

1. Reputation
A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.
2. Credibility
Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards.
3. Experience
Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.
4. Availability
Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.
5. Professionalism
Providing service with honesty, reliability, and respect.

DogiZone is a Rockville dog boarding, daycare, and training center. The climate-controlled facility features both indoor and outdoor areas, off-leash play groups, healthy treats, and optional fun packages. Additional services include massage, obedience training, and agility sessions. The owner of the facility is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Pet Tech First Aid and CPR instructor, and a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Rockville, MD(240) 793-5787

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DogMa has been a Washington dog boarding center for over 15 years. The facility was DC’s first daycare for dogs and is still the only indoor/outdoor facility. Many customers are repeat, and staff knows all dogs by name. Guests are able to play all day in the 10,000 sq foot center, and all dogs are screened to make sure the facility will be right for their temperament and needs. The District of Columbia outlawed outdoor daycare for dogs in 2005, but DogMa was “grand-fathered.”

Washington, DC(202) 543-7805

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Frolick Dogs is a sports club and day boarding center for dogs in Alexandria. The family-owned 4,800 square foot facility offers gym memberships, day boarding, agility classes, self-grooming, and wellness seminars. Customers can also rent space for special events. The co-owner has worked with over 500 dogs as a trainer for seven years at Olde Towne School for Dogs, and Frolick Dogs has been featured on NBC News, Today, and Washington Post Online.

Alexandria, VA(703) 957-8946

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Fur-Get Me Not provides dog boarding services to the Arlington area. Dogs must be evaluated before entering daycare or boarding, and all dogs are separated into groups based on various factors. Boarders are let outside five times a day, and numerous extra services are available such as spa time, special desserts, and a pet taxi for pick-ups. The owner is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT), and the Dog Training Director works with the boarding and daycare manager to optimize care.

Arlington, VA(703) 933-1935

Happy Paws provides cage-free boarding in the Washington area. A variety of luxury packages are available, but all include 24/7 supervision, on-call veterinarian, fresh water, walks as requested, and all-day play. Play areas have safe flooring, and owners can view their dogs' activity via webcam. Due to the cage-free environment, a temperament test must be passed, and all vaccinations must be current.

Washington, DC(202) 363-7297

Julie's Pooch Pad offers specialized care and boarding for small breed dogs (25 lbs max) in her home in Vienna. Dogs are screened for social skills and behavioral traits required to adapt to a multi-dog environment. Owner takes a maximum of 12 dogs who are never crated, play together in a fenced in yard, and get homemade treats. The owner provides 24/7 supervision, has over 23 years' experience as a professional pet sitter, publishes articles on dog behavior and is an accredited canine CPR/First Aid Instructor. The focus is on companionship and individual attention backed up by extensive expertise of small breed dogs. Clients appreciate the special needs care and flexible arrangements the Pooch Pad offers. Julie's Pooch Pad has won Angie's List Super Service Award 5 years in a row (2013-2018) and has a 5-star average in its online reviews.

Vienna, VA(703) 820-7387

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K-9 Divine provides dog lodging to Newburg residents. The ranch has a 5,600 square foot facility with beds, couches, and 24/7 supervision. Crates are only used for meals, and small dogs are kept away from larger canines. Training sessions are also available. Employees at the facility include certified dog trainers, vet techs, animal shelter workers and volunteers, and experienced animal care workers.

Newburg, MD(202) 769-5359

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Merrifield Animal Hospital is a Fairfax dog boarding facility. Dog owners can pick between a standard kennel and a Deluxe Kennel with Run, which features a raised cot and three leash walks every day. Additional services include the "Stay and Play" Package, special needs care, and spa treatments. Guess also have access to the AAHA Accredited clinic's preventive care, internal medicine, dentistry, and general and laser surgery.

Fairfax, VA(703) 560-1881

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Metro Doggies is a Washington dog sitter and walker. Dogs are cared for in their own home and familiar surroundings, and caregivers can either stop by during the day or stay overnight in the home to feed, play, and tend to a pet's needs. Basic house chores can also be performed as well as care for other animals. Dog walking services are also available. The owner has been a president and board member of the local SPCA and is an animal welfare activist.

Washington, DC(202) 909-3689

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Old Mill Boarding Kennel has been providing dog lodging to residents in Leesburg and the surrounding areas since 1986. Guests have access to large indoor and outdoor runs, climate-controlled rooms, an AAHA Accredited hospital, grooming salon, and special needs care. Play Time services include trail walks, group or individual play, and cage-free daycare through My Dog's Daycare. Medication can also be administered, and there is a 24-hour on-site manager.

Leesburg, VA(703) 777-4183

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Palisades Veterinary Clinic provides dog boarding services in Washington. The clinic does provide day boarding at its facility as well as an online pharmacy, dental care, diagnostics, surgery, and grooming services. Large runs are also available for dogs in the hospital. Clients can arrange for longer-term boarding on the 17-acre Shady Spring Pet Retreat. A shuttle picks up boarders from the clinic and takes them to the retreat in Maryland where dogs can enjoy a variety of special activities, walks, swimming, and grooming.

Washington, DC(202) 363-1316

Pender Veterinary Centre is a Fairfax dog boarding center with over 40 years of experience in veterinary care. The luxury Pet Retreat offers 24/7 monitoring and care, six wooded acres, numerous fenced play areas, and full medical services. Additional services for boarders include the Doggie Spa Package, Distinguished Dog Program, Nature Trail Hikes, and Pampered Pup Program. Webcam access is available to owners of dogs staying in the Executive Suites.

Fairfax, VA(703) 591-3304

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Pet and Home Care, LLC has been offering sitting and boarding services to the Clarksburg community for over 15 years. The company's Pet Resort provides indoor/ outdoor cage-free boarding and day care. In-home pet sitting, grooming, overnight sitting, and home cleaning is also available. The center has received Angie’s List Super Service Award for five years in a row and is a member of Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

Los Angeles, CA(855) 227-3669

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Pet Dominion is an AAHA Accredited facility with dog boarding and medical services in Rockville. Guests enjoy soft bedding, music, ventilation, and security measures. Staff is on-hand 24/7 every day of the year and has been fully trained in basic pet first aid. Boarders are monitored closely and have access to all wellness and surgery care at the clinic. The clinic has been awarded Best of Montgomery as well as Angie's List Super Service Award.

Rockville, MD(301) 258-0333

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Rivermist Pet Lodge is a dog lodge in Brinklow located on nearly 40 acres. The center has climate control, electric air purifiers, and covered outdoor runs. Dog suites come with Activity Packages including three potty-break times, extra playtime, and nature walks. Dog owners can purchase bundles of additional activities for their pet to enjoy during their stay, and Rivermist also offers daycare, grooming, and pick-up and delivery.

Brinklow, MD(301) 774-3100

The Board Hound provides dog lodging to dog owners throughout the Arlington area. Dogs can stay in private suites or share with other dogs. The center enforces proper socialization, and staff is on-hand 24/7 every day of the year. No other dog daycare in Arlington has an outdoor play area, and guests enjoy the facility's monitored RoofTop PlayTM. The Board Hound won Best of Arlington for 2016 in the Sun Gazette, and due to demand new clients will only be accepted in September.

Arlington, VA(703) 382-9143

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The Groomery is a Gaithersburg boarding facility with over 40 years of experience. Dog owners can choose from either a standard or VIP Suite, and they can opt to have bedding and toys provided or bring these items from home. The center features the newest fresh air exchange system for clean air, can administer medications, and has a large outdoor park for play. A veterinarian is on-call 24/7, and grooming as well as daycare are also available. Pet owners can come in for a tour anytime.

Gaithersburg, MD(240) 246-0801

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Wag More Dogs is an Arlington dog boarding service. The facility features cushioned rubber flooring, playground equipment for dogs, stimulating toys, climate control, and a security and fire alarm system. Webcams enable owners to view their pets online, and daycare and grooming are also available. All employees are trained according to the standards of the Pet Care Services Association and Off-Leash Dog Play.

Arlington, VA(703) 845-3647

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Waggy Walkys LLC has been offering dog walking and boarding in Falls Church for almost 15 years. Dogs enjoy a family-style, free-roaming facility without any cages, and boarders also have access to dog walking, dog park play, and pet taxi services. The company is licensed, bonded, and insured and performs background checks on all employees. House sitting and in-home pet sitting services are also available.

Falls Church, VA(703) 957-0044

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Your Dog's Best Friends has been an Alexandria dog boarding facility for over 10 years. Dogs sleep with one another at the foot of a bed of a trained staff member, and crates are only used at the owner's request. Dogs also play openly with other dogs in a 2,400 square foot gym during the day. All boarders must complete an Orientation Day two days before boarding, and grooming and training are also available. The center won Best Doggie Daycare in the Washington City Paper and Best Pet Boarding in the Alexandria Times.

Alexandria, VA(703) 566-1111

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