Puppy boarding in Austin comes down to two things: your puppy’s age and vaccine records. Get those right, plan a little ahead, and a first overnight stay can go smoothly for both of you.
Here’s what to check, what a stay looks like, and what it costs.
How Old Does a Puppy Need to Be for Boarding?
Puppies can board from 12 weeks old, once they’re up to date on Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP. Depending on your vet’s schedule, most puppies are ready between 12 and 16 weeks.
The AAHA canine vaccination guidelines call for DHPP doses every 2 to 4 weeks, with the final dose at 16 weeks or later, and a first rabies shot between 12 and 16 weeks. Texas requires a rabies vaccine by 4 months of age.
| Puppy's age | Typical vaccines at this stage | Ready to board? |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First DHPP dose | No |
| 8 to 12 weeks | DHPP boosters every 2 to 4 weeks | Not yet |
| 12 to 16 weeks | DHPP boosters and first rabies shot | Yes, once Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP are up to date |
| 16 weeks and older | Final DHPP dose | Yes, with current records |
Is Boarding Safe for Puppies?
Yes, for a vaccinated puppy in a supervised, small-group setting. The honest caveat: any shared dog space carries some risk of illness like kennel cough, and a puppy’s protection is still building until its vaccine series is done.
That’s why vaccine rules are firm and dogs are grouped by size and energy level. A new routine can also tire a puppy out, so a short first stay is a better start than a long one.
6 Things to Check Before Booking Puppy Boarding in Austin
Run through these before you reserve dates.
1. Are Your Puppy’s Vaccines Up to Date?
They need to be: Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP, before check-in. Plan Bordetella early, since oral and intranasal versions typically start protecting within three to five days and injectable versions take longer.
Medical exemptions and titer testing are accepted. The same rules apply to daycare and boarding, and our guide to dog daycare requirements in Austin covers them in detail.
2. Does Your Puppy Need to Be Spayed or Neutered?
Not until your puppy turns one. Puppies under 12 months are exempt from the spay and neuter rule that applies to adult dogs.
Intact females who come into heat can still stay, but they’re kept separate from the group. Read more about spay and neuter rules for dog boarding.
3. Do You Have a Written Potty and Feeding Routine?
Write one down before drop-off: meal times, portions, and how often your puppy usually goes out. Puppies can generally hold their bladder about one hour for every month of age, so a 4-month-old can usually wait about four hours.
Meals here are at 7:30am and 4:30pm, and every dog eats separately. If your puppy still eats three times a day, add that to your notes; our puppy feeding schedule guide can help.
4. Has Your Puppy Had a Practice Run Away From You?
If not, plan one. A daycare day or two before the first overnight stay lets your puppy learn the space, the routine, and the other dogs while you’re only gone for a few hours.
Our guide to dog daycare for puppies in Austin covers how to get started.
5. Does Your Puppy Need Medication or a Special Diet?
That’s usually not a problem. Routine medications can be given with clear written instructions, and dietary restrictions and allergies can be accommodated.
Pack medication in its original labeled container with dosing times. Bring your puppy’s usual food too, since a sudden diet change can upset a young stomach.
6. Have You Done the Meet & Greet?
It’s required before any first visit. The Meet & Greet is a short, no-commitment visit where your puppy can explore and we can make sure it’s a good fit.
Bring vaccine records with you so everything is confirmed before you book dates.
What Happens During a Puppy’s Stay at Barkingham Place?
Your puppy spends the day playing and resting in a cage-free, home-like space, and someone is here 24/7, including overnight. Barkingham Place has cared for dogs in South Austin for 8+ years.
- Dogs are grouped by size and energy level, and small dogs have their own separate area
- Climate-controlled indoor space is always available for rest
- Every dog sleeps indoors at night, and puppies get potty breaks as needed
- Bedding and fresh water are provided; bring food plus a familiar blanket or toy
- You’ll get at least two photo updates a day
New to this kind of setup? Here’s what cage-free dog boarding means in practice, plus a list of what to pack for a first boarding stay.
How Much Does Puppy Boarding Cost in Austin?
Puppy boarding at Barkingham Place is $66 per night for dogs under one year old. That flat rate covers overnight care, 24/7 supervision, play, and daily photo updates.
- Holiday periods: 20% surcharge
- Pickup after noon the next day: a daycare fee applies
- Example: a three-night weekend is $198 before any holiday surcharge
For the full breakdown, see dog boarding costs in Austin.
Puppy Boarding FAQs
Quick answers to what puppy owners ask most before a first stay.
Can a puppy younger than 12 weeks be boarded?
No. Puppies under 12 weeks are too young for the rabies vaccine, which every dog here needs. If you need care before then, in-home pet sitting is often a better fit for a very young puppy.
Is puppy boarding more expensive than adult dog boarding?
Yes, slightly. Puppy boarding is $66 per night for dogs under one year old, while adult dog boarding is $55 per night. The 20% holiday surcharge and the late pickup daycare fee apply to both.
Can I bring my puppy’s own food?
Yes, and it’s a good idea. Keeping the same food helps avoid an upset stomach during an already new experience. Bedding and fresh water are provided.
Will I get updates while my puppy is boarding?
Yes. You’ll get at least two photo updates a day, often more. It’s an easy way to see your puppy playing, resting, and settling in.
How far ahead should I book puppy boarding for the holidays?
Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead for Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) and Christmas. Small-group spots fill quickly, and you’ll also need time for the Meet & Greet and any vaccine updates. Here’s more on when to book dog boarding in Austin.
Ready for Your Puppy’s First Stay?
Start with a Meet & Greet. It’s short, there’s no commitment, and you’ll leave knowing whether your puppy is ready for puppy boarding in Austin.
👉 See how the Meet & Greet works, then contact us to schedule one.
Looking for Trusted Dog Daycare or Boarding in Austin?
Barkingham Place offers cage-free dog boarding in Austin and dog daycare from South Austin, with someone on-site 24/7 and a 4.9 Google rating. Puppies, seniors, and dogs on medication are all welcome.
References
- 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (updated 2024), American Animal Hospital Association
- Rabies, Texas Department of State Health Services
- Texas Health and Safety Code § 826.021, Vaccination of Dogs and Cats Required, Texas Legislature
- Bordetella Vaccine: What to Know About the Vaccine for Dogs, American Kennel Club
- How to Potty Train a Dog When You Live in an Apartment, American Kennel Club
- AAHA Updates Canine Vaccine Guidelines, dvm360
