Traditionally, boarding facilities provide each pet with their own space in a specific kennel or condo with their own food and water. They are taken outside to designated areas several times a day to relieve themselves and get some exercise, should they be inclined to do so. Some facilities allow dogs to go out and socialize and play with others in groups, while others prefer to keep them separate.

Compared to a standard boarding facility, cage-free boarding paints a utopian-like picture for pet parents. This style of boarding is based on allowing the pets to be as free-roaming as possible, allowing them the liberty to romp, play, and socialize with other pets and staff at their leisure.

The idea behind cage-free boarding is that both pets and their owners will experience less stress and anxiety during their stay, resulting in a universally positive experience. Facilities that offer this model may gain a competitive edge over those who have stuck to the traditional method, as many clients are drawn in by the option of their pet having complete freedom to socialize and play with others while being away from home.

Pursuing cage-free boarding may potentially allow businesses an opportunity to save a great deal of money when it comes to the costs involved with setting up a new establishment and the cost of day-to-day operation. This is in part because of the open layout. It is easier and significantly less expensive to find or construct a large, open area than when compared to installing individual kennels.

Staffing a cage free-facility may also require fewer employees. With an open layout, staff are able to provide pets with more attention while also being able to monitor them more efficiently, in comparison to giving each pet individualized care, one at a time.

Located in Groton, Connecticut, Fun Play Bark offers clients a more traditional dog boarding setup. Boarding dogs, however, are able to participate in the facility’s daycare program during the day, then have extra opportunities to be out in the evening before returning to individual kennels.

Yet the facility has begun to offer a cage-free option for feline boarders. Cat Coordinator, Robbie Johnson, says, “Cats tend to be social and like the ability to roam and explore. Keeping them secured in individual enclosures inhibits that and, in many cases, leads the cats to be fearful and even combative or aggressive.”

When cats come to board, a staff member places them in a secure 5’ X 5’ area and allows them to decompress and explore if they wish. If they show interest, they are allowed to enter the main area, which is equipped with cat trees, beds and toys. Here they can interact with the current population. Staff are careful to observe for signs of fear or aggression, and if shown, the cat is returned to an individual condo in order to decompress.

“Most cats love the ability to explore and they get along with the other cats in the facility,” Robbie says. “They will make friends and, in some cases, will even share a cube or shelf with other cats. I keep the condos open, and sometimes they will choose a spot in there and can come and go as they please.”

Bolton Kennels, located in Bolton, Connecticut and operated by a husband-and-wife team, offers cage-free boarding for small groups of dogs. Al Albert took the concept of cage-free boarding and created his own vision to bring to the business. Instead of having upwards of 10 or more dogs at a time, he found that for him the ideal number of dogs participating in open boarding is no more than six at any given time.

Al explained that in order for the dogs to be eligible for cage-free boarding, they must be social and able to participate in the daycare program during the day. After daycare hours have concluded, the dogs are with Al overnight until the next morning when they will return to the daycare program with his wife, sister and staff.

Instead of a large, empty room, the dogs there for cage free-boarding at Bolton Kennels are lodged in a space which resembles a cozy cottage setting. With a kitchen, bathroom and bed room, the area feels like home away from home.

Boarders eat separately to avoid any conflict and ensure their safety. Then they can play, socialize, relax and watch TV together until it’s time for bed, just as they might likely do in their own homes. During the night, Al is always happy to let them go outside should they need to relieve themselves. As an added bonus, dogs are welcome to hop up on the bed for a snuggle and restful slumber.

At any given time, the dogs are supervised by someone certified in both pet first aid and CPR. Should an emergency arise during the day or night, the dogs are always with a caretaker who is able to assess the situation and promptly transport them for veterinary care if necessary.

For some facilities, the cage-free model is a good fit, while for others, having separate enclosures for each pet will make more sense. More social animals will likley prefer having the opportunity to roam and socialize with others uninhibited by the confines of a kennel, while those who demonstrate significant anxiety or aggressive behavior will need their own space in order to feel safe.

Ultimately, every business will have to examine the options, then decide which model aligns most with their beliefs and goals. Proprietors can also create a hybrid version combining what they like most about each method to create their ideal vision for their business.