Dog-N-It Hotel and Daycare
2850 N. Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
​208-676-8868
TAILSRewards Members: Save 10% Off Boarding and Daycare
General Business Listings:
Businesses listed below are not TAILS411 members, sponsors or TAILSRewards merchants and therefore have not been vetted by TAILS Foundation Inc. If your business is listed below and you would like to become a member, sponsor or TAILSRewards merchant, please Contact Us today!!
Camp K-9 208-773-3203
Cat's Pajamas (cats only) 208-818-6016
Coeur d'Alene Pet Resort & Doggie Daycare 208-667-4606 
Dog-N-It Hotel and Daycare 208-676-8868
Kootenai Kennels 208-687-1119 
Legacy Canine Boarding & Training, LLC 208-773-3770
Northwest Pet Resort 208-417-8388
Paws & Claws Pet Resort 208-667-6700
Prairie Animal Hospital 208-772-3214
Select K9 Resort 208-457-3540
Sunset Animal Hospital 208-765-4608
Tails Inn Kennels 208-687-7024
VCA Kootenai Animal Hospital 208-773-6000
VCA River City Animal Hospital 208-777-9178
Choosing a Boarding Facility

Going out of town? A boarding kennel can give your pet quality care—and can give you peace of mind.

Pros and cons of using a boarding kennel Your pet depends on you to take good care of her—even when you have to be out of town. Friends and neighbors may not have the experience or time to properly look after your pet, particularly for longer trips. Leave pet care to the professionals, such as a pet sitter or boarding kennel.

A facility specializing in care and overnight boarding allows your pet to:

  • Avoid the stress of a long car or airplane ride to your destination. 
  • Stay where he's welcome (unlike many hotels). 
  • Receive more attention and supervision than he would if home alone most of the day.
  • Be monitored by staff trained to spot health problems. 
  • Be secure in a kennel designed to foil canine and feline escape artists.
Potential drawbacks to using a boarding kennel include:

  • The stress related to staying in an unfamiliar environment. 
  • The proximity to other pets, who may expose your pet to health problems. 
  • The difficulty of finding a kennel that accepts pets other than dogs and cats. 
  • The inconvenience of the drive over, which can be especially hard on a pet easily stressed by car travel.
How to find a good kennel Ask a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, animal shelter, or dog trainer for a recommendation. You can also check the Yellow Pages under "Kennels & Pet Boarding." Once you have names, it's important to do a little background check.

Find out whether your state requires boarding kennel inspections. If it does, make sure the kennel you are considering displays a license or certificate showing that the kennel meets mandated standards.

After selecting a few kennels, confirm that they can accommodate your pet for specific dates and can address your pet's special needs (if any). If you're satisfied, schedule a visit.

What to look for On your visit, ask to see all the places your pet may be taken. Pay particular attention to the following:

  • Does the facility look and smell clean?
  • Is there sufficient ventilation and light? 
  • Is a comfortable temperature maintained? 
  • Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring? 
  • Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? (Such a requirement helps protect your animal and others.)
  • Does each dog have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise?
  • Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from wind, rain, and snow?
  • Are resting boards and bedding provided to allow dogs to rest off the concrete floor?
  • Are cats housed away from dogs? 
  • Is there enough space for cats to move around comfortably? 
  • Is there enough space between the litter box and food bowls? 
  • How often are pets fed? 
  • Can the owner bring a pet's special food? 
  • What veterinary services are available? 
  • Are other services available such as grooming, training, bathing? 
  • How are rates calculated?

How to prepare your pet

Be sure your pet knows basic commands and is well socialized around other people and pets; if your pet has an aggression problem or is otherwise unruly, she may not be a good candidate for boarding. Before taking your animal to the kennel, make sure she is current on vaccinations.

It's also a good idea to accustom your pet to longer kennel stays by first boarding her during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. This allows you to work out any problems before boarding your pet for an extended period.

Before you head for the kennel, double-check that you have your pet's medications and special food (if any), your veterinarian's phone number, and contact information for you and a local backup.

When you arrive with your pet at the boarding facility, remind the staff about any medical or behavior problems your pet has, such as a history of epilepsy or fear of thunder. After the check-in process, hand your pet to a staff member, say good-bye, and leave. Avoid long, emotional partings, which may upset your pet. Finally, have a good trip, knowing that your pet is in good hands and will be happy to see you when you return.

The Humane Society of the United States
http://www.humanesociety.org/