Are You a Host?  »Click Here For Our Host FAQ

What is DogVacay?

• DogVacay is an online community where dog lovers can connect with one another to find and provide superior, safe, convenient, and affordable ways to care for their best friend. We specialize in home dog boarding AND other pet care services - choose from thousands of experienced hosts who will board your dog in their own home, like he/she is a member of the family. You can also book other services like walking, training, day care, and grooming. Communicate with hosts directly through our messaging system, or contact the DogVacay Concierge and our experts will do all the work for you.
• How does DogVacay work?
  If you're going out of town and want your dog to have a great home based dog boarding experience or you are looking for someone awesome to walk or train your dog, then DogVacay is right for you. Create a free account on our site, enter information about your dog, and browse thousands of hosts in your area. You can email them, schedule a "Meet & Greet", and make a reservation just like a hotel. We'll only charge your credit card if the host accepts your request. After you book, we'll put you in touch with the host directly to arrange the details. See our "How it Works" page for more information.
• Is DogVacay right for my dog?
  We believe that home dog boarding, and personalized care is the best experience for dogs. Our hosts give your puppy individual attention and supervised socialization with a small pack of dogs. However, if your dog has behavioral issues, you'll want to convey any special needs to potential hosts in advance. There are plenty of hosts who specializes in special needs, who take only one dog at a time, or are available to stay in your home. Not sure if DogVacay is right for you? Call our Concierge at 855-DOG-VACAY or email us at concierge@dogvacay.com.
• What information do you need from me?
  The amount of information we need depends on what you want to do on our site. If you want to board your dog we ask that you share basic information about your dog (such as health and behavioral issues) so that our hosts have all the information they need to provide exceptional care. If you want to host other dogs, we'll need information about your experience with animals and your home. We will never share your last name, email address, physical address, or phone number until after a booking is accepted.
• What is the DogVacay Guarantee?
  The DogVacay Guarantee is your ultimate peace of mind. When you book through our website or the DogVacay Concierge you are automatically covered. This includes:

  • Photo Updates of your dog's Vacay. We send these via email or text message, whichever you prefer.
  • Emergency Support - We've got you covered for last minute cancellations or any issues that may arise.
  • Insurance Coverage for your dog, including emergency veterinary care, however unlikely it may be.
  • Qualified Hosts - Our hosts range from professional sitters to experienced dog lovers. Select the best for your dog and your budget.
  • Satisfaction Guarantee - Your dog is going to love his Vacay. Well refund your money if not, simple as that.

  Please note that transactions completed outside of the DogVacay system are NOT covered by this guarantee. You should only book reservations through DogVacay for this reason.
• Is DogVacay safe?
  Yes! Our hosts have extensive experience caring for dogs. Many are professional pet-sitters while others are experienced dog lovers who want additional furry friends in their home. By booking a provider on DogVacay you're covered by the DogVacay Guarantee, which includes protection and emergency support.
  
  For a dog lover to host on DogVacay.com they must complete an extensive online application, which our staff of experts manually reviews and approves. In addition there are multiple credentials that hosts can earn. Look for these to find our most qualified hosts:

  • Top Dog - Our most serious hosts have committed to taking the best possible care of your dogs.
  • Premium Insurance - The host has a comprehensive pet-sitter insurance policy that provides extra coverage for your dogs and your property. See our insurance detail page for more information.
  • Phone Interview Complete - The host has passed a rigorous phone interview performed by the experts at our Concierge.
  • References Checked - The host has provided valid references on their experience caring for dogs.
  • Web Training Complete - The host has completed an instructional training course provided by DogVacay.com.
  • Facebook Connected - The host has verified their identity by connecting with Facebook.
  • Reviews - The host has watched other customers' dogs on DogVacay.com and has received positive feedback - only real customers can write reviews.
• What if my dog has special needs?
  We have thousands of hosts who are pet-care professionals with a range of skills, and others with an environment that could be a perfect fit for your special needs pet. Browse and message hosts with specific questions or contact our Concierge for the best recommendations. A few examples of how we help special needs dog owners avoid the kennel:

  • Hosts who offer medical boarding - for elderly or sick dogs.
  • Hosts with no staircases - for dogs with joint issues or injuries.
  • Hosts with no dogs of their own - for guest dogs who don't play well with others.
  • Hosts who are certified dog trainers - for a range of complicated issues.
  • Hosts with special containment areas - for unvaccinated dogs or puppies.
• What if I want to meet the host before I leave my dog?
  We understand that sometimes photos, verifications, reviews, and emails just aren't enough - sometimes you want to meet someone the old fashioned way before leaving your dog with them. Not a problem! Choose the host that suits your needs, and schedule a Meet & Greet. We'll share the host's contact information and you can arrange an in-person meeting before your stay.
• How do I pay?
  We accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Select "Make Reservation" from the host's profile page and you will be prompted to enter credit card information. Your card will not be charged until AFTER the host accepts your reservation. You can also pay with credit card over the phone by calling 855-DOG-VACAY.
  All transactions through DogVacay are processed in USD, including bookings in Canada.
• How do coupons work?
  • During checkout, look for the "Coupon Code" field to apply your coupon code before confirming a reservation.
  • Only one coupon code can be applied per reservation.
  • Coupons cannot be used over multiple reservations. If the coupon amount is less than the total reservation amount, the remainder of the coupon's value is forfeited and cannot be transferred to another reservation.
  • It is at the sole discretion of DogVacay to apply coupon codes retroactively.
  • Some coupon codes are for "first booking only" or "first-time customers only". These codes can only be used by guests who do not have any previous reservations (or quotes) with DogVacay.
• What is a Custom Quote?
  A custom quote allows the host to offer you a special price based on your unique situation. This may include a discount for additional dogs or an extra charge for pet-taxi service or a bath at the end of the Vacay. Only the host can offer a custom quote - simply ask for one in a regular email message. After you receive a custom quote you'll need to input your credit card to accept it.
• Do you accept last-minute reservations?
  Absolutely! The best way to get a last minute reservation filled is to call our Concierge at 855-DOG-VACAY, that way we can be sure the host is available and a good fit.
• What is the cancellation policy?
  You card will be charged when you make a reservation - this is the only way to reserve a spot. Our hosts set their own cancellation policies, which are clearly stated on their profiles. There are three options:

  • Flexible - Full refund with 3 days notice before the start of your reservation, 50% refund after that.
  • Moderate - Full refund with 7 days notice before the start of your reservation, 50% refund after that.
  • Strict - No refund after booking, except where determined by DogVacay in unusual circumstances.
• What happens if my dog gets hurt?
  Our insurance covers your dogs for the unlikely veterinary emergency. We also have a preferred partnership with VCA-Antech (the largest veterinary group in the country) to handle any veterinary issues. See our insurance detail page for complete information on our insurance coverage.
• What should I bring when I drop off my dog?
  The most important thing to bring is enough dog food for the entire trip, as switching dog foods can be tough on your pup's tummy. You should also bring his leash and any medicine he requires. You may also want to bring his bed or an old shirt or blanket that smells like you. Unless yours is the only dog, we DO NOT RECOMMEND bringing any scented treats as dogs get territorial over these. If there's a toy that your puppy really loves it's probably better to leave it home so it doesn't become community property. Visit our blog for extensive information about preparing for your dog's Vacay.
• How do I cancel or modify a reservation?
  To make changes to an existing reservation, or to cancel a reservation, please call our Concierge at 855-DOG-VACAY or email us at concierge@dogvacay.com and include your receipt number in the subject line if possible.
• How do I cancel my account?
  We'd be sorry to see you go, but won't give you any trouble. Just call our Concierge at 855-DOG-VACAY or email us at concierge@dogvacay.com with "Cancel Account" in the subject line.