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Winner of ‘Best of Miami-Dade’ by The Miami Herald®
Why Choosing the Right Miami Boarding Facility Matters
Miami is not like other cities. Our environment presents specific challenges that any reputable boarding facility must address. When you look for care in South Florida, you aren’t just looking for a kennel; you are looking for a climate-controlled fortress against the elements.
Heat and Humidity Control
The heat index in Miami frequently tops 100 degrees. A boarding facility that relies solely on open windows or fans is dangerous. Heatstroke is a genuine risk for dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs. You must ensure the facility has industrial-grade air conditioning and backup generators. Humidity control is equally important; excess moisture breeds mold and bacteria, which can lead to respiratory issues for dogs.
Hurricane Preparedness
If you are traveling during hurricane season (June through November), you need to know the facility’s disaster plan. Do they have impact windows? Is the building above the flood zone? Do they have an evacuation protocol? A reliable facility will have these answers ready immediately.
Pest Control
The tropical climate is a breeding ground for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (which carry heartworm). A top-tier facility will have rigorous pest control measures in place to ensure your dog doesn’t come home with unwanted passengers.
Understand Florida and Miami-Dade Legal Requirements
Before you even look at the amenities, you must verify that the facility operates legally. There are strict laws governing animal care in Florida, and adherence to them is the first sign of a professional operation.
Rabies Vaccination Laws
According to Florida Statute 828.30, all dogs, cats, and ferrets that are 4 months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. This is non-negotiable. If a boarding facility tells you they are “flexible” on rabies vaccinations, run away. They are not only breaking the law, but they are also endangering every animal in their care.
The law states that the owner must have the animal revaccinated 12 months after the initial vaccination. Subsequent boosters must occur at intervals recommended by the vaccine manufacturer (usually every 1 or 3 years).
Kennel Licensing and Inspections
In Miami-Dade County, any business that boards animals must hold a valid Kennel License. To obtain this, the business must present corporate documents, a federal ID number, and a Certificate of Occupancy. This ensures the facility is zoned correctly and has passed safety inspections.
You can verify a facility’s standing by asking to see their license or checking with Miami-Dade Animal Services. A licensed facility is subject to inspections that check for sanitation, ventilation, and humane treatment. An unlicensed facility is essentially a black market operation with no oversight.
The Cage-Free vs Traditional Kennel Debate
One of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing the style of boarding. The terminology can be confusing, so let’s break it down.
Traditional Kennels
In a traditional model, dogs spend the majority of their time in individual runs or cages. They are let out for potty breaks and brief playtimes, but social interaction is limited. This can be less stressful for dogs that are aggressive or extremely anxious, but for most social dogs, it can lead to boredom and “kennel stress.”
Free-Roaming and Cage-Free Boarding
This modern approach mirrors a dog’s natural desire to socialize. In a truly cage-free or free-roaming environment, dogs socialize in supervised playgroups during the day. They aren’t locked up for hours on end.
However, “cage-free” should not mean “free-for-all.” The best facilities, like Dogtown, utilize a hybrid model that prioritizes safety and rest. This involves:
- Separated Playgroups: Dogs are separated by temperament, size, and activity level. You don’t want an energetic Great Dane playing with a senior Chihuahua.
- Structured Rest: Dogs get overstimulated just like toddlers. A safe facility enforces nap times where dogs can decompress.
- “Doggie Stables” or Suites: At night, dogs need their own secure space to sleep soundly. Dogtown, for instance, uses open-air suites rather than metal cages. This provides the security of a private room without the prison-like feel of a crate.
Essential Health and Safety Protocols
A glossy website is nice, but hygiene prevents illness. When vetting a facility, you need to dig deep into their health protocols.
Vaccination Requirements
We mentioned Rabies, but that is just the legal minimum. A safe facility will require a “core” set of vaccines to establish herd immunity within the building. You should expect to provide proof of:
- Rabies: Required by state law.
- Distemper/Parvo (DHPP/DAPP): Protects against highly contagious and deadly viral diseases.
- Bordetella: Protects against Kennel Cough. Note that many facilities require this every 6 months rather than annually, as the bacteria mutates.
Some facilities may also require the Canine Influenza vaccine or a negative fecal exam to check for parasites.
Spay and Neuter Policies
In a free-roaming environment, hormonal aggression is a recipe for disaster. Most reputable open-play facilities require dogs to be spayed or neutered by a certain age. For example, Dogtown requires guests to be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age. This ensures a safer social dynamic in the playgroups.
Emergency Medical Protocols
What happens if your dog gets sick at 2 AM? You need to know the protocol.
- Vet on Call: Does the facility have a relationship with a nearby 24-hour emergency vet?
- Communication: Will they attempt to contact you first, or do they have authorization to act in a life-saving emergency?
- Transport: How do they transport a sick dog to the hospital?
Cleaning Procedures
Ask what cleaning products they use. They should be using veterinary-grade disinfectants that kill viruses like Parvo and Distemper but are safe for pets. If the facility smells overwhelmingly of bleach or, worse, urine/feces, it is a sign of poor sanitation management.
Evaluate the Staff and Supervision
A facility is only as good as the humans running it. You are entrusting these people with a life, so you need to vet their competence.
Staff-to-Dog Ratio
In a playgroup, one human cannot safely supervise 50 dogs. Look for a facility that maintains a manageable ratio (typically 1:10 or 1:15 depending on the activity level). This ensures that subtle signs of aggression or stress can be spotted and de-escalated immediately.
Training and Certification
Are the staff members teenagers looking for summer cash, or are they trained animal care professionals? Staff should be trained in:
- Canine CPR and First Aid.
- Dog Body Language: Understanding the difference between play growls and warning growls.
- Pack Management: How to safely break up an altercation without getting hurt.
24/7 Presence vs. Unattended Nights
Some facilities lock the doors at 7 PM and leave the dogs alone until morning. While many healthy dogs sleep through the night, having a human on-site or a robust monitoring system adds a layer of safety in case of fire, AC failure, or medical emergencies.
Inspect the Facility Amenities
You should always request a tour (or at least a view of the facility). If a facility refuses to let you see where your dog will be sleeping or playing, that is a major red flag.
The “Smell Test”
When you walk in, take a deep breath. It should smell neutral or like cleaning products. It should not smell like a dirty kennel. A persistent foul odor indicates that cleaning is not happening frequently enough or that the ventilation system is failing.
Flooring Surfaces
Concrete runs are hard on a dog’s joints and can be cold. Look for facilities that use rubberized flooring, epoxy, or artificial turf in play areas. These materials provide traction, are easier to clean, and reduce the impact on hips and knees during play.
Outdoor Access
Does the facility have outdoor space? In a dense city like Miami, this is a luxury. Dogs need fresh air and the sensory stimulation of being outside. Dogtown, for example, distinguishes itself by including 3 daily outdoor walks in their all-inclusive pricing. This ensures your dog maintains their potty training habits and gets to sniff real grass, not just indoor turf.
Analyze the Daily Schedule
A bored dog is a destructive and anxious dog. However, an exhausted dog is prone to illness. The key is balance.
Ask to see a typical daily itinerary. It should look something like this:
- Morning: Outdoor potty break and breakfast.
- Mid-Morning: Structured play in small groups.
- Mid-Day: Rest/Nap time (Crucial!).
- Afternoon: More play or enrichment activities.
- Evening: Dinner and wind-down.
- Night: Final potty break and lights out.
Enrichment Activities
Top-tier boarding is about more than just “warehousing” dogs. Look for places that offer mental stimulation. This could be puzzle toys, one-on-one cuddle time, or “field trips” to local parks.
Boarding pricing in Miami can be tricky. You will often see a low “base rate,” but by the time you check out, the bill has doubled.
The “Base Rate” Trap
Many facilities charge a base fee for the kennel, but then charge extra for:
- Daycare/Playtime (Yes, some places leave the dog in the cage unless you pay extra).
- Walks.
- Administering medication.
- Feeding their own food.
- Cuddle time.
The All-Inclusive Model
This is where transparency matters. Facilities like Dogtown use an all-inclusive pricing model. Their rate includes the suite, full-day daycare, three walks, feedings, and medication administration. When comparing prices, ensure you are comparing apples to apples. A $40 base rate that requires $30 in add-ons is more expensive than a $60 all-inclusive rate.s.
15 Questions to Ask Before You Book
To make this easy for you, here is a checklist based on veterinary recommendations and industry standards. Print this out or keep it on your phone when you call or visit a facility.
- Can I see your Miami-Dade Kennel License?
- What specific vaccines are required, and when must they be administered?
- Do you have an emergency evacuation plan for hurricanes?
- Is the facility cage-free, and if so, how do you separate dogs by temperament?
- What is your staff-to-dog ratio in the playgroups?
- Are the dogs supervised 100% of the time during play?
- Do you offer outdoor walks, and are they included in the price?
- What type of flooring is used in the play areas?
- Do you require a temperament test (trial day) before boarding? (The answer should be YES).
- How do you handle a medical emergency if I cannot be reached?
- Is there a backup generator for the AC?
- Can I bring my dog’s own food and bedding?
- Do you charge extra for medication or special dietary needs?
- How often are the suites and play areas sanitized?
- Will I receive updates or photos of my dog during their stay?
Why Dogtown Is Miami’s Top Choice for Safe Boarding
If you have gone through the checklist above, you will realize that finding a facility that ticks every box is rare. That is exactly why Dogtown was built. We didn’t just want to open a kennel; we wanted to create the hotel we would want our own dogs to stay in.
Convenient, Premium Location
We proudly serve the heart of the city from our Coconut Grove location.
Coconut Grove: Located at 3686 Grand Avenue, this facility is walking distance to historic sites and beautiful parks.
Safety and Freedom Combined
We believe in a free-roaming facility that doesn’t compromise on safety. We don’t use cages or crates. Instead, our guests sleep in comfortable “doggie stables” or suites (like the Peacock Suite or Grand Suite). During the day, they enjoy included daycare in supervised groups.
The Dogtown Difference: All-Inclusive Care
We hate hidden fees as much as you do. Our nightly rate includes:
- Full Day of Daycare: Your dog plays all day; they don’t sit in a run waiting to be let out.
- 3 Daily Outdoor Walks: Morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Feedings and Meds: No extra charge for keeping your dog healthy.
- Departure Bath: Guests receive a complimentary $40 bath on departure day so they come home smelling fresh.
Community and Loyalty
We are locally owned and deeply embedded in the Miami dog community. Our Loyalty Program rewards you for every dollar spent, offering upgrades like teeth brushing or deshedding treatments. We have been voted Miami’s Best Grooming by the Miami New Times and Best Dog Hotel & Daycare by the Miami Herald, proving that our commitment to quality is recognized by the locals who know us best.
Join the Dogtown Family Today
You have done the research. You know what to look for. You know that safety, hygiene, and genuine care are the non-negotiables for your best friend.
At Dogtown, we don’t just board dogs; we treat them like our own. From our hurricane-ready facilities to our CPR-trained staff, we have built a sanctuary where you can leave your dog with zero guilt and total peace of mind.
Don’t leave your holiday plans to the last minute. Our suites fill up fast, especially during peak Miami travel seasons. Let’s make sure your dog has a vacation that is just as fun as yours.
Book your dog’s stay with us today and discover the Dogtown difference.
Hear it From Our Happy Customers
See what local pet owners are saying about their experiences. Our community loves the transparency, care, and daily updates we provide.
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Great people there. My dog loves going there
rick f.
February 25, 2022Excellent customer service. Friendly dog groomer. Clean.
Ilka K.
January 24, 2025Brought my dog there and they took great care of him!
Jessica R.
October 29, 2023 -
I've been going to Dogtown for almost 8 years and I know that Luke is in great hands. Whether it's for daycare, his grooming or dental, we have always had a great experience with their team.
Britt P.
February 25, 2022Love this place!!! I've only gone for grooming (three times now!) and they've done an excellent job every time. My puppy is A LOT to handle, but they manage to get the job done. They ask a lot of questions to make sure the haircut is exactly what you like. The cut also includes nail cut, anal glands, and perfume. And the first time you go it's half off at $35! They also offer a rewards program. The staff is amazing, the dogs all seem happy, and the location looks great. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a new groomer!
Williamson L.
August 12, 2020I’ve had the best experience at Dogtown, my dog enjoys coming here and she always comes out looking great.
Sadie R.
October 29, 2023 -
Yami and frankie were very nice and attentive. Thank you
Paola D.
March 30, 2026Oliver loves staying here!
David S.
August 29, 2023They always do such a great job with my pup and make him look so handsome. Definitely recommend!
Rebecca S.
September 29, 2023 -
Love Dogtown! They always show the best car to our fur babies! 🙌🏼🙏🏼
Rosanita M.
March 16, 2024If you’re not letting Dogtown care for your pup when needed, you’re doing it wrong. The staff is super friendly and Boomer loves spending time there. He told me so. I love the updates I get with photos while I’m gone. Dogtown is simply the best!
WAYNE M.
November 15, 2020Dogtown is our go to spot for our dog’s haircuts, Bianca is the best!!
Erik P.
February 11, 2023 -
Dogtown did such a great job grooming our dog. I appreciate that they always stick to their groom time and give me a 30 minute window when Zuse is almost ready. I would recommend Dogtown.
Milena A.
January 16, 2024My wife and I have been taking our pup, Lobo, here since we moved to the Grove in August 2018 for grooming, daycare and teeth cleaning. We have been more than extremely happy with the care and service they provide Lobo. The staff is extremely attentive and do not hesitate to call to let you know if they came across something unusual such as a dry skin patch, the beginning of a possible hotspot and things of that nature.
Daniel S.
January 7, 2020We could not be happier with the care and attention our dog receives. Bianca is very caring and responsible. They do an excellent job grooming, and our dog is treated lovingly when he boards there. Plus they are reasonably priced and convenient. We highly recommend them.
Tom F.
May 24, 2019 -
My puppy loves his daycare. He is always excited to go in Dogtown and he’s a happy/tired boy when I pick him up.
Akua W.
July 16, 2024Always great with the dogs and they have so much fun !
Caitlin G.
August 29, 2023At dog town they have great customer service and they help me with everything.
Brenda M.
February 24, 2025 -
I have been bringing my pup here since I got him. They are extremely flexible, understanding and he loves going there. I couldn't ask for more. The staff are incredibly friendly and they love their jobs. They seem to legitimately love my little guy as much as I do.
Zach H.
May 24, 2025Always a happy to know our pup is in the best care with the pros at Dogtown!
Andrea P.
February 16, 2024Great quality service. Oreo always comes out with a perfect fresh hair cut. Staff are loving and caring :)
nadia c.
December 16, 2023 -
My little sausage Walter is once again in the most capable of hands at Dogtown coconut Grove. I'm aware there is one closer to midtown but we always have great boarding at the grove. The team sends me pictures everyday I'm out of town of my little penaut and I know he's well taken care of.
M. G.
April 25, 2022Amazing dog hotel and daycare. Every time we travel we can rely on the wonderful caring staff at Dogtown to take great care of Dillon. He has been a daycare and overnight guest numerous times over the past 7 years since he was a pup and still get excited every time we mention that we are taking him there.
Suzanne C.
July 4, 2020This is my go to! Stella always comes out looking and smelling great!
Randy C.
September 29, 2023 -
I ❤️ Dog Town! They take such good care of Dolly. Angelica is amazing!
Nicole C.
May 16, 2024Very attentive, making sure we received pictures and videos of the dogs during the boarding time
Silvia L.
November 25, 2022The best care for my dogs. Incredible service and facilities
Victor L.
May 25, 2022 -
Love the pictures they text of her visit. Staff always friendly. Feel my dog is safe while in their care.
karen w.
February 25, 2022I took my dog for daycare & chelsey An employee ask if my dog had its shots I said I had no idea she said ok I’ll hold him & call the vet next door to verify what my dog needed & she would take care of it & text me in 30 min she was back at dogtown & dog needed 3shots chelsey deserves a maj raise She is a treasured employee she is very upbeat & gave me a real gift & was happy to do whatever was needed dogtown overall superb in caring for your dog Tks again
Jack H.
April 25, 2022Dogtown Coconut Grove has the most amazing staff and they truly have love and care for my dog Carl. He loves going for daycare and everyone there is amazing with him sending picture and updates every day! Thank you Dogtown!
Trevor B.
June 24, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure the safety of all our guests, we strictly require proof of current Rabies, Distemper/Parvo (DAPP), and Bordetella vaccinations. Additionally, all dogs must be on a flea/tick and heartworm prevention program.
For the safety and stress reduction of our current guests, non-employees are generally not allowed beyond the retail area. However, our retail area features viewing windows where you can see the facility in action! You can also check our Instagram @dogtownmiami for a transparent, inside look at our daily operations.
We love all dogs, but safety is our priority. We require a temperament test for all new guests to ensure they are not aggressive or overly dominant. We do not have breed restrictions, but we do require all dogs over 6 months to be spayed or neutered to participate in daycare and boarding.
Please bring your dog’s food pre-measured in bags with their name and feeding instructions. Do not bring bowls, beds, or toys; we provide sanitary, comfortable bedding and fun toys for all our guests to prevent resource guarding issues.
Miami is a travel hub, so we recommend booking as early as possible. For peak periods (holidays, spring break, summer), we suggest booking several weeks or even months in advance. During these peak times, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required to hold your suite.