What Hounds Town USA offers and how it differs from other boarding facilities

Hounds Town USA is a chain of dog boarding facilities with locations across multiple states. Unlike traditional kennels where dogs stay in individual cages, Hounds Town operates a play-based model: dogs spend their days in group play areas supervised by staff, then move to private sleeping areas at night. The company markets this as a less stressful alternative to standard boarding, where dogs interact with other dogs and people throughout the day rather than remaining isolated.

The chain has grown to include dozens of locations, each independently owned and operated under the Hounds Town franchise system. This means policies, pricing, and the quality of facilities can vary significantly between locations. A Hounds Town in one state may have different hours, staff ratios, or amenities than another location across the country. Before booking, you need to contact your specific local facility to understand what they actually offer.

Hounds Town differs from boarding at a veterinary clinic (which prioritizes medical oversight) and from in-home pet sitters (who care for your dog in your own house). It also differs from daycare-only facilities, since Hounds Town provides overnight boarding. The play-based model is similar to some newer boarding facilities, but not all boarding places use this approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Hounds Town is a franchise chain where dogs spend daytime hours in supervised group play areas and sleep in private spaces at night, rather than staying in individual kennels.
  • Each Hounds Town location is independently owned, so hours, pricing, staff training, and facility quality vary between locations — you must contact your local facility directly for specifics.
  • Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations (typically rabies and DHPP) and pass a temperament assessment before boarding, since they will interact with other dogs daily.
  • Overnight boarding costs more than daycare alone, and many locations charge extra fees for services like grooming, medication administration, or special dietary needs.
  • You will need to provide your dog's medical history, emergency contact information, and details about behavior, diet, and any medications when you book.

Vaccination and health requirements before your dog can board

Hounds Town requires dogs to be current on certain vaccinations before boarding, primarily because dogs will be in close contact with other dogs throughout the day. The standard requirements are rabies vaccination and DHPP (a combination vaccine covering distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza). Some locations may also require bordetella (kennel cough vaccine), though this varies by facility.

Your veterinarian's vaccination records are the proof Hounds Town will ask for. You do not need a special form — your vet's dated records showing the vaccine name and date administered are sufficient. If your dog's rabies or DHPP vaccination is expired, you will need to visit your vet before boarding to get them updated. This is not something Hounds Town can do for you.

Beyond vaccinations, Hounds Town staff will observe your dog during a meet-and-greet or intake appointment to assess whether your dog can safely interact with other dogs. Dogs that show signs of aggression, extreme fear, or resource guarding may not be accepted into the group play program, even if they are fully vaccinated. Some locations offer private boarding (your dog stays in a private space without group play) as an alternative for dogs that cannot participate in the group model.

The temperament assessment and what happens during intake

Before your dog's first stay, Hounds Town staff will conduct a temperament assessment — an observation of how your dog behaves around other dogs and people. This is typically done during a visit to the facility, sometimes called a "meet and greet." Staff watch how your dog plays, whether it shares toys, how it responds to corrections, and whether it shows any signs of fear or aggression. This assessment determines whether your dog can safely join the group play areas or whether a different boarding arrangement is needed.

During intake, you will provide detailed information about your dog: age, medical history, current medications, dietary needs, behavioral quirks, and emergency contact information. You will also sign paperwork that outlines Hounds Town's policies, liability limits, and what happens if your dog becomes ill or injured during boarding. Read this paperwork carefully — it typically limits the facility's liability and may require you to pay for veterinary care if your dog gets sick.

Some locations ask you to stay for part of the intake visit so staff can see how your dog responds to you leaving. This helps them understand your dog's separation anxiety level and plan accordingly. If your dog has severe separation anxiety, medication, or special calming techniques may be discussed with you before boarding begins.

Daily schedule, group play, and sleeping arrangements

A typical day at Hounds Town begins when you drop off your dog in the morning. Staff will take your dog to a group play area where it will spend several hours with other dogs under supervision. The number of dogs in each group and the size of the play area vary by location. Some facilities have multiple play groups organized by size or play style (for example, a group for small dogs and a separate group for large dogs, or a group for high-energy dogs and one for calmer dogs).

Play sessions are usually broken up by rest periods — dogs are brought to quieter areas to rest, drink water, and eat. Staff monitor for signs of exhaustion, overheating, or conflict. If a dog shows stress or is not playing well with the group, staff may move it to a different group or reduce its play time. The exact schedule depends on the facility; some run play sessions in the morning and afternoon, while others may have continuous supervised play throughout the day.

At night, dogs move to private sleeping areas — typically individual runs or small rooms where your dog sleeps alone. These spaces are climate-controlled and usually include bedding. Your dog will have access to water and may be let outside for bathroom breaks during the evening and early morning. Some facilities offer premium overnight options like private suites with more space or cameras so you can watch your dog, but these cost extra and are not standard at all locations.

What to bring and what Hounds Town provides

You will need to bring your dog's food if Hounds Town does not provide it or if your dog eats a special diet. Many facilities ask you to bring food in its original bag or container so staff can see feeding instructions and ingredients. If your dog takes medication, you must bring it in its original labeled bottle with clear instructions on dosage and timing. Hounds Town staff will administer medication, but you are responsible for providing it and paying any medication administration fee.

You may also bring comfort items like your dog's favorite toy or a blanket with your scent on it, though some facilities limit what can be brought into group play areas (toys can cause conflict or be lost). Ask your specific location what items are allowed before you pack them.

Hounds Town typically provides water, basic meals if you do not bring food, and supervision during play and rest. Grooming, nail trimming, special treats, and other add-on services are usually available but cost extra. Some locations offer these services; others do not. Ask about what is included in the boarding fee and what costs extra before you book.

Pricing, booking, and cancellation policies

Hounds Town pricing varies significantly by location and by what services you choose. A single night of boarding with group play typically ranges from a certain amount per night, but this is not a fixed price across the chain. Daycare-only (drop-off and pick-up the same day) costs less than overnight boarding. Add-on services like grooming, medication administration, or special meals will increase the total cost.

Most locations require advance booking, especially during holidays or peak travel seasons. Some accept walk-in boarding if space is available, but you should not assume this. To find out pricing and availability, you will need to contact your local Hounds Town directly — the company does not publish a unified price list online because each franchise sets its own rates.

Cancellation policies also vary by location. Some facilities charge a cancellation fee if you cancel within a certain number of days of your booking. Others may have a non-refundable deposit. Ask about the cancellation policy when you book so you understand what happens if your plans change.

What to do if your dog gets sick or injured during boarding

If your dog becomes ill or injured while at Hounds Town, staff will contact you when ready using the emergency contact information you provided. Hounds Town does not have a veterinarian on staff at most locations. Instead, staff will either wait for your instructions on what to do, or they may take your dog to a local emergency veterinary clinic if the situation is urgent and you cannot be reached.

You are responsible for paying all veterinary bills incurred during boarding. The paperwork you sign during intake typically includes a clause limiting Hounds Town's liability for illness or injury that occurs during play or boarding. This means you may not be able to hold the facility responsible even if an injury happens under their supervision, depending on what the contract says and the laws in your state. Read the liability section carefully before you book.

If your dog has a pre-existing medical condition, chronic illness, or takes medication, inform staff during intake. Provide written instructions on what to do if symptoms appear. Some facilities may decline to board dogs with serious medical needs because they cannot provide the level of care required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I board my dog for just one day, or does Hounds Town require overnight stays?

Most Hounds Town locations offer daycare-only services where you drop off your dog in the morning and pick it up the same day. This is typically cheaper than overnight boarding. Contact your local facility to confirm they offer daycare and what their hours are, since this varies by location.

What if my dog has never been around other dogs before?

The temperament assessment during intake will determine whether your dog can safely join group play. If your dog shows fear or aggression toward other dogs, staff may recommend private boarding instead, or they may suggest a shorter stay to help your dog adjust. Some facilities offer a gradual introduction process where your dog spends time in smaller groups first.

Do I need to pick up my dog at a specific time, or can I pick up whenever I want?

Hounds Town locations have set pick-up hours, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. If you need to pick up your dog outside these hours, ask about late pick-up fees when you book. Some locations may not offer early morning pick-up or very late evening pick-up at all.

What happens if my dog does not get along with the other dogs during play?

Staff monitor play sessions and will separate dogs that are not playing well together. Your dog may be moved to a different play group, given more rest time, or offered private boarding instead. The facility will contact you to discuss what happened and what options are available for future stays.

Is there a camera or way to watch my dog while it is boarding?

Some Hounds Town locations offer live camera access or recorded video of your dog during boarding, but this is usually a premium service that costs extra. Not all locations have this technology. Ask your specific facility whether cameras are available and what the cost is.