In-Home Dog Boarding
A Home Away From Home
Going out of town shouldn't mean your dog has to spend their days in a crowded boarding facility. At Bell Creek, boarding is intentionally small, personal, and home-based.
Your dog stays in the home of one of our three boarding caregivers—Patti, Lindsey, or Lisa—and becomes part of our everyday routine while you're away.
Days include a balance of exercise, enrichment, individual attention, household life, and plenty of time to rest.
Because we think your dog deserves a vacation, too.
Why Board With Bell Creek?
A Real Home Environment
Our boarding dogs live with us in our homes rather than staying in a traditional kennel environment. They join us for everyday life—mealtimes, walks, play, relaxing around the house, outings when appropriate, and, of course, plenty of naps.
We want your dog to be safe and well cared for, but we also want them to be comfortable and happy while you're away.
A Small, Personal Program
Our boarding program is provided by just three caregivers: Patti, Lindsey, and Lisa. Keeping our program small allows us to actually get to know the dogs staying with us—their personalities, routines, favorite activities, quirks, and what helps them feel comfortable.
Your dog isn't simply a reservation on our calendar.
They're sharing our homes and our lives while they're with us.
Experienced Dog People
With experienced dog trainers providing much of our boarding care, we understand canine body language, appropriate dog-to-dog interactions, the importance of structure and rest, and how to help dogs adjust to being away from home.
Regular boarding does not include formal training sessions. However, we aren't going to forget all the manners you've worked hard to teach your dog just because you're on vacation!
If your dog already understands things like waiting at doors, sitting for meals, walking politely on leash, or settling in the house, we'll continue reinforcing those established expectations during their stay.
What Will My Dog Do While I'm Away?
There isn't one schedule that fits every dog.
A young, active dog may think a great day involves lots of activity and adventure. A senior may vote for a leisurely walk followed by an excellent nap. We're good with both.
Depending on your dog's age, personality, and individual needs, their stay may include:
We don't believe dogs need to be entertained every minute of the day. Learning to relax and simply hang out is important, too.
Our goal is a stay that is safe, comfortable, structured, and enjoyable for your individual dog.
Who Will Care for My Dog?
Bell Creek's boarding dogs stay with Patti, Lindsey, or Lisa in our homes. Because there are only three of us providing boarding, we get to know our regular guests very well.
We learn who wants to be involved in everything, who prefers a little more personal space, who lives for their walks, and who considers the couch the most important amenity we offer.
And they get to know us, too.
For many of our returning dogs, coming to stay becomes a familiar part of their routine—which is exactly what we want.
Why Does My Dog Need to Be Crate Trained?
Although this is home-based boarding, all boarding dogs must be comfortable in a crate.
Crates are important for safety and are primarily used for:
- •Safe transportation in our vehicles
- •Sleeping at night
- •Feeding or short periods of separation when appropriate
- •Safe management within a multi-dog household when needed
Our goal is not for your dog to spend their boarding stay in a crate. It is simply one of the tools we use to safely care for multiple dogs in a home environment.
Established boarding clients who we know are comfortable and trustworthy loose in the home may be allowed to sleep loose at their caregiver's discretion.
We'll Keep You Connected
We know leaving your dog can be one of the hardest parts of traveling.
We'll send photos and updates during your dog's stay so you can see how they're doing and what they've been up to. We want you to be able to enjoy your time away knowing your dog is safe, comfortable, and being cared for by people who know them.
Boarding Rates
New Clients
First time boarding with us
$45
per night
Click Here to Book →Current & Returning Clients
Boarded with us within the past six months
$40
per night
Click Here to Book →Reserving Your Dates
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your dog's stay. Because we intentionally keep our boarding program small, space is limited—particularly during holidays and popular travel dates. We recommend requesting your dates as soon as you know your travel plans.
Is My Dog a Good Fit for In-Home Boarding?
Because our boarding dogs live with us, they need to be able to safely and comfortably function in a household environment.
Boarding dogs must be:
- ✓House trained
- ✓Comfortable resting and sleeping in a crate
- ✓Current on required vaccinations
- ✓Safe for our caregivers to handle
- ✓Appropriate for a home-based boarding environment
We are unable to accept dogs with aggression concerns into our regular boarding program.
Every dog is an individual, though.
If you're not sure whether your dog would be a good fit, please ask. We're happy to talk with you about your dog's needs before you make a reservation.
Boarding or Board & Train?
Not sure which option is right for your dog?
Choose Boarding If...
Your dog is generally doing well and you primarily need a safe, comfortable place for them to stay while you're away. We'll maintain established manners and routines, but regular boarding does not include dedicated training sessions or a program designed to teach new behaviors.
Consider Board & Train If...
You'd like us to actively work toward training goals while your dog stays with us. Board & Train includes individualized training throughout your dog's stay and follow-up lessons to help you continue that training when your dog comes home.
Learn More About Board & Train →What Should I Bring?
Before your dog's stay, we'll provide information about what to bring and make sure we have everything we need regarding:
- •Food and feeding instructions
- •Medications and supplements
- •Your dog's normal routines
- •Any special care instructions
- •Emergency contact information
- •Anything else we should know to help your dog have a successful stay
Please tell us about your dog's quirks, too!
Does your dog refuse to eat breakfast unless someone stands nearby? Have a favorite bedtime routine? Think thunderstorms are the end of civilization? Have an unusual talent for finding unsecured trash cans?
The more we know about your dog, the better we can care for them.
Ready to Plan Your Dog's Stay?
Whether you're leaving for a weekend or taking a longer trip, we'd love to help give your dog a safe and comfortable place to call home while you're away.
New to Bell Creek?
Start by scheduling your dog's complimentary boarding evaluation so we can meet you both and make sure our program is a good fit.
Already Part of the Bell Creek Family?
Request your boarding dates through our online booking system.