People in Toronto search for a “dog hotel” about as often as they search for “dog boarding”, and they usually mean the same thing: somewhere their dog can sleep overnight, be fed, exercised and looked after while they’re away. The words carry different pictures, though, so it’s worth knowing what you’re actually buying.
What a “dog hotel” usually means
A dog hotel is a marketing term, not a licence category. It generally signals private rooms rather than rows of runs, more staff attention, and extras like webcams, photo updates or add-on grooming. In practice the best boarding facilities and the best “hotels” offer the same core thing: a safe place to sleep, a real exercise plan, and people who notice when a dog is off.
What to actually compare
Where does my dog sleep?
Ask to see the room. Private suite or shared? Raised bed? How is the space cleaned and how often? At Soulmutts, our dog boarding guests choose between private bedrooms (Executive and Premiere) and supervised social rooms for dogs who prefer company (Elite and Social) — all at one nightly rate.
How much of the day is outside?
This is the one that separates a good stay from a boring one. Many downtown facilities have a small rooftop or an indoor turf room. Our boarders spend their day in a 4,000 sq ft private outdoor park in Leslieville, divided into nine areas so groups are matched by size and energy, with indoor space for bad weather.
Who is with the dogs, and when?
Staff-to-dog ratio during the day, and what happens overnight. Ask directly.
What’s included in the price?
Some places quote a low nightly rate and add fees for walks, playtime, medication or a “premium” room. Our overnight boarding is $85 per night all-inclusive: the park, the room, bedding and dishes, medication if needed, photo updates. You bring your dog’s own food so their stomach stays on the diet it knows. Holiday rates apply over peak dates.
Can I add grooming or a pickup?
A groom on the last day means your dog comes home clean. Ours is done in-house by Paws in the Bath grooming. Our van shuttle can also do drop-off and pickup across the east end.
Kennel, boarding, hotel: a plain-language glossary
- Kennel — the traditional word; often implies individual runs. Not a bad thing in itself, but ask about exercise.
- Boarding — any overnight care in a facility. The neutral term.
- Dog hotel / pet hotel — boarding with hospitality framing: private rooms, extras, downtown-friendly.
- In-home sitting — a sitter in your home or theirs. Great for some dogs; no group play, and quality varies with the individual.
Frequently asked questions
Is a dog hotel better than boarding?
Not by definition. Judge the sleeping space, the outdoor time and the staff. A “hotel” with no yard is a worse stay than a “boarding facility” with a big one.
How much does a dog hotel cost in Toronto?
Downtown, expect roughly $60–$120 a night depending on room type and what’s included. Soulmutts is $85 all-inclusive.
Does my dog need an assessment first?
Yes — every new dog does a free 45-minute assessment so we can match them to the right group and room. It’s the same assessment used for dog daycare, so once it’s done your dog can use either. You can book a free assessment online.
What vaccines are required?
Rabies and DHPP; Bordetella is recommended. Adult dogs must be spayed or neutered at their breed-appropriate age. Full list on our service requirements page.
