It happens to the best of us—we have to go out of town or work on a big job and there’s no one to look after the dog. Thankfully, there are a fair number of dog boarding opportunities for your dog near your home. Dog boarding kennels provide your dog a safe and secure place to call their home away from home while you are away. Dog boarding is sometimes accompanied by other services, such as dog training and dog grooming.

Dog boarding costs $40 a night on average, depending on where you live, the size of your dog, and how long of a stay your pet needs. While the cost of boarding your dog may depend on a number of circumstances, most companies charge per day and/or night. Overall, you can expect the range to be between $25 and $85 each night.

Dogs need proof of Distemper, Parvo and Bordetella (kennel cough) annually and Rabies every 1-3 years. Puppies must be 10 days past their final round of distemper/parvo vaccination before kennels will accept them for boarding. Vaccinations need to be given no less than 7 days prior to boarding. If this is the dog's first Bordetella vaccination, it must be given 2 weeks prior to boarding.

For all breeds of dogs, most dog kennels require the dog to be at least 4 months old (12 to 16 weeks) old. This is because all certified kennels require incoming puppies to have had their first round of adult shots at 12 weeks, followed by the second round at around 16 weeks.

When preparing to take your dog to the kennel, remember to:

1. Be up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations need to be given no less than 7 days prior to boarding.
2. Pack plenty of your dog’s usual food for the length of their stay.
3. Pack any medications or supplements that your dog may need.
4. Pack your dog's leashes.
5. Write a list of any special instructions you may have for your kennel regarding feeding times, portions for food, your local vet's phone number, and where you can be reached.
6. Don't forget to pack your dog's favorite toys. An old t-shirt that smells like you can also make for a great cuddle toy!

The difference between dog sitting and boarding is the length of stay and attention of care. Dog boarding is like a hotel, where it's typically an overnight stay at a kennel where your dog is around other dogs. On the other hand, a dog sitter will watch your pet at either their or your home, or they may just stop by to care for your pets two or three times per day.

While in-home dog care might feel uncomfortable to some because of giving a stranger access to your home, having someone stop by can be much less intimidating for the dog than having to stay in a crate or small room overnight with other dogs around. If you are one of those dog owners who would rather your dog be in his or her own home while you are out of town, you may want to check out local dog sitters near you.

In general, puppies can receive injectable Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines between 6 and 8 weeks of age and booster shots when they're 10 to 12 weeks old. Adult dogs generally need booster vaccines for Bordetella in intervals of six months to a year. If this is the dog's first Bordetella vaccination, it must be given 2 weeks prior to boarding.