Pets are often a part of one's family, but that does not mean they always get to go on trips and vacations. If a friend or relative is not available to watch your animal, boarding can be an option. Below are a few of the boarding options throughout the Central Austin area.
1 Austin Dogtown
- 537 Woodward St.
- 512-535-4244
- www.dogtownaustin.com
- Mon.–Fri. 7–11 a.m., 4–6:30 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.–noon, 3–4 p.m.; Sun. 10–11 a.m., 3–5 p.m.
- Dog boarding includes playtime with day care children, outside and inside play areas, peanut butter Kongs at bedtime and on-site care.
2 Byrkerwood Veterinary Clinic
- 1501 W. 35th St.
- 512-454-3833
- www.bestvetinaustin.com
- Mon.–Fri. 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Boarding is provided for both dogs and cats. The business is able to accommodate pets with special needs, including diabetics.
3 Midtown Groom & Board
- 1207 Baylor St.
- 512-477-8079
- www.midtowngrooming.com
- Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5:45 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
- Dog boarding includes fleece linens and relaxing music in the evening. Dogs are matched with similar-sized dogs for play.
4 North Austin Animal Hospital
- 5608 Burnet Road
- 512-459-7676
- www.northaustinanimalhospital.com
- Mon.–Fri. 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Boarding is offered for dogs, cats, birds and exotic animals. Pets receive individual playtime, daily housekeeping and outdoor leash walks.
5 Taurus Training and Doggy Play Day
- Various locations including 715 S. Lamar Blvd.
- 512-442-3416
- www.taurusdogtraining.com
- Hours vary by location
- The company offers climate-controlled kennels and chew toys. Some staff members are certified in first aid and CPR.
6 West Lynn Veterinary Clinic
- 709 W. Lynn St.
- 512-482-8600
- www.westlynnvet.com
- Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.;
- Sat. 9 a.m.–noon
- Boarding is provided for dogs and cats. Dental and bathing services are available as well as boarding for pets with special needs.
This list is not comprehensive.
Something to chew on
Making the decision to board your pet before a trip or vacation can be a big one.
Maria Martinez, operations manager at Austin Vet Care at Central Park, said making sure your pet is current on its vaccinations is important before having it boarded.
"I can tell you things that people definitely need to think about," Martinez said. "One is people need to think about having their pets vaccinated."
Martinez added that some kennels and pet hospitals will not take a pet if it is not current on its vaccinations.
Boarding also can be stressful for a pet, and Martinez recommends checking with the boarding facility to find out if the business allows the owner to leave toys, pet beds or food so the pet may be calmer.
A serious issue Martinez urges pet owners to consider when they are going out of town is establishing a plan in case something happens with their pet.
Martinez suggested considering what an owner would like to happen in emergency situations such as surgery and even providing direction in case of the animal's death.
"Those are definitely some huge things that people don't really think about," Martinez said. "Those are big things."
