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The 10 Best Places To Board Your Dog In NYC — No Crates Allowed

Leaving your pet with a boarder can be extremely anxiety-inducing. Your dog is your best friend and you want to make sure they're in a clean, safe environment. These are the 10 best dog boarding kennels in New York City so you can rest easy.

Kaitlyn Cawley

Updated December 19, 2022 • Published January 18, 2020

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The 10 Best Places To Board Your Dog In NYC — No Crates Allowed

Boarding your dog can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Well, for me, being away from my pet in any capacity raises my blood pressure. I'm sure I'm not alone. For most of us animal lovers, our pets are a part of the family, and their health and safety are just as important to us as our fellow humans'. The idea of leaving your dog or cat alone in a strange, unfamiliar place can be terrifying... but it shouldn't have to be — and that's why we're here.

The last thing any of us wants to do when we're leaving town — be it on vacation or for a family emergency — is add something else to be worried about to our plates. You should feel safe and comfortable with whomever you entrust your pet with, and that's why we put together a list of the 10 best pet-boarding kennels in New York City. We looked at prices, ratings, and customer testimonials on quality of care to put together this list and it will continue to be updated as we learn more. Your pet's health and wellbeing (as well as yours!) are incredibly important to us. Read more below on the best places to board your dog in NYC.

1. D Pet Hotel Chelsea

Chelsea 104 W 27th St. New York, NY 10001

There's no question that when it comes to leaving your pet in the lap of luxury, the D Pet Hotel in Chelsea has you covered. There are no crates in sight! After your pet is thoroughly tired out from a long day of dog yoga and puppy treadmills, they can relax in their choice of three suites. Accomodation ranges from the standard suite (a 4x9 bedroom that features an orthopedic dog bed and a flat screen TV) to the Uber suite (a 12x12 bedroom, with a full-size bed, and flat screen TV). You won't feel bad leaving your pet in a room as big as many NYC apartments!

Prices vary — request a quote.

2. New York Dog Spa And Hotel

NoMad 32 W 25th St. New York, NY 10010

This 24-hour dog boarding service aims to be "your dog's home away from home" — a place where your dog won't dread going. It's a comfort to know your dog is not only in safe hands, but will be having a good time. The New York Dog Spa Hotel offers a full day of doggie day care where they can play with pooches of similar sizes. And by the time they're all tuckered out, they can retire to their individual sleeping quarters to ensure a full night's rest so your dog can do it all over again the next day.

Starting from $75/night — learn more.

3. Paws In Chelsea

Chelsea 145 W 24th St. New York, NY 10011

This dog-boarding service doesn't believe in cages — and we dig that! Dogs do not have their own individual rooms at Paws in Chelsea, rather they're sorted into groups based on their size and personality types. The 24-hour staff takes special care to introduce these dog groups to each other slowly to ensure there's no funny business, allowing them plenty of time to make new friends. For dogs who thrive on being social, this is a fantastic place to consider. And when it comes to your dog's unique needs, they're all ears.

Starting from $70/night — learn more.

4. D Is For Doggy

5 locations across NYC

The people behind D is for Doggy care about your dog, and they've made sure that their facilities are optimized for their comfort and experience. They practice "controlled sensory stimulation," meaning they reduce anything that can cause your pup to become stress or over-excited. They've got sound-insulated ceilings and walls as well as adjustable lighting to help regulate sleep cycles. While your dog will be sleeping in a group room (as they're quite social!), there are no cages. Care is taken to obstruct views into other rooms and provide multiple levels and alcoves so your dog can find their own ideal sleeping place.

Prices vary — request a quote.

5. DOGMA

West Village 21 7th Ave S New York, NY 10014

Dogma gets its name from, well, dog and "ma," which is the Japanese word for "space." If you're looking for ambience, look no further, as this company has truly made itself into a space for dogs. And it's one you can customize. Dogma offers open-plan sleeping for social pups as well as single suites for dogs who want to get a quiet night's sleep. Dogma understands your dog may be anxious without you, so they take special care to replicate spaces your dog recognizes with comfortable furniture and soothing music. Added bonus: You can tap into their live feed and watch your pooch in action!

Prices vary — request a quote.

6. Biscuits & Bath

13 locations across NYC

With 13 locations scattered across New York City, there's no doubt that Biscuits & Bath is one of the most convenient choices on this list. Packages are customizable to fit your dog's needs as well as your budget. This crate-free environment has a full-time veterinarian on staff as well as on-site trainers should you want to teach your dog new tricks. They offer different tiers of care, including three levels of VIP boarding that include massages, spa days, and private accommodation.

Prices vary — request a quote.

7. Puppy Loft

Chelsea 237 W 26th St. New York, NY 10001

Booking with the Puppy Loft guarantees a tiring day full of day-care, a comfy place to sleep, complimentary outdoor relief walks, and lots of love! You can choose the sleeping arrangements depending on your pooch's preferences. There's an option for a personal room, a smaller shared room, or a crate-free sleeping space. With a webcam in both the small and big rooms, you can make sure your pup is having a vacation of their own — and who doesn't love a little extra assurance that their pets are living their best lives?

Starting from $80/night — learn more.

8. Hotel Bark Ave

East Harlem 143 E 103rd St. New York, NY 10029

Aside from having an amazing name, Hotel Bark Ave also has amazing amenities, with loads of space so your dog feels like they can roam. They also happen to be New York City's only crate-free facility that actually has a backyard! You can rest easy knowing your pup is getting plenty of fresh air. None of the spaces are separated based on your pet's size or age, meaning there's an inclusive pet space where every dog can live and play together. Because of this, they do require a trial day to ensure they get along with fellow dogs and humans alike. But that's just how dedicated they are to a safe space.

Starting from $65/night — learn more.

9. 75th & Paws

Upper East Side 234 E 75th St. New York, NY 10021

At this uptown dog boarder, your pup will enjoy all the comforts of home with a space designed to feel cozy. The facility is cageless and your pup will receive supervision when they're in their play groups. With two large rooms that feature couches, beds, and toys, you can give your dog a more intimate experience than you would with a lot of larger boarders. There's also a live webcam so you can sneak a peek any time you're missing your dog. So, basically, 24/7.

Starting from $85/night — learn more.

10. The Perfect Pooch

Manhattan Valley 8 W 108th St. New York, NY 10025

With crate-free boarding in a clean, spacious apartment just a few feet away from Central Park, The Perfect Pooch combines intimate boarding with an outdoor adventure experience. The company offers pick-up and drop-off within a 20-block radius as well as detailed (and fun!) daily reports on your dog's comings and goings. And, yes, pictures and videos are included! No surface is off the table here — couches and counters alike — and your dog is free to wander around the apartment at their own free will. If you're looking for a less crowded experience for your pooch, this is a great option! Plus, there are three complimentary walks a day!

Starting from $75/night — learn more.

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