News & Politics

The Best Kennels & Boarding Facilities

These kennels were voted top for quality by readers of Washington Consumers' Checkbook, by Washingtonians who took our online poll, or by experts we interviewed. Those with an asterisk (*) received Checkbook's top mark for low prices.

This article is from 2006's Pet Guide package. The information may be out-of-date, so please call locations listed for new information.

To see the new Pet Guide from 2008, click here.

Some kennels have gone upscale, allowing dogs to sleep in private suites with elevated beds, TV, music, and access to a small yard. Some offer cats a break from cages with "living rooms" complete with windows, TV, music, and furniture. Other kennels have the feel of summer camp, with locations in the mountains or other rural areas, offering dogs room to romp.

When choosing a kennel, look for cleanliness and how much time the dogs spend outside of cages. Give the air a good sniff; ventilation is important. Find out the kennel's procedures for emergencies; is there a vet on site or nearby? Will the staff accommodate special diets?

Many of the boarding options listed here are far from Washington, but most provide pickup and delivery at an extra charge.

For other boarding recommendations, see the listing under "daycare."

 Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St., Alexandria; 703-751-2022; alexandriaanimalhospital.com.

Amberlyn Kennels, 10508 Daysville Rd., Walkersville; 301-898-3106.

Anchors Kennel, 17810 Indian Head Hwy., Accokeek; 301-283-2626; www.anchorskennels.com.

Country Club Kennels & Training, 10739 Bristersburg Rd., Catlett; 540-788-3559; countryclubkennels.com.

The Country Kennel, 5718 Ridge Rd., Mount Airy; 301-831-7766; countrykennel.com. Six acres of woods and trails. Also accepts cats.

Countryside Kennels, Boyd's Turn Rd., Owings; 301-855-8308; countrysidekennels.com. In addition to dog boarding and daycare, Countryside has a large cat play area.

*Deepwood Veterinary Clinic, 7300 Ordway Rd., Centreville; 703-631-9133.

Dulles Executive Pet Center, 44931 Lane Ct., Sterling; 703-709-1111.

Dulles Gateway Kennels, 4500 Upper Cub Run Dr., Chantilly; 703-631-9590; dullesgatewaykennels.com.

Gaithersburg Animal Hospital, 280 N. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg; 301-948-2828.

*Mountain Run Kennel, 15467 Retriever Rd., Culpeper; 540-547-2961; mountainrunkennel.com. Dogs can stay in suites with sofas and TVs and get massages.

Old Mill Pet Care, 91 Lawson Rd., Leesburg; 703-777-4183; oldmillpets.com.

*Paws Awhile Pet Motel, 7353 Woodlawn La., Warrenton; 540-347-4855; pawsawhilepetmotel.com.

Perfect Pet Resort, 840 W. Bayfront Rd., Lothian; 410-741-0000; perfectpetresort.com. Also daycare, training, massage, and grooming at this 14-acre playland for dogs and cats. Cats stay in two-room condos or four-room penthouses.

Pet Centre Animal Hospital, 8307 Yorkshire La., Manassas; 703-368-9241.

Preston Country Club for Pets, 7363 Old Columbia Rd., Columbia; 301-596-7387.

Queen Anne Kennel, 17705 Queen Anne Rd., Upper Marlboro; 301-249-1210.

Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort & Spa, 11415 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls; 703-450-6760; senecahillvet.com. Offers suites for pairs and trios of dogs and a living room for cats. Swimming pool available for exercise and rehabilitation.

Shady Springs Boarding Kennels and Camp for Dogs, 1001 Hoods Mill Rd., Woodbine; 301-924-4457; shadyspringkennels.com. Also accepts cats.

Sunchaser Kennels, 2179 Liberty Rd., Libertytown; 301-898-3198; sunchaserkennels.com. Also accepts cats.

University Veterinary Clinic, 10681 Braddock Rd., Fairfax; 703-385-1054; univetclinic.com.

*Village Veterinary Clinic, 9544 Burke Rd., Burke; 703-978-8655.

Waggin' Tails Junction, 10035 Dean Dr., Manassas; 703-361-7550.

*Woodbridge Animal Hospital, 2703 Caton Hill Rd., Woodbridge; 703-897-5665; woodbridgeanimalhospital.net. Dogs and cats enjoy "summer camp" activities like swimming and climbing.

Woodlawn Kennels, 8340 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria; 703-360-6161; bguide.net/wk. While boarding, dogs can receive an obedience refresher course.