Leaving town and deciding what to do with your dog isn’t just a logistics question — it’s about what’s actually going to be a good experience for them. In Montreal, the two real options are professional boarding or a pet sitter, and the right one depends more on your dog’s personality than most people think.
Boarding vs. Pet Sitting — the real difference
- Pet sitting means your dog stays home, with visits (or a live-in sitter) checking in periodically. It keeps their environment familiar, which can suit older or anxious dogs — but it usually means long stretches alone between visits, with little to no social interaction.
- Boarding means your dog goes to a facility with supervised care, structured routines, and other dogs to socialize with. It’s a better fit for social, active dogs — but only if the facility is actually staffed around the clock, not just during business hours.
What to Look for in a Montreal Boarding Facility
- 24/7 supervision, not just daytime staff — ask directly, don’t assume.
- A real daily routine — feeding times, exercise, rest periods — that mirrors what your dog is used to at home.
- Included playtime and enrichment, not just a clean kennel to sleep in.
- A mandatory behavior evaluation before the first stay. This might feel like an extra step, but it’s actually a good sign — it means the facility cares about compatibility, not just filling beds.
- Clear policies upfront — cancellation terms, deposit requirements, and what happens if your dog needs medication.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Is staff on-site overnight, or just during the day?
- What does a typical day and night look like for a boarding dog?
- Is daycare/playtime included, or a separate cost?
- What’s the cancellation and deposit policy?
- Can special diets or medications be accommodated?
What a Stay at Sam’s Lodge Looks Like
At Doggieville MTL’s Sam’s Lodge, every stay follows a real routine: a morning potty break, breakfast, a rest period to digest, then your dog joins DV Playcare for supervised group play during the day — daycare is included in every stay, not an add-on. Evenings bring dinner and a final bathroom break around 9pm, followed by overnight supervision in a suite or private condo. Every new guest completes a one-time behavior evaluation first, so we know your dog will be comfortable — and happy — for their stay.
If you’re planning a trip and want your dog somewhere that feels less like a kennel and more like a second home, book a tour and see Sam’s Lodge for yourself.
