Kennel-Free Dog Boarding for Small & Senior Dogs
Marpole Dog Walking & Boarding Service offers calm, kennel-free dog boarding in our Marpole home for small dogs, senior dogs, puppies, and dogs who do best with steady routines. Boarding and daycare are limited to a maximum of five dogs total across both services combined, with direct care from Ken and Yvonne.
This page is for owners who want a quieter alternative to a large boarding facility. Your dog stays in a real home, follows familiar feeding and sleep routines as much as possible, and is supervised by the same people throughout the stay.
A Calm Alternative to Kennels
Some dogs do well in busy boarding facilities. Others find large groups, noise, and unfamiliar routines stressful. Kennel-free boarding is meant for dogs who are happiest with a smaller group, a home environment, and familiar caregivers.
At Marpole Dog Walking & Boarding Service, your dog lives as part of our household during the stay. We keep the group small so we can notice changes in appetite, energy, sleep, stool, comfort, and social behaviour quickly.
Who This Suits Best
- Small dogs who can be overwhelmed in large-group settings.
- Senior dogs who need extra rest, gentle walks, medication reminders, or a quieter night routine.
- Puppies who are learning to settle safely around compatible dogs.
- Anxious or shy dogs who do better with consistent human companionship.
- Travelling families who want regular updates from the same caregivers.
Small & Senior Comfort Signals
Small and senior dogs often show subtle signs when a care setup is working or becoming too much.
- Good signs include normal appetite, soft body language, steady sleep, and easy recovery after activity.
- Caution signs include pacing, trembling, refusing food, stiffness, or difficulty settling.
- Share mobility, medication, bedtime, and handling notes before boarding begins.
Kennel-Free vs. Facility Boarding
| Feature | Our In-Home Boarding | Larger Boarding Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Quiet home setting with familiar routines | May be busier, with more dogs and activity |
| Group Size | Maximum of five dogs total across boarding and daycare combined | Often larger groups or separate kennel runs |
| Caregivers | Ken and Yvonne provide direct daily care | Care may be shared across rotating staff |
| Best Fit | Small, senior, calm, shy, or routine-sensitive dogs | Social dogs who enjoy busy group environments |
| Updates | Personal photo or message updates | Varies by facility and package |
Overnight Care and Routine
Boarding dogs stay in our Marpole home. Before booking, discuss who will be present overnight and agree the sleeping arrangements, bathroom needs, feeding routine and any medication needs. We will confirm which overnight and medication needs we can accommodate.
Before a stay, we ask about sleeping preferences, nighttime bathroom needs, separation anxiety, mobility, food sensitivities, and anything that helps your dog feel secure.
Senior Comfort & Care
Senior dogs often need a gentler pace and closer observation. Before booking, discuss whether the following needs can be accommodated:
- Medication needs, including pills, drops and written veterinary instructions. Agree any medication tasks before booking; do not assume they are available.
- Extra potty breaks when older dogs need more frequent outings.
- Soft resting spots and a quieter place away from active play.
- Gentle walks adjusted for your dog’s comfort, energy, and mobility.
Is Kennel-Free Boarding a Good Fit?
Kennel-free boarding works best for dogs who are comfortable in a home, enjoy a steady routine, and do well with a small number of carefully matched dogs. Because we keep the group small, fit matters more than volume.
Before confirming a stay, we talk through your dog’s temperament, feeding routine, health needs, sleeping habits, and comfort around other dogs. We suggest a day of daycare before a longer stay so your dog can experience the routine. This is optional, not a familiarization meeting or a free service. Daycare costs $50 + GST for up to and including 8 hours, or $60 + GST for over 8 hours.
What to Bring
- Your dog’s regular food and written feeding instructions.
- Medication instructions, if your dog needs medication during the stay.
- A familiar bed, blanket, or comfort item if it helps your dog settle.
- Emergency contact information and your regular veterinarian’s details.
- Current standard vaccination records, including Bordetella, are required before care. We do not accept veterinary exemptions to these admission requirements.
Boarding Packing Notes
Packing familiar, clearly labelled items helps small and senior dogs settle into a home-style stay.
- Food, treats, medication, instructions, vet contact, and emergency contact.
- Leash, harness, coat, bed, blanket, or comfort item your dog already knows.
- Notes about stairs, lifting, sleep routine, bathroom timing, and stress signals.
FAQ
Do all dogs need a day of daycare before boarding?
No. We suggest an optional day of daycare before a longer stay. It is charged at our regular daycare rate, not offered as a free familiarization meeting. We decide together whether it makes sense based on your dog’s temperament, schedule, and the length of the planned stay.
How many dogs do you board at one time?
We care for a maximum of five dogs total across boarding and daycare combined, so each dog receives personal attention and the home stays calm.
Who is with the dogs overnight?
Ask Ken or Yvonne who will be present overnight and discuss your dog’s bedtime routine and nighttime needs before confirming the stay.
Is this suitable for anxious or senior dogs?
Often, yes. Many anxious or senior dogs do better in a quiet home than in a large facility, but every dog is different. We will ask about mobility, medication, nighttime needs, reactivity, and routine before confirming fit.
Check Availability
If you are looking for kennel-free boarding for a small, senior, or routine-sensitive dog in Vancouver, contact Ken and Yvonne to check fit and current availability.