Pet Sitting and Boarding in Baltimore

Marylanders are known for their hard work ethics and love of animals. And while this state has its share of fun-activities, every dedicated dog parent needs a break from the norm now and then. Maryland residents often turn to commercial dog boarding services, thinking they're the best and most reliable option. 

Pet parents often see a brick-and-mortar facility and think, "This place is licensed, legit, and not going anywhere." While that statement is generally true, kennel-style dog boarding services aren't for every pup. 

Kennels can sometimes exacerbate conditions like anxiety, depression, and stomach issues, especially for dogs who aren't comfortable with a crate. While many of these kennels have daycare activities and playtime, pups will ultimately end up in an enclosure overnight and during a lot of the day. 

Pet parents have more options than they might think. Baltimore has an abundance of local dog sitters who can give your pup the structure, love, and familiarity that pets need. Wag! can put you in touch with in-home dog sitters near you who work around your schedule. Besides offering exceptional care, sitters in our network can even take your pup on outings like to the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail, with your permission. What kennel do you know of that does that?

Average Cost of Dog Boarding in Baltimore

The state of Maryland takes animal ownership very seriously, enforcing regulations regarding pet vaccinations and commercial kennel licenses. Ordinances in the state's largest city, Baltimore, are even stricter, requiring all pet parents to provide proof of shots and licensing within 10 days of adoption or by 4 months old. 

These are all things to factor in when looking into dog kennels near you. Without a pet license or up-to-date vaccinations, your pup won't be eligible for dog boarders in Baltimore, at least not the commercial ones. 

The baseline cost of kennel services in Baltimore starts at $58 per night. Additional services like grooming, giving medications, massage, and daycare activities can more than double the price. Many kennels also charge more for large or giant breeds and dogs who need extra assistance. Fortunately for budgeting pet parents, stand-alone facilities aren't the only option.

Prices for dog boarding through the Wag! platform start at just $44 a night. Your pet caregiver will even chauffeur your pup back home for an additional $15 fee. Baltimore dog boarders with Wag! tend to pets in their own home and will treat your Fluffy like one of their own! Unlike kennels, the professionals in our network offer free-range care, so you can rest easy knowing your fur-baby isn't hanging out in a kennel all day. 

Average Cost of Dog Sitting in Baltimore

Most dog sitters in Baltimore typically charge by the hour, but there are some agencies with package deals. The hourly starting pay for Baltimore dog sitters averages out at $13 an hour, but if you need holiday, weekend, or overnight care, that rate can double or triple. 

The average cost for local dog sitting agencies is $70 a night for two walks and 12 hours of company. Pet parents who opt for a drop-in agency sitter can expect to pay $65 for 4 brief visits, including feeding and a potty break. Add-ons like kenneling, transportation, holiday stays, grooming, and medication administration will cost extra.

Dog sitting services through Wag! offer an affordable alternative to other local options. Wag!'s pricing starts at just $39 a night, and clients can pay for their pet's care directly from their smart device. Local dog sitters on the Wag! platform work just like a regular in-home sitter. They'll take care of your pup at your house and keep up with all of Fido's normal walking, feeding, and medicine schedules — for one flat fee. (Alternatively, book a cat sitter at Wag!)

Dog Boarding in Baltimore

The Wag! app is super user-friendly, enabling pet parents to register and locate a local dog boarder in mere minutes. There's even a messaging feature that allows users to work out the details of their pet's care before and during overnight services. The chat feature offers pet parents peace of mind. It also supports photo and video messaging so you can see what your pup's up to while you're away. 

Getting started is simple. Just download the Wag! app and create an account (or log in to an existing one). After you select "boarding" from Overnight Care services, you'll input some information about your pup and choose the dates you need pet care. Next, you’ll complete a questionnaire about your pet's social temperament, preferences, and needs to help us pair your pooch with the right caregiver. 

Once you provide information on what your pup needs, the app will direct you to the index of local dog boarders to choose from. Our platform boasts boarders from many different backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common — they love dogs! Some have veterinary training, and others spend their time assisting at local animal rescues. Every pet caregiver in the Wag! network has undergone careful screening to make sure they meet our stringent qualifications. 

Dog Sitting in Baltimore

Arranging a local dog sitter through Wag! follows the same booking process as dog boarding, except you’ll click the “sitting”  icon in Overnight Care services. If you’ve used other local Wag! services, you may notice some familiar faces on the index; that’s because many in the candidate pool overlap into dog walkers and boarders. No matter what service you need, Wag! ensures your pet has access to quality and trustworthy care. 

After you’ve set the dates, selected your sitter, and discussed the particulars, all that’s left to do is pack your suitcase and wait for your fur-baby’s sitter to arrive! The communication features are also available free of charge with Wag! sitting services, so your pup is always just a message away.

Don’t depend on a cookie-cutter kennel; find a caregiver who you can build rapport with through Wag!. Learn more about how Wag! overnight services can help you find your ideal pet care candidate here.