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Dog Boarding and Daycare in Ocala, FL

Need somewhere for your dog to stay while you travel, or a place to burn off energy during the workday? Call us and we will pass your request to an independent boarding kennel or doggy daycare in Ocala and Marion County. We do not run a kennel. The business you choose sets its own rates, rules and openings.

Call Now (352) 443-5254 or request a callback

Free to call; you pay only the boarding kennel you choose
Independent local boarding kennels set their own prices and openings
Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, The Villages area and all of Marion County

Boarding, daycare or a sitter?

Boarding: your dog stays overnight at a kennel or pet resort, from one night to several weeks. Staff handle feeding, potty breaks and exercise.
Doggy daycare: your dog spends the day playing and resting at a facility and comes home at night. Good for young, social dogs and owners with long workdays.
In-home pet sitting: someone comes to your house instead. Often better for senior dogs, cats and dogs who do not enjoy other dogs. See pet sitting in Ocala.

Book early for holidays

Boarding space is limited, and good kennels around Ocala can be full around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, spring break and summer travel weeks. Big local events and storm evacuations can fill space too. If your dates are fixed, call well ahead. If one place is full, we can try to pass your request to another that may have room, though openings are never guaranteed.

Vaccinations and paperwork

Almost every boarding kennel and daycare asks for proof of vaccinations before the first stay. Florida law requires rabies vaccination for dogs, and most facilities also ask for distemper/parvo (often called DHPP) and Bordetella, the kennel cough vaccine. Some also ask about canine influenza and require a negative fecal test or flea prevention. Requirements vary, and some vaccines need to be given days or weeks before the stay, so check early and ask your veterinarian.

What to ask before you book

Can I tour the areas where dogs sleep and play?
Are dogs kept in individual runs, suites or group areas, and are play groups sorted by size and temperament?
How are dogs kept cool? In Ocala's summer heat, ask about air conditioning, shade, water and how long dogs are outside.
Is someone on site overnight?
Which veterinarian do you use in an emergency, and how will you contact me?
Can I bring my dog's own food? Switching food suddenly can upset a dog's stomach, so many owners send their usual food.
Is there a temperament test or trial day for daycare?
What is included, and what costs extra (medications, extra walks, baths before pickup)?

Doggy daycare in Ocala

Daycare suits young, energetic dogs who like other dogs, and owners who work long shifts at the hospitals, warehouses and distribution centers around Ocala. Most daycares ask for a short evaluation day first to see how a dog handles group play. Not every dog enjoys it; shy, older or reactive dogs may do better with a dog walker who visits during the day. Some boarding kennels also offer training during a stay; if that interests you, see board-and-train programs.

Getting your dog ready

If your dog has never boarded, a short trial stay or a day of daycare before a long trip can make the first real stay easier. Pack food in labeled portions, medications with written instructions, and a familiar item such as a blanket or a worn T-shirt if the kennel allows it. Make sure your dog's collar has ID and that the microchip details are current.

Bath before pickup

Many owners like their dog to come home clean after a stay, and some boarding facilities offer a bath at checkout. If yours does not, a mobile groomer can come to your driveway after you get home. See typical costs on our Ocala grooming prices page.

Cats need a place too

Many Ocala kennels board dogs only. If you also have a cat, ask whether the facility has a separate, quiet cat area, or consider an in-home pet sitter for the cat.

More pet care we can connect you with

Mobile Dog Grooming
A grooming van comes to your driveway in Ocala and Marion County.
Dog Grooming Services
Baths, haircuts, nail trims, de-shedding and puppy grooms.
Cat Grooming
Bathing, lion cuts, nail trims and dematting for cats.
Dog Nail Trimming
Quick nail trims and nail grinding, on their own or with a groom.
Dog De-Shedding
Undercoat removal for Labs, Shepherds, Huskies and other heavy shedders.
Dog Training
Obedience lessons, puppy training and board-and-train programs with independent Ocala trainers.
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
In-home pet sitting, dog walking and overnight care with independent local sitters.

Areas we cover

Common questions

Do you run a boarding kennel?

No. We are a free referral service. Your request goes to an independent local kennel or daycare, which sets its own rates, rules and openings.

What vaccines does my dog need for boarding?

Florida requires rabies vaccination for dogs, and most kennels also ask for distemper/parvo and Bordetella. Requirements vary, so ask the facility and your vet well ahead of your trip.

How far ahead should I book boarding for the holidays?

As early as you can. Holiday weeks fill up quickly around Ocala, and openings are never guaranteed.

Is doggy daycare right for every dog?

No. Daycare suits social, energetic dogs. Most facilities run an evaluation first, and some dogs do better with a dog walker or pet sitter.

Request a callback

Send a few details and an independent groomer near you can reach out with prices and openings. Calling is quickest: Call Now (352) 443-5254.

Ocala Dog Grooming is a free referral service, not a grooming salon. We do not groom pets ourselves. Requests are passed to independent groomers and mobile grooming vans in the area that set their own prices, do the work and are fully responsible for it. Ask any groomer about pricing, vaccination requirements and how they handle nervous or senior dogs before you book.