Vacationing or traveling for work can be a pain in the neck for pet owners, especially in cities where reliable house-sitters are in short supply. That’s why the ‘dog daycare’ or the ‘pet hotel’ concept is becoming popular in cities like Singapore. Pet boarding and daycare centers can provide a safe and comfortable environment for your dog while you are away. 

It’s rare to find a pet sitter Singapore locals can blindly trust, but a reliable boarding facility can provide safe and comfortable lodging for your furry friend, along with opportunities to socialize with other dogs.

In this article, we will introduce the top 10 dog boarding services in Singapore, and offer tips on how to prepare your dog for dog boarding and how to select a reliable dog boarding service.

How to prepare your dog for dog boarding

Preparing your dog for a boarding facility can be methodical and time-consuming, so make sure you start preparing a few days/weeks before your trip. The following tips and guidelines will help you prepare for a safe and comfortable boarding experience for your pet.

Ensure your dog’s vaccination chart is up-to-date

Currency on vaccines for diseases such as DAPP/DHPP, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Bordetella and Canine Influenza are mandatory for many reputable boarding houses to avoid any outbreaks. 

Consult with your veterinarian to keep your dog’s vaccination chart current. You can also visit ZumVet to get your pets vaccinated within the comfort of your home.

Ensure adequate Parasite Prevention measures are taken

Before admitting your furry friend, you must ensure it is not infected with any parasites. and adequate parasitic prevention measures are taken to protect your pooch.

Gradually make changes to your dog’s daily routine

Your dog’s daily routine may drastically change at a boarding facility. To avoid these situations, you must gradually try to modify your dog’s daily routine a few days before your leave (if it’s possible).

Make sure your dog is able to socialize with other dogs

Your canine companion will most probably run into other dogs at a boarding facility; therefore, you must ensure that it knows how to socialize and familiarize itself with other dogs to avoid hostile situations.

Carry items that will keep your dog comfortable

If your dog prefers to be surrounded by its favorite toys, blankets and bedding, bring it to the boarding facility if that’s possible. Familiar items will carry a familiar scent, which will provide a semblance of comfort.

You can visit Zumshop if you would like to get some comforting blankets, toys or accessories for your pet.

Update your dog’s ID tags

If the boarding facility misplaces your dog, you must update your pet’s ID tags, so that it can be identified easily. If your dog has a microchip tracker, you must ensure that it is updated as well.

Criteria for selecting dog boarding services

Selecting a reliable boarding facility is easier said than done. The following guidelines can be used to select a suitable boarding facility for your dog.

Security arrangements

The facility must have strict security protocols to ensure that unauthorized entries and escapes are prevented. 

Cleanliness

The facility must be sanitized regularly and droppings must be cleaned promptly. Adequate ventilation must be there to prevent stuffiness and odours.

Comfort level

The facility should be cozy and comfortable. It must be temperature controlled. Comfortable bedding and fresh water should also be available. The facility should also make arrangements for regular walks and outdoor access. Facilities should also let your dog in with its favorite toys, blankets and accessories if required. 

Socialisation Options

Facilities should be able organize doggy playgroups and recreational activities to improve your furry friend’s social skills. Trained staff must also be present to supervise off-leash play to prevent fights.

Meal arrangements

Most facilities will provide food for your pet. If a facility cannot provide food, or if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, you should be able to make alternate arrangements for your pet.

Medical arrangements

The facility should be able to easily arrange for a veterinarian in event of a medical emergency. Concrete SOPs should be present to decide the need for vet care, and if your dog is on a medication plan, the facility should be able to accommodate for that as well.

Staff quality

The staff at a reputable facility should be patient, compassionate and adept at handling canine behavioral issues. Staff must also have the necessary qualifications for pet first aid, and SOPs should be in place to monitor dogs throughout the day.

Pricing

In Singapore, nightly lodging rates can vary from around $45 per pet to $300 per pet. Facilities can also levy additional charges for special dietary or medical requirements. Ask the boarding facility to give you a detailed tariff breakdown that takes all your furry friend’s requirements into account.

Location

Ensure that your boarding facility is situated in a convenient location, as long drives can be stressful for some dogs. If the facility can arrange a pick up and drop for your pet, that is beneficial.

Customer Reviews

Reviews can be used to judge a boarding facility’s reliability. As a rule of thumb, balanced reviews (without gleamy or overly positive language) with lots of pictures tend to be reliable.

Based on our criteria, here are the Top 10 facilities for dog boarding Singapore

Pawshake Singapore (dog boarder)

Unlike traditional boarding services, Pawshake offers personalized and fully customized boarding services through its aggregated network of verified pet sitters. Pawshake will get you a dog sitter Singapore locals can vouch for. Bookings can be done through Pawshake’s website or mobile app.

Security Arrangements

1. Locations are vetted for security
2. Facilities can be filtered based on backyard fencing

Cleanliness

1. Cleanliness and hygiene is maintained as per ‘Service Specific Standards’
2. Droppings are cleaned promptly

Comfort Level 

1. Boarding is spacious and dog-proofed
2. Facilities are temperature-controlled

Socialization

1. Doggy playgroup and socialization options are limited

Meal arrangements 

1. Food/food allowance needs to be provided by the pet parent

Medical arrangements

1. Free veterinary coverage is provided, click here for inclusions/exclusions
2. Specialized care can be arranged

Staff Quality

1. Pet sitters are thoroughly vetted and trained to handle emergencies. 
2. Photo updates are shared regularly 
3. Staff can administer basic medication. 

Pricing

1. SG$25 to SG$100 per night, with additional charges for add-on services

Location

1. Pawshake users can select boarding houses that are conveniently located close to their homes

Reviews

1. ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, based on 2,925 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.

Urban K9 (dog boarder)

Offering daycare and boarding for several dog breeds Singapore locals know and love, Urban K9 is run by Ethan Locke, who is a canine behavioral expert and trainer. Urban K9 leverages Ethan’s expertise to provide a socially stimulating environment for their guests.

Security Arrangements

1. Play areas have guardrails
2. Cage-free environment can be a cause for concern from a security standpoint.

Cleanliness

1. Generally clean and well maintained 

Comfort Level

1. Facility is spacious and well sectioned
2. Boarding areas are temperature-controlled

Socialization . 

1. Structured social environment is established for guests 
2. Packs are created based on temperament assessments
3. Regular exercise and training is provided

Meal arrangements

1. Food/food allowance needs to be provided by the pet parent

Medical arrangements 

1. Detailed information w.r.t. Medical or Veterinary arrangements is not available on the Urban K9 website. 

Staff Quality 

1. Staff members are trained behavioral experts
2. Packs are supervised throughout the day
3. Owners are contacted promptly if a dog is sick or ill.

Pricing 

1. SG$60 per night per pet, with additional charges levied for add-on services.

Location

1.  Race Course Road, very close to Farrer Park and Little India.

Reviews

1. 4.3 star rating on Google based on 18 reviews.

Mutts and Mittens (pet boarder)

Established in 2003, Mutts and Mittens is run by passionate animal lovers. It uses the profits from its lodging facility to run adoption and volunteer programs. If you want to keep your pet in a secure and comfortable facility, while contributing towards a good cause, then Mutts and Mittens is the perfect choice for you.

Security Arrangements 

1. Rooms are fully secured and CCTV equipped 

Cleanliness

1. Enclosures are cleaned regularly, along with water and food bowls. 
2. Facility is ventilated to eliminate stuffy odors.

Comfort level  

1. Rooms are air-conditioned and climate-controlled
2. Elevated dog beds are provided 

Socialization

1. Socialization is not encouraged to prevent accidents and hostile behavior 

Meal arrangements 

1. Premium grade kibble is provided twice a day. 
2. Alternate meal arrangements need to be made if your pet has dietary restrictions.

Medical arrangements

1. Flea and tick prevention treatments given to every guest if required.
2. Guests will be taken to the nearest veterinary clinic if required
3. Resident vet nurses are available to for canines who may need special care

Staff Quality

1. Staff is well-trained and qualified 
2. Caregivers are present onsite 24/7.

Pricing

1. SG$50-SG$60 per night, with additional charges being levied for add-on services

Location

1. The Animal Lodge on Sungei Tengah Road 
2. Pick up and drop services can also be booked if required.

Reviews 

1. 4.9 star rating on Google with 344 reviews.

Furmummy (dog boarder)

Furmummy’s home-styled facility offers pet boarding and dog daycare Singapore paw parents can truly depend on. With cozy rooms and fun daycare activities, your furry friend will love the warm and welcoming vibes at Furmummy. You can choose between a deluxe room and a premium suite (which can house 2 dogs).

Security Arrangements

1. Rooms are fully secured
2. Indoor amenities are available to prevent canines from leaving the facility

Cleanliness

1. Facility meets all the hygiene standards specified by The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) and the International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA) 

Comfort level 

1. Rooms are air-conditioned and dog-proofed
2. Complimentary bath and brushing is provided for all guests

Socialization

1. Doggy playgroup and socialization options are available

Meal arrangements 

1. Grain-free premium kibble is provided to all the guests. 
2. Customized home-cooked meals can also be prepared for guests with dietary restrictions. 

Medical arrangements 

1. Facility meets AVS requirements for disease prevention 
2. Furmummy has partnered with Zumvet to provide timely veterinary assistance if guests sick or injured.

Staff Quality 

1. Staff members are well trained as First Responders, and they can provide preventative care. 
2. Regular photo updates are shared with pet parents
3. Guests are regularly monitored during playgroup hours

Pricing 

1. SG$79-SG$99 per night, with additional charges being levied for add-on services. 

Location 

1. Balestier Road 
2. Pick up and drop services can also be booked if required

Reviews 

1. 4.6 star rating on Google with 34 reviews.

Pampered Pets (dog boarder)

Providing pet boarding Singapore paw parents can absolutely rely upon while traveling, Pampered Pets provides a stylish, safe and cozy lodging experience. Pampered Pets creates a safe and conducive environment for your pet that will reduce its anxiety and stress levels. You can choose between a Junior and a Premium suite.

Security Arrangements  

1. Rooms are fully secured
2. 24/7 CCTV access is provided 

Cleanliness 

1. Premises are sanitized twice everyday 
2. Air purification equipment is installed in every room.

Comfort level 

1. Rooms are air-conditioned and climate-controlled 
2. Rooms have surround-sound systems that play soothing classical music 

Socialization

1. Doggy playgroup options are available 

Meal arrangements 

1. Dry food is provided 
2. Customized home-cooked meals can be prepared as well for pets with dietary restrictions
3. You can bring your own food as well

Medical arrangements 

1. Staff is fully trained to provide basic medical care
2. Additional charges are levied for treatments such as de-ticking and wound cleaning.  

Staff Quality

1. Staff is qualified and well-trained 
2. Staff is adept at supervising daycare activities

Pricing 

1. SG$80-SG$240 per night, depending on the dog sizes and boarding options.
2. Additional charges will be levied for add-on services

Location

1. The Star Vista on Vista Exchange Green
2. Pick up and drop services can also be booked if required

Reviews

1. 4.9 star rating on Google with 7 reviews.

Wanderlodge

Wanderlodge is a home-based dog hotel with a warm and homely ambience. Wanderlodge also provides grooming services, and it has a spacious indoor and outdoor play area. With Wanderlodge, your dog has the opportunity to relax in a natural environment with lots of fresh air and greenery.

Security Arrangements  

1. Cage-free environment can be a cause for concern from a security standpoint

Cleanliness 

1. Hygiene and cleanliness standards are maintained
2. Facility is ventilated to eliminate stuffy odors

Comfort level 

1. Facility is climate-controlled
2. Vast indoor and outdoor spaces are available
3. Bringing your furry friend’s toys and bedding is not advisable, as they could be used by other dogs
4. Showers and grooming services can be arranged (additional charges may apply)

Socialization

1. Cage-free environment entails that your dog may have to socialize with its fellow guests
2. Pets are monitored and segregated into specific lodging areas based on their temperaments

Meal arrangements 

1. Feeding instructions need to be provided by the pet parent 
2. Facility can make meal arrangements if required (additional charges may be levied)

Medical arrangements 

1. Pet parents are alerted promptly if their canine companions are ill or injured
2. Flea and tick prevention treatments are provided if required

Staff Quality 

1. Staff is fully trained to monitor pets throughout the day
2. Staff is medically trained to administer medication, IV drips and eye drops  

Pricing 

1. SG$45-SG$110 per night, depending on the size of your dog.
2. Additional charges will be levied for add-on services

Location

1. Jalan Kemuning, Sembawand Road
2. Pick up and drop services can also be booked if required

Reviews

1. 5 star rating on Facebook, with 11 reviews

Pet Boarding Centre Singapore (PBCS) (pet boarder)

PBCS has been providing reliable kennel-based lodging for the past 20 years. PBCS offers short term and long term boarding options for your pets, and it offers additional services such as grooming and transportation. PBCS can provide lodging for many different breeds.

Security Arrangements  

1. Enclosures are fully secured with double-locks

Cleanliness 

1. Cleanliness and hygiene standards are up to the mark
2. Ventilation fans are installed to eliminate stuffy odors

Comfort level 

1. Boarding spaces are air-conditioned and climate-controlled 
2. Outdoor spaces are limited

Socialization

1. Socialization and doggy playgroup options are limited

Meal arrangements 

1. Dog food is provided twice a day
2. If your pet has allergies, you can bring your own food

Medical arrangements 

1. Flea and tick prevention treatments are provided.
2. On-call vet is available if a dog is sick or injured.

Staff Quality 

1. Guests are monitored throughout the day and daily updates are sent to pet parents
2. Information related to staff training and qualifications is not available on the PBCS website

Pricing 

1. SG$35-SG$55 per night, depending on your dog’s breed.
2. Additional charges will be levied for add-on services

Location

1. Lane 1, Lim Chu Kang
2. Pick up and drop services can also be booked if required

Reviews

1. 4.2 star rating on Google, with 12 reviews

Petopia (dog boarder)

Petopia offers premium canine lodging, with stylish, sleek enclosures and a peaceful, relaxed ambience. You can book a basic ‘Cosy Suite’, a spacious ‘Family Suite’ or a luxurious ‘Prestige Suite’ for your pet. Petopia also offers grooming, daycare and transportation services. 

Security Arrangements  

1. Rooms are fully secured with double-locks
2. 24/7 webcam access is provided
3. Systems are in place to alert authorities if any unauthorized activities occur

Cleanliness 

1. Air purifiers are installed throughout the facility
2. Premises are sanitized and disinfected everyday
3. Equipment is regularly sterilized using UVB technology
4. Bathing and drinking water is filtered, ionized and ozonised
5. Regular fogging is done to prevent tick and flea infestations.

Comfort level 

1. Air-conditioned and climate-controlled boarding spaces are provided
2. Pet-friendly aromatherapy diffusers are kept in every room
3. Spacious indoor and outdoor play areas are available
4. Rooms have speakers that play soothing classical music

Socialization

1. Socialization with other guests is allowed under strict supervision
2. One-on-one attention is provided if dogs are not sociable
3. Dogs are segregated based on their temperaments

Meal arrangements 

1. Dog food can be provided or purchased from the retail zone
2. Special meals can be prepared if your dog has any allergies (additional charges will be levied)

Medical arrangements 

1. Flea and tick prevention treatments are provided
2. Detailed information related to veterinary arrangements can be obtained from Petopia representatives during meet-and-greet

Staff Quality 

1. Staff is fully trained to monitor pets throughout the day
2. A Dedicated specialist is assigned for each guest
3. Staff is trained and qualified to administer basic oral medication

Pricing 

1. SG$98-SG$178 per night, depending on your dog’s breed.
2. Additional charges will be levied for add-on services

Location

1. Jalan Kelulut, Seletar Hills Estate
2. Pick up and drop services can also be booked if required

Reviews

1. 3.6 star rating on Google, with 41 reviews

The Collar Club (dog boarder)

The Collar Club is an AVS licensed pet boarding facility that welcomes every dog breed with open arms. The Collar Club offers grooming, daycare and transportation services as well. The Collar Club can also plan events and parties for your furry friends. 

Security Arrangements  

1. CCTV cameras are installed throughout the premises
2. Cage-free environment can be a cause for concern from a security standpoint

Cleanliness 

1. Cleanliness and hygiene standards are up to the mark
2. Premises are sanitized and disinfected everyday

Comfort level 

1. Air-conditioned and climate-controlled boarding spaces are available
2. Spacious indoor and outdoor play areas are available, with lots of interactive toys

Socialization

1. Cage-free environment entails that your dog may have to socialize with its fellow guests

1. Pets are grouped based on their behavioral patterns during play sessions
2. Off-leash play is allowed under strict supervision

Meal arrangements 

1. You can bring your own dog food
2. Special meals can be prepared if your dog has any dietary issues (additional charges will be levied)

Medical arrangements 

1. Veterinary care can be easily arranged in the event of a medical emergency
2. Flea and tick treatments are also provided
3. Detailed information w.r.t medical arrangements can be obtained from the Collar Club ‘Terms of Service’

Staff Quality 

1. Staff is fully trained to monitor pets throughout the day
2. Staff is trained to handle pets during off-leash playgroup sessions

Pricing 

1. Unfortunately, detailed pricing information is not available on the Collar Club website. Please contact a customer service representative for more information.

Location

1. River Valley
2. Pick up and drop services can also be booked if required

Reviews

1. 4.8 star rating on Google, with 117 reviews

Petpause

If you want to spoil your dog with a luxurious lodging experience, then Petpause is the perfect choice for you. Petpause has 4 different suites that can accommodate canines of all sizes. As a subsidiary of Ricted Kennels, Petpause has 40+ years of experience when it comes to pet boarding, handling and relocation.

Security Arrangements  

1. Surveillance cameras are installed throughout the premises
2. Rooms are fully secured with double locks
3. AVS standards and procedures are followed

Cleanliness 

1. Cleanliness and hygiene standards are up to the mark
2. Premises are sanitized and disinfected everyday
3. Pee pads/trays are provided in every room, and cleaned/replaced every day
4. Complimentary showers are also provided

Comfort level 

1. Boarding spaces are air-conditioned and climate-controlled
2. Orthopedic bedding is available in every room.
3. Spacious indoor play area is provided. Options for outdoor activities are limited.
4. Every room has an aromatherapy diffuser
5. Soothing classical music is played in every room

Socialization

1. Socialization and playgroup options are limited
2. Interactions between dogs are strictly supervised

Meal arrangements 

1. You can bring your own dog food
2. Special gourmet meals can be prepared if your dog has any dietary issues (additional charges will be levied)
3. Dry kibble and complimentary treats are provided
4. Raised food-feeders are installed in every room

Medical arrangements 

1. Veterinary care can be easily arranged in the event of a medical emergency
2. Flea and tick treatments are also provided
3. Detailed information w.r.t medical arrangements can be viewed in PetPause’s ‘Terms and Conditions’

Staff Quality 

1. Staff is fully trained and certified in ‘Pet Care and Management’
2. Daily video updates are sent to pet parents
3. Guests are monitored throughout the day

Pricing 

1. SG$52-SG$92 per night, depending on your dog’s size.
2. Additional charges will be levied for add-on services

Location

1. Sungei Tengah Rd
2. Pick up and drop services can also be booked if required

Reviews

1. 3 star rating on Google, with 117 reviews

Conclusion

These are the top 10 dog boarding services in Singapore. If you prepare your dog properly, these facilities can provide a safe and pleasurable lodging experience. 

We highly recommend that you should visit these facilities to conduct your own detailed research. Asking the right questions will speed up your decision making process, but at the end of the day, you must trust your gut when it comes to making a lodging decision. 

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