What is in-home dog boarding?
By Ellen Raven · Published
In-home dog boarding means your dog stays in a sitter's own house while you are away, and lives with the family for the stay. With Lake Country Pets, that house is Ellen and Ralph's home in Oro-Medonte, with their two dogs, a big country yard and only a few guests at a time.
How it differs from a kennel
A boarding kennel keeps dogs in runs or suites and lets them out for scheduled play. Staff work in shifts, and a busy kennel can hold dozens of dogs at once. In-home boarding is smaller: your dog shares a house with the sitter, sleeps indoors, and sees the same people all day.
Some businesses use the words "in-home" for cabins or a converted barn, so ask where your dog will actually sleep before you book. At Ellen and Ralph's, the answer is inside the house with them.
What a stay looks like
Your dog joins the household: Ellen, Ralph and their two friendly small dogs. Meals follow your dog's usual routine. The day has supervised time in the yard, naps, and a couch in the evening. Because they take a small number of dogs at a time, each guest gets real attention, and you get photo updates through the stay.
Drop-off is usually in the evening, and a daytime drop-off can be arranged. Ellen confirms booking requests within four business hours.
Which dogs it suits
In-home boarding suits anxious dogs, older dogs, puppies and dogs on medication, because the pace is calm and one person looks after their care. A very social dog who loves a crowd may be just as happy at a large daycare. Whichever you choose, meet the sitter and see where your dog will stay first.
Every booking with Lake Country Pets starts with a free Meet & Greet. Boarding is $55 a night and daycare is $45 a day, about 20 minutes from Barrie and 13 km from Orillia.
Ready when you are
Every stay starts with a free Meet & Greet, and payment and cancellation rules are in the terms of service. Related pages: