It’s really frustrating that there isn’t someone with a lot of trust who you can leave your dog with when you travel. The idea of kennels (loud and unconscious) doesn’t appeal; huge facilities where they group dogs into runs and describe it as ‘supervision’, and handing over your dear furry friend to a stranger from an app has ZERO record? No thank you.
That’s the problem Happy Hound was built to solve, and it’s the reason so many Boulder pet owners are searching for something different when they look up dog boarding Boulder.
Meet your Dog Sitter: Teddi Drummond is based right out of her personal home, a 3 BD, backyard-centric home just a hop, skip, and jump from Boulder Creek. It’s one human, no corporate rules book, no rotating care staff, no cage. Only the exact person who loves and gets to know your dog best, and treats them with the care that you deserve.
Why a Home Beats a Kennel, Every Time
Dogs don’t do well with sudden change. Pull them out of their routine for a few days and the closest thing to “okay” isn’t a kennel run; it’s another home.
A few things tend to happen when a dog boards somewhere that actually feels like a house instead of a facility:
- They’re calmer. Less pacing, less barking, less skipped meals. A lot of that stress comes from being surrounded by unfamiliar dogs in adjacent cages all day.
- They get real company. Not a five-minute check-in from whoever’s on shift the same person, the same voice, the same routine, the whole time.
- They actually get to move. A real backyard means running and sniffing around, not a rushed bathroom break on a leash.
- They’re exposed to fewer other dogs, which cuts down the risk of picking something up.
This is really the whole pitch behind dog boarding Boulder families keep coming back to Happy Hound for. It’s not just a holding pattern until you get home; it’s somewhere your dog can genuinely relax.
What’s Actually Included
Happy Hound doesn’t run on a rigid package system. Care gets built around what your dog needs.
Overnight Options
- Staying at Teddi’s home: Your dog moves into a comfortable 3-bedroom house with a big, secure yard. Excellent if you like them quite settled into home conditions.
- Staying at your home: If your dog does better on their own turf, Teddi comes to you instead, so they get full-time company without leaving familiar surroundings.
- Two dogs from the same household: Welcome to stay together; no need to split them up while you’re away.
Beyond Overnight Stays
- Walks, to keep exercise consistent even when your schedule isn’t.
- Hikes around Boulder for dogs that need to burn off extra energy.
- Park visits, supervised, for socializing and a change of scenery.
Whether it’s just one night or a full week, add a daily hike or skip it; it fits with your plans.
What People Actually Say
When picking a dog watcher, that has to be the complete priority. It comes through clearly in the feedback we’ve received over the years. Dog & cat parents with big & sensitive pets, “unfriendly” cats, and any “pet” that is typically hesitant to connect with strangers mention the identical pattern in their dog’s return home: that Happy Hound dog or cat has settled in rapidly, was contented and happy.
If you’ve had a bad experience with a boarding facility before, that kind of consistency is usually what tips the decision.
What It Costs
Here’s the current rate breakdown, no surprises: walks run $30 an hour, overnight care at Teddi’s home is $75 a night, overnight care at your home is $85 a night, and boarding two dogs together at your home is $100 a night.
That’s on par with, or cheaper than, a lot of commercial boarding facilities around Boulder, and you’re getting individual attention instead of a spot in a kennel row.
How to Actually Choose Between Options
Before you book anywhere, it’s worth asking yourself a few questions:
- Home or facility? Home settings tend to mean less stress and more actual attention.
- Who’s really watching my dog? One consistent person builds more trust than a rotating staff schedule ever will.
- Is there outdoor space? A secure yard makes a bigger difference than people expect.
- Can they handle my dog specifically? Shy dogs, older dogs, multi-dog households, they all need a different approach.
- Is the pricing clear? You shouldn’t have to guess what you’re paying until checkout.
Happy Hound holds up against every one of these, which is a big part of why it’s become the go-to option for dog boarding Boulder pet parents trust when they need to travel.
Getting Your Dog Ready to Board
The best stay begins prior to your pooch even stepping foot over our threshold. Prepping your pet for our time spent with your canine will result in a more pleasant drop off as well as a peaceful, harmonious visit for your pet while away from you.
Worth having ready:
- Their regular food, packed for the full stay, plus portion sizes and feeding times.
- Any medications, with clear dosing instructions.
- A familiar item a blanket, toy, or bed helps them settle in faster.
- Leash, collar, ID tags, especially for walks, hikes, and park trips.
- Vet and emergency contact info, just in case.
- A heads-up on quirks or triggers, so care can be adjusted from day one.
Owners who have this down prior generally have an almost seamless transfer and adaptation. It just as much a factor as where the dog will be kept.
Safety, Not Just Comfort
Comfort is only half of it; safety has to hold up too. A few things stay consistent with every Happy Hound booking:
- A secure, fenced yard so dogs can be off-leash without an escape risk.
- One-on-one supervision, not group housing with dogs they’ve never met.
- A consistent routine around meals, walks, and rest, which cuts down on stress-driven behavior.
- Direct communication with Teddi throughout the stay you’re not left wondering.
- A familiarity-first setup, whether that’s Teddi’s home or yours.
The combination of real safety and real attentiveness is quite commonly the reason people will never consider a regular kennel after one experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Happy Hound different from a traditional dog boarding kennel in Boulder?
Happy Hound is in-home dog boarding: no cages, no kennel runs. We give your dog a real 3-bedroom house with a fenced-in yard, and have only one person, Teddi Drummond, with your pet, rather than an ever-changing staff.
2. Does Happy Hound offer dog boarding at my own home instead of theirs?
Yes. Teddi can either host your dog at her place or come stay at yours, whichever setup keeps your dog most comfortable.
3. How much does dog boarding in Boulder cost with Happy Hound?
Overnight care starts at $75 a night at Teddi’s home, $85 a night at your home, and $100 a night for two dogs together at your home. Walks are $30 an hour.
4. Is Happy Hound’s dog boarding suitable for shy or anxious dogs?
Yes, the home setting, one consistent caregiver, and low-traffic environment tend to work especially well for shy or anxious dogs, based on feedback shared by past clients.
5. Can Happy Hound board two dogs from the same household together?
Yes. There’s a dedicated overnight rate for two dogs from the same home, so they can stay together instead of being separated during your trip.
Ready to Book?
It’s very straightforward. All you need to do is call or text Teddi Drummond directly at 530-220-5242. You can discuss the needs of your dog, schedule a meet-and-greet, book your dates, etc. One night, a full week, boarded and walked once daily, whatever suits your trip, the services will be centred around your dog’s needs, not specific package deals.