Choosing the Best Toronto Dog Boarding
Find the right environment for your dog
Choosing dog boarding in Toronto is about much more than finding an available space. The environment, daily routine, staff, safety practices, and communication all shape your dog’s stay.
Use this guide to compare a traditional kennel with a dog camp, understand the questions worth asking, and decide what will make your dog feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while you are away.
Kennel or camp?
Traditional kennels
At a traditional kennel, dogs are typically kept separately in crates or runs. Some include an indoor/outdoor run or a scheduled play session with an attendant.
This can be the right choice for dogs who have shown aggression, are not fixed, or would be more comfortable separated from other dogs. Any kennel should be licensed by its Town or City.
Open-concept dog camps
Dog camps—also called social, kennel-free, or open-concept boarding—give social dogs the opportunity to spend their days in supervised play areas with other compatible dogs.
Some camps offer walks, swimming, and other activities. They are often a good fit for dogs who enjoy other dogs and might find a kennel setting stressful.
Questions worth asking
A reputable boarding facility should be happy to answer clear questions about safety, staff, supervision, and your dog’s daily experience.
- Is the facility licensed by its Town or City?
- What are its cleaning, air-quality, and safety procedures?
- Who supervises dogs, and how are staff trained?
- What happens if a dog becomes ill or injured?
- How will you receive updates while you are away?
Visit before booking
A tour lets you see the spaces, meet the people, and understand how the daily routine actually works. It is the best way to decide whether a facility feels like the right fit for your dog.
- Outdoor and indoor play areas
- Rest and overnight spaces
- How our team supports each dog
Six areas worth exploring
Licensing and facilities
Municipal by-laws set requirements for safety, cleaning, air quality, and operations. Ask to see the facility’s licence, especially when considering a home-boarding option.
Owners and management
An involved owner and on-site management help keep daily operations, safety procedures, staff, and client questions well supported.
Staff experience
Ask about staffing levels, supervision, training, dog body language, cleaning routines, safety procedures, Pet First Aid, and whether a Veterinary Technician is on staff.
Reputation
Read Google reviews, ask for client referrals, and speak with your veterinarian. A good camp, kennel, or daycare should be able to stand behind its reputation.
Veterinary care
Ask how illness or injury is assessed, which clinic and emergency clinic are used, how the team communicates with you, and whether emergency procedures are in place.
Activities
For many dogs, a play area alone is not enough. Trails, swimming, agility equipment, and dog puzzles can make a stay more enriching and enjoyable.
Stay connected with your dog’s camp
Ask how you will receive updates. Some facilities offer social-media posts, direct text or email updates, or video updates. It is also reasonable to ask whether owners are welcome to check in.
Good communication offers peace of mind and helps you feel connected to your dog’s stay.
Every dog has different needs
Even social dogs may benefit from quiet time or one-to-one attention. Ask whether a facility can offer a separate walk, solo play, or calm time in a quiet room when it would help your dog settle.
The right plan should reflect your dog’s personality, comfort level, and routine.
Make the process easy and clear
Booking confidence
Established facilities often offer online booking, similar to booking a hotel or flight. If you book by phone or email, ensure you receive confirmation and understand how changes are handled.
Choose the right match
The best Toronto dog boarding option is one that meets your dog’s needs—not simply the nearest available space. Take the time to compare the care, routine, environment, and communication.
Consider Dogs at Camp
Dogs at Camp is an open-concept camp for dogs with experienced staff, outdoor space, activity, and personal attention. We welcome your questions.
See whether Dogs at Camp is the right fit
Come meet the team, tour the property, and see how a kennel-free camp day can feel for your dog.