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The Difference Between Dog Daycare, Dog Boarding And Dog Kennels

Dog daycare, dog boarding and dog kennels are all terms that you have probably heard of during your journey as a dog parent. Of course, with so many options, it can become quite confusing.

Doggy daycare is best suited to people who need to drop off their dog on a regular basis when they go to work, while dog boarding and kennels are usually a temporary solution for holidays or visits to the vet. At K9 Heaven, we offer daycare and boarding services with highly trained staff and excellent facilities.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the key differences between each service, including what you and your pooch can expect.

Dog Daycare

Dog Daycare

Designed for busy dog parent, dog daycare takes the stress out of leaving your pooch at home all day. 

While each daycare is different, they all provide a space for your dog to eat, sleep, play and socialise. Our doggy daycare puts your pooch first with 10 acres of farmland for them to explore.

From daily enrichment activities to rolling around in the mud, we pride ourselves in creating the perfect environment to keep those tails wagging. With so much to do on site, your pup will never be bored again.

Dogs love being out in nature and one of the perks of sending your dog to daycare is to get them out and about. When your dog comes to us, they will have 10 acres of farmland to explore – which certainly beats sitting at home on the sofa. 

Historically, dogs like to be in packs. At K9 Heaven, we embrace this natural instinct by offering daily pack runs and plenty of time for socialisation. We also have four indoor play parks that are fully supervised and promise plenty of fun for your furry friend.

Dogs also need plenty of affection. In fact, they canโ€™t get enough of it. At a good quality daycare, your dog will be treated like royalty and will receive all the love they need. When itโ€™s time to rest, theyโ€™ll have a comfortable bed and a wholesome meal. 

Another great thing about dog daycare is that no matter how messy your pup gets, they will be returned to you fresh and clean. We source qualified groomers to pamper your pooch and give them everything they need including simple cuts, nail trims, and full style cuts.

They also get to burn off all that energy, meaning theyโ€™ll be ready for cuddles as soon as you get home. 

How long does dog daycare last?

The Difference Between Dog Daycare, Dog Boarding And Dog Kennels

Dog daycare is usually a long term commitment for people who find themselves out and about during the day. Our daycare service runs from 7am-6pm, seven days a week to fit around your schedule. 

At K9 Heaven, you can choose from a casual pay-as-you-go rate or a day pass for special discounts. While we recommend full days to ensure that your pup transitions with ease, you can also choose half day visits. 

Dog Boarding

Dog Boarding

If you need someone to care for your doggo overnight, then dog boarding is exactly what you need. This is the main difference between dog boarding and dog daycare. Whether itโ€™s one night or a few nights, your dog will have a cosy place to sleep with highly experienced staff. 

What does a dog boarding day look like?

If youโ€™re looking for dog boarding in Auckland, there are plenty of options to choose from. At K9 Heaven, our dogs enjoy fully air conditioned rooms. If theyโ€™re joining us for daycare, their day will usually start at 7am with a morning feed.

They will then have time to meet and play with other dogs of the same size and temperament. Our staff will then set up a structure for the day, followed by pack runs across our farm, pond and forest.

As our daycare dogs head home, our boarding dogs will receive their evening meal and start to settle down. By 7pm your dog will be nice and cosy in their sleeping area, ready for the next day. While this may be earlier than their usual bedtime, we find that they are usually more tired after all that sensory stimulation.

Along with daily activities, our dog boarding service includes all food, bedding, and climate controlled rooms.

Dog Kennels

Dog Kennels

If youโ€™re looking for dog boarding in Auckland, you have probably come across the term dog kennels. 

The difference between dog boarding and dog kennels is kind of like the difference between a hotel and a motel. Dog boarding (the hotel) offers plenty of indoor and outdoor space during the day and a warm cosy place to sleep at night, while dog kennels (the motel) are small crated spaces that your dog will usually stay in day and night.

Of course, many doggos like the security of a crated space while they sleep. Thatโ€™s why our dog boarding service offers both open sleep spaces and kennels for the night.

If your doggo prefers to sleep in a kennel, you can be rest assured that they will be taken out as soon as they wake up in the morning to enjoy our beautiful outdoor space.

Whether youโ€™re looking for doggy daycare, boarding, or kennels, itโ€™s important that you know the difference. If youโ€™re off on holiday, dog boarding offers a comfy space for your pal to rest their head along with daily activities, plenty of exercise, and a whole lot of love from experienced staff. 

At K9 Heaven, we offer daycare and boarding options to suit your needs. Whichever one you choose, your doggo will be welcomed to the pack and treated to nutritious food, daily pack runs and fun filled activities.