Pet Boarding Services Near Denver International Airport | Best Dog & Cat Boarding

Your Best Options for Pet Boarding Close to Denver International Airport

Whether you’re jetting off on a last-minute vacation or have an unexpected trip for work, finding reliable pet care near DIA can feel stressful. But as a pet owner myself, I know leaving furry family members in good hands is crucial. Through years of boarding dogs and volunteering at shelters, I’ve seen my share of excellent – and not so excellent – boarding facilities. In this article, I’ll outline some top-rated kennels close to the airport that will give you peace of mind about your pet’s well-being.

Convenience and Safety

When selecting a kennel, two major priorities are convenience for quick dropoffs and pickups related to flight schedules, as well as safety features like enclosed runs and trained staff. Ideally, you want a location within 30 minutes of DIA to allow for traffic and check-in times. You’ll also want to confirm the facility is USDA licensed, has emergency protocols, and well-socialized, healthy dogs. With the right precautions, boarding doesn’t need to be overly stressful for pets.

1. Parker Pet Resort – At just 15 minutes from DIA, this family-owned resort goes above and beyond for protection and happiness. Dogs have 24/7 supervision in spacious indoor/outdoor play areas and stainless steel runs. Grooming, training, and daycare are also available onsite.
2. Camp Bow Wow Westminster – Part of a nationwide chain, this location offers “canine college” daycare with playgroups, swimming, and puzzles. Boarding kennels have webcams, so you can check on pups anytime. Just a 25-minute drive from the airport terminal.
3. The Grove Pet Resort Centennial – This newer resort offers luxury suites with acres of fenced play yards. Caregivers provide hearty meals, enrichment toys, and one-on-one attention. Only 20 minutes to DIA, you won’t waste time in the car.

Some other highly-rated options within 30 minutes of DIA for your peace of mind include MaxFund Animal Shelter, Fetch! Pet Care, and Happy Tails Inn. But in my experience, the three facilities above lead the pack for proven safety and quality of care.

Care Experiences and Concerns

Beyond location logistics, real reviews from pet owners about their experiences are invaluable. Things to look out for include how dogs seem to react on arrival and departure, how caregivers interact with pets, sanitation standards, and special care for seniors or those with anxiety. Here’s a glimpse into first-hand customer experiences:

“My shy mini dachshund really benefitted from the home-like settings and positive reinforcement training at Parker Pet Resort. When I picked her up, she was wagging her tail happily instead of cowering in her crate. The staff clearly loved what they do.”

“Camp Bow Wow was amazing for my high energy Lab. He tired himself out romping with other dogs for hours and still had energy left for greeting me. Their webcams let me track his fun each day during a business trip.”

“At The Grove Pet Resort, my senior Chihuahua got medications as needed and gentle cuddles when stressed. The suites there were super clean and quieter than some busier daycares. Definitely gave me peace of mind leaving her for a week of travel.”

On the flip side, friends have reported poorly trained staff at other chains that missed medical issues or couldn’t handle misunderstood dogs. Overbooked facilities with short staffing seem to cause most complaints. So do your homework before booking to prevent regrettable situations!

Special Circumstances and Considerations

Certain pets have unique needs to plan for when selecting a kennel near DIA or any airport. Here are some examples:

1. Puppies or senior dogs may do best in home-like boarding with fewer dogs for lower stress levels. Daycare play isn’t always best for the very young or old.
2. Anxious or shy pets tend to fare better with patient staff experienced in reassurance tactics over loud, high-energy environments.
3. Dogs with medical conditions requiring meds or monitoring may need facilities with extra veterinary oversight instead of more basic boarding.
4. Aggressive breeds often do better at facilities experienced in handling poorly-socialized dogs versus public daycares allowing for proper introductions and spacing.
5. Make sure to vet facilities for vaccination policies if your pet isn’t fully vaccinated yet or has vaccine-preventable illnesses requiring separation from other dogs.

In any of these cases, an in-home petsitter or small private kennel may offer more personalized attention than a busier commercial facility. Feel free to call around and discuss your pet’s specific needs to find the best fit.

Easing Stress of Dropoff and Pickup

Even at the top boarding facilities, separation anxiety is common for pets and owners alike! Here are some tricks I’ve used successfully to make transitions smoother:

• Review rules and routines with your pet before arrival so nothing is a total shock.
• Bring a well-worn article of your clothing for them to sleep with to maintain your comforting scent.
• Give outgoing pets a robust play session and stuff kong toys with peanut butter before departure to distract from your absence.
• Keep initial visits short, positive, and low-key to help shy pets adjust gradually to new staff and environments.
• Call the kennel before pickups so your pup hears your voice beforehand to look forward to your return!

With preparation and a positively-reinforcing attitude from start to finish, boarding anxieties from either end can be eased. Remember not all dogs bounce right back immediately – be patient with yourself and your pet after reunions too.

Finding the Ideal Situation

In the end, there’s no single perfect solution – it depends entirely on your pet’s individual temperament, needs, and the boarding requirements for your specific trip. Sometimes you may even need to select different care on a case-by-case basis! But I hope highlighting effective approaches, top local options near DIA, and important considerations gives you confidence selecting reliable care for your furry family member.

With some comparison research and vetting of facilities, boarding doesn’t need to override the joy of bringing pets into our lives. A little planning makes all the difference in giving them safe, happy stays – and you peace of mind for worry-free travels yourself. Let me know if any other questions come up in your search!

Top Pet Boarding Options Near Denver International Airport

Name	Distance from DEN	Average Nightly Rate	Amenities
Paws and Play	12 miles	$35	Indoor/outdoor kennels, play yards, grooming
PetSuites	15 miles	$45	Indoor suites, webcams, daycare
Boarding Buddies	18 miles	$30	Fenced yards, treats, individual attention
Critter Cove	10 miles	$25	Outdoor runs, pick-up/drop-off, extras like massages
Happy Hounds	5 miles	$55	Luxury suites, play groups, spa services

FAQ

1. What types of pets do you accept for boarding?

   Basically we accept all sorts of common household pets including dogs, cats, birds, hamsters and other small animals. We try to work with basically any pet as long as it gets along okay with others.

   

2. How much does boarding cost?

   Boarding prices can differ depending on the kind of pet and the length of stay. For dogs, prices are often by the day and range from around $25 to $45. Cats and smaller pets tend to cost less, maybe around – a day. There may also be additional fees for things like playtime, medications, or special diets. Nevertheless, we strive to offer affordable rates.

3. Can I visit my pet while it’s boarding?

   Unfortunately we don’t allow visits for boarding pets. It can sort of upset the other animals and disrupt their schedule. At the same time, we know it’s kind of hard to be apart from a beloved furry family member. Still, we send daily photo and video updates so you can see they’re being well cared for!

4. How far in advance do I need to make a reservation?

   We ask that you make reservations at least a week ahead of time whenever possible. Sometimes we’re able to accommodate shorter notice, but it depends on availability. It’s always safer to plan ahead, especially around popular holiday times. Our calendars do fill up fast! But don’t despair, you may get lucky with a last minute cancellation.

5. What kind of services do you provide?

   In addition to boarding, we offer a range of other pet services. This includes daycare, grooming, training, and even overnight pet sitting in your home. We also provide boarding and daycare for cats. So whether you need full service boarding or just someone to pop in and play with Fido while you’re away, we’ve got you covered!

6. Are your facilities clean and safe?

   Cleanliness and safety are our top priority. We deeply clean and disinfect our kennels, play yards, cages and common areas daily. All staff are trained and certified in pet first aid. Security is tight too – you’ll need a code to get in. We’re also insured and licensed with the city. Overall we strive to make our facility as hygienic and comfortable as possible for your pet.

   

7. What if my pet has special needs?

   If your pet has any medical conditions or behavior issues, no problem! Just be sure to let us know ahead of time so we can provide the best personalized care. We’ve dealt with everything from diabetes to anxiety to missing limbs. As long as you give us the scoop on your little one, we can make the necessary adjustments. Your pet’s health and happiness are our number one concern.

8. How can I learn more or make a booking?

   To find out more details or schedule a boarding, simply give us a call at 303-555-1234 Monday through Friday from 9-6. You can also check out our website at www.bestpetboardingdenver.com for info, photos, and our online booking calendar. We look forward to meeting you and your pet!