8 Essentials for Your Dog Boarding Website
A Complete Guide to Making Your Site Tail-Wagging Good!
Running a dog boarding business means offering more than just a place for pups to sleep. It’s about providing peace of mind for pet parents, a safe environment for their dogs, and a stellar experience that makes them want to come back time and time again. All of that starts online—with a website that is as welcoming and well-organized as your boarding facility.
So, what exactly does a dog boarding website need? From showcasing your services to building trust with pet parents, here’s a guide to the must-have features that will help your business bark louder than the competition!
1. A Clear and Compelling Homepage
Your homepage is the first thing potential customers will see, so it better make a great first impression! It should immediately convey who you are and what you offer. Think of it as the “welcome mat” to your business—it should be easy to navigate and provide clear answers to the key questions:
Who are you? Briefly introduce your dog boarding facility, highlighting what makes you stand out (Is it your personalized care? Your spacious yard? Your luxurious indoor accommodations?).
What do you offer? Clearly display the types of services you provide, such as daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, or training.
Why choose you? A few key selling points should be easily visible—whether it's your top-notch facilities, 24/7 supervision, or special amenities for dogs with medical needs.
2. Detailed Service Descriptions
Pet parents want to know exactly what they’re getting when they book a stay for their furry friend. A dog boarding website should have a dedicated page that explains all the services you offer in detail:
Boarding Packages: Do you offer different types of accommodations, such as standard boarding, luxury suites, or special rooms for senior dogs or puppies? Be sure to list each option and its price point.
Daycare Services: If you offer daycare, explain the daily schedule, activities, and whether dogs are grouped by size or temperament.
Special Services: Offering training, grooming, or additional activities like walks or playtime? This is the place to detail those extras.
Use images and even videos to show off your boarding spaces and the amenities that set you apart. For example, if your facility has a large outdoor play area, show it off in action with happy dogs running around. People want to visualize their pets having fun!
3. An Easy Booking System
Let’s face it—nobody has time to play phone tag, especially when it comes to booking something as important as dog boarding. A seamless, user-friendly booking system is a must. Here’s what you need to include:
Online Reservation Form: Allow pet parents to book directly through the website with a form that asks for important details such as their dog's breed, age, medical needs, and special requirements.
Availability Calendar: Include a calendar or scheduling tool to help users check availability, making it clear when spots are open.
Payment Integration: Enable clients to pay online during the booking process for convenience.
The easier you make it for clients to book their dog's stay, the more likely they are to follow through and choose your facility. Bonus points if you offer automatic email confirmations and reminders!
4. Trust-Building Features (Because Peace of Mind Matters)
When it comes to dog boarding, pet parents are looking for trust, reliability, and safety. Your website needs to convey that their pets will be in good hands. Here are a few ways to build trust:
About Us Page: Share your story, your experience in pet care, and your philosophy on dog boarding. Include photos of your team and any certifications or training that highlight your expertise. Click here to see how an “About” page on your website will attract more customers.
Testimonials & Reviews: Nothing says “trustworthy” like glowing reviews from happy customers. Include a section where clients can share their positive experiences—ideally with photos of their dogs enjoying their stay. You can also link to your Google reviews or Yelp page for additional social proof. Check out this sample website that displays how your review section can look on your new pet business website.
Facility Tour: A virtual tour of your facility can do wonders. Use high-quality images or even a video walk-through of your boarding area to show that your space is clean, spacious, and safe. People want to know their pets will be comfortable and cared for.
Safety Measures: Whether it’s your staff-to-dog ratio, 24/7 supervision, or detailed safety protocols, let potential clients know you take the safety and well-being of their pets seriously.
5. Clear Pricing Information
Transparency is key when it comes to pricing. Pet owners want to know what they’re paying for, so include a clear breakdown of your rates on your website. You don’t need to list every possible charge, but offer a general idea of costs for different types of boarding and services. You can also offer special packages, seasonal promotions, or discounts for extended stays.
Be sure to mention any extra fees (like for special diets, medications, or grooming) upfront so there are no surprises.
6. Contact Information & Location (Easy to Find!)
Make it easy for potential clients to contact you with questions, concerns, or special requests. Your contact page should include:
Phone Number & Email: Display these prominently in your header and footer so they’re easy to find.
Location & Map: Show your physical address with an embedded Google map for easy navigation. Don’t forget to highlight parking options or any special instructions for drop-off and pick-up.
Business Hours: Include your hours of operation, including any holiday hours or seasonal variations.
Make sure this page is easy to access from any part of your website so clients can reach out when they need to.
7. A Blog or Pet Care Tips Section
A blog is a fantastic way to engage with current and potential clients while establishing yourself as an expert in pet care. Whether you’re sharing tips on preparing dogs for boarding, advice on managing separation anxiety, or fun stories about your doggie guests, a blog gives people a reason to keep coming back to your website. Plus, it’s great for SEO!
You can even include helpful checklists, downloadable forms, or pet care guides that clients can access for free.
8. Mobile-Friendly Design
Let’s face it: most people will be checking your website on their phones. That means your site must be fully responsive and mobile-friendly, so it looks great and functions smoothly across all devices. If it’s hard to navigate or the text is too small to read on a mobile screen, clients might bounce off your site—and you don’t want that.
How Pixels Unleashed Can Help Your Dog Boarding Business Stand Out
Ready to take your dog boarding business online? I can help! As the owner and web designer at Pixels Unleashed, I specialize in creating custom websites that capture the personality and professionalism of businesses just like yours. From clear navigation to eye-catching design, I’ll ensure your website not only looks amazing but also works seamlessly for both you and your clients.
Whether you need a simple, one-page site or a full-fledged booking platform, I’ll work with you to build a site that attracts pet parents, makes booking a breeze, and keeps dogs—and their owners—coming back for more.
Let’s chat about how we can create a website that’s as tail-wagging good as your boarding services! Reach out today to get started.
