Boarding around a new baby's arrival

A due date is an estimate, which makes this one of the hardest trips to book. Flexible nights matter more than the exact date.

Choosing the nights

Some families board from the labor starting through the first two or three days home. Others board only the hospital days and bring the pet back before the baby is home. A short first stay is worth considering for a dog who has not boarded before. The first boarding stay guide explains what to expect.

Drop-off runs from 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM every day. If labor starts overnight, a family member can bring your pet in the next window.

Plan the paperwork before the due date

The boarding agreement is signed once. Do it now so a family member can complete a drop-off alone. Upload vaccine records to your account or email them, and confirm dates: records must be current through the whole stay, and the canine influenza vaccine (recommended, not required) needs a booster three to four weeks after the first dose. Name a person who can pick up your pet if you cannot.

What it costs

A four-night stay for one dog in a Business Class kennel is 4 x $59, or $236 on the 2026 rates. Seven nights is $413. A cat is $35 a night. If your dog turns out to need 14 or more nights, the long-term rate applies. The stay estimator prices several lengths so you can pick a budget.

Because baby plans move, you can book the nights you are sure of and call to add more. The kennel confirms each change, so ask about space for the extra nights as early as you can.

Settling back in

Dogs often come home tired from a stay, so expect a nap. Introduce the new baby's smells first: a blanket or a worn hat from the hospital brought home before your pet meets the baby lets your dog or cat explore the scent calmly. Keep early meetings short and supervised.