Dog Boarding Explained: What It Is & How to Choose the Right Service

Introduction

Whether you're heading away for a holiday, attending an event, or simply need some time where your dog can't come with you, dog boarding is one of the most popular and reliable ways to make sure your furry friend is well cared for while you're apart.

At Lola’s House, we specialise in home-based dog boarding—a calm, friendly alternative to traditional kennels. This blog post explains what dog boarding really involves, how it differs from kennels, and how to choose the right boarding service for your dog’s personality, needs, and routine.

What Is Dog Boarding?

Dog boarding is a service where your dog stays in someone else’s home—ideally one set up just for dogs—while you’re away. Unlike kennels, home dog boarding provides a relaxed, familiar environment with sofas, rugs, calm companionship, and often a structured daily routine that mirrors home life.

Over the last few years—especially since the rise in dog ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic—more people have been turning to home-from-home boarding as a preferred alternative to kennels. And we get it. Dogs are family. And most guardians want to know their dog is spending their time somewhere calm, social, and full of love.

Lola relaxing next to a Lola’s House cushion, showing the calm environment provided during dog boarding stays.

Why Home Boarding Can Be Great for Dogs

Here’s why home-based boarding is often a better fit for many dogs than kennels:

Socialisation (But Not Overstimulation)

Dogs staying with a small number of well-matched companions have the chance to:

Practice polite greetings
Learn how to settle around other dogs
Read social cues and respect boundaries

This kind of structured, safe socialisation is great for dogs of all ages—especially those who are working on their confidence.

Calm, Familiar Environment

Most dogs are used to living in a home—not a kennel block. A home boarder’s space is designed with comfort in mind, often mimicking the dog’s normal routine. This helps reduce stress and supports positive behaviour during their stay.

Individual Attention

Boarding in a home with a small number of dogs means your dog won’t be overwhelmed or overlooked. At Lola’s House, we have eyes on each dog throughout the day, making it easy to notice if one of them is tired, unwell, or needs a little extra TLC.

Consistent Care from Someone Who Knows Your Dog

Your dog builds a relationship with their boarder, which means we know their quirks, habits, and what makes them comfortable. It also means we’re more likely to spot any signs of illness or distress early—and respond with care.

Why It’s Great for You, Too

Choosing home boarding isn’t just better for your dog—it gives you peace of mind too:

Personalised Updates

At Lola’s House, we offer regular updates while your dog stays with us—complete with photos, videos, and insights into how they’re settling, sleeping, eating, and socialising.

Open Communication

We’re available to answer questions before, during, and after your dog’s stay. We’ll get to know your dog’s routine in advance and keep in touch as much or as little as you like.

Watching Your Dog Build Friendships

There’s something incredibly joyful about watching your dog get excited to see their boarder again or play with a familiar daycare friend. Many dogs feel like they’re going on their own holiday—especially when a calm resident dog welcomes them at the door.

A Trusted Long-Term Relationship

Having a trusted home boarder means you’re not searching around every time you go away. You’ve got someone who knows your dog and who your dog is excited to see again. It becomes a long-term relationship, not just a transaction.

Want to learn more about what we do at Lola's House?

We offer expert-led puppy training, safe socialisation, and a calm premium home dog boarding environment as an alternative to kennels.

Visit Our Homepage

Are There Any Downsides to Dog Boarding?

Cost

Home dog boarding prices typically range between £25–£50 per night, depending on the location, services, and personalisation. The care and attention your dog receives is usually reflected in the price.

Limited Availability

Boarders often work with a limited number of dogs per day. During peak times (like school holidays or bank holidays), it’s important to book early to avoid disappointment.

Household & Social Risks

Like any home, there are general risks—cleaning products, human food, electrical sockets. Home boarders are trained to manage these risks, but a successful meet and greet is essential, especially when other dogs are present.

At Lola’s House, we only accept dogs who are calm, friendly, and suitable for our peaceful group dynamic. We introduce new dogs slowly and always supervise social play to prevent problems before they start.

Lola looking calm and cosy in her princess bed, reflecting the comfort and home-style care at Lola’s House dog boarding.

How We Do Things at Lola’s House

We’ve designed every aspect of Lola’s House to feel like a calm, structured, and safe environment where your dog can truly relax. Here’s what you can expect:

A Proper Introduction

We always start with a phone call or video chat to get to know you and your dog. Then we invite you for an in-person meet & greet with our dogs to ensure everyone is comfortable.

Trial Stays Before Longer Stays

We encourage a short trial stay before a longer booking. This helps your dog get to know us—and helps us tailor our care to suit them perfectly.

Clear Boundaries & Off-Lead Policy

We never walk your dog off-lead unless you’ve explicitly agreed and we’ve built a relationship of trust with your dog. Their safety is always our top priority.

Meaningful Updates

We provide tailored updates throughout your dog’s stay, sharing how they’re settling, eating, sleeping, and socialising. For us, it’s not just about reassurance—it’s about celebrating your dog’s character and progress while they’re with us.

Did You Know?

Dogs who experience positive interactions with other well-socialised dogs are more likely to retain good manners in future social situations. That’s why calm, structured boarding environments with carefully selected dog groups—like at Lola’s House—can actually improve your dog’s social skills over time!

Choosing the Right Dog Boarding Service: What to Ask

When choosing a boarder, here are a few essential questions to ask:

How many dogs do you take at a time?
Are there resident dogs? What are they like?
What’s the home environment like? Is it calm and secure?
How are dogs introduced to one another?
What’s your emergency plan if something goes wrong?
Do you provide updates, and how often?
Are you licensed and insured?

Your boarder should be transparent, professional, and kind—and always happy to show you where your dog will sleep, play, and rest.

Final Thoughts: A Calm Holiday for You and Your Dog

Dog boarding doesn’t need to be stressful for you or your dog. With the right setup and a trusted boarder, it can be a calm, enriching experience for your dog—and a genuinely stress-free break for you.

At Lola’s House, we pride ourselves on being a home-from-home for dogs. Whether it’s your dog’s first time boarding or they’re a seasoned pro, we focus on comfort, routine, and gentle socialisation to help every dog feel relaxed and happy.

Interested in boarding with us?
Get in touch via lola@lolashouse.co.uk or head over to our Puppy Programme to learn how new pups can gain access to daycare and boarding through a structured socialisation plan.

Written by Jack & Chloe Fairclough

Founders of Lola's House

Published on 29th November 2022

We use AI to help refine our thoughts and structure our content, but every blog post is based on our experience and knowledge.