Anokhi at the dog toy box
A quiet afternoon at The Dog House NYC
Yesterday I got a call from someone who needed immediate boarding for his dog. His dog walker had recommended he call us. We were exchanging information and I was ready to book his dog, when he objected to our price, saying: “I know lots of people who board in their homes who charge less than that.” It’s a legitimate question. People should know what they’re paying for, and providers should be able to defend their pricing. But it caught me out and I didn’t know what to say. I’ve thought about it since, though, and here’s my response.
Compared to most dog walkers who board dogs in their homes, we do not leave your dog alone while we go out and walk other dogs. On the contrary, I am with him all the time. He helps me around the house, he sleeps at my feet when I work at the desk, he is next to me at night when I sleep. If I need to step out, my husband steps in.
Not only that, we have 15 years’ experience. We know what leashes and harnesses are safe for your dog, what food is best, how to give meds, and what your dog is saying when he pants in the middle of the night, for example.
Compared to a commercial kennel, we think home boarding is a privilege, not a cheaper option. At our large, quiet and sunny space, your dog settles in to any number of comfy dog beds or people sofas. He can wander off to a private place if it suits him better. There are only a few other guests, and quite often he knows them already, so he is not stressed. We go out for frequent walks together, including our 2-hour ramble in Central Park every morning. Often in the late afternoon, we bring out the huge box of dog toys and play together.
Oh, and before I forget, we often email detailed reports of your dog’s experience and send lots of photos to you while you’re away.
Finally, I have formally studied animal behavior and am certified by the Karen Pryor Academy. I am also certified in Pet First Aid by the American Red Cross.
If you were a dog and your family had to leave you somewhere: where would you want to be?
Tags: dog boarding nyc
My husband and I have left our dog Mazy with Heather many times AND we use her dog walking services at least once daily. We consider Heather and her staff part of our extended family and certainly Mazy feels the same way. When we leave for business or vacation, I know that Mazy will be tended with the same love and care we give her–and, in fact, will probably have more fun than she would at home because of the other animal companions she enjoys at the NYC Dog House. My husband and I both work for non-profits, but whatever we pay for this quality of care is well worth it. Our peace of mind and Mazy’s happiness are assured! Katharine