Large Breed Dog Boarding with the Space They Need
Big dogs need space, exercise, and a facility that's actually built to handle them — not just one that tolerates them. At Kiesel Bark Pet Resort in Auburn, large breed dog boarding is something we've been doing well since 2014. Spacious kennels, large fenced outdoor play areas, and a staff that's comfortable handling big, energetic dogs. If you've got a Lab, a Golden, a German Shepherd, or anything in between, your dog is going to do just fine here.
Large Breed Dog Boarding in Auburn, AL
Large breed owners run into a specific problem when searching for boarding: a lot of facilities that look good online aren't really equipped for big dogs. Cramped kennels, small play yards, staff that's hesitant with a 90-pound dog pulling on a leash — none of that makes for a good stay.
We've been handling large breeds since day one. Our kennels are among the largest in the Auburn area — one of our longtime reviewers specifically called that out, and it's something we're genuinely proud of. Big dogs need room to stretch out, lie down comfortably, and not feel cooped up. That's what we provide.
And the outdoor play yard gets a real workout from our large breed boarders. Labs, Goldens, Shepherds, Boxers — these dogs come in with energy and they need somewhere to burn it off. Our fenced play area gives them that. The goal every time is that your big dog goes home tired and happy, not pent-up from sitting in a kennel all day.
Large Breed Dog Daycare
Large breed daycare is one of the most popular things we offer for Auburn's working pet parents. If you've got a high-energy big dog at home alone all day while you're at work, you already know what the consequences look like — chewed furniture, scratched doors, a dog that's bouncing off the walls when you get home.
Daycare runs Monday through Friday, 7am to 6pm. Your big dog comes in full of energy and goes home ready to crash. A lot of our large breed daycare regulars have become noticeably calmer and better-behaved at home since they started coming — regular socialization and exercise does that. It's $15 per day, which for most Auburn pet parents is well worth the trade-off.
Large Breed Boarding Rates
We charge the same rate regardless of breed or size. No large dog surcharges, no hidden fees — just straightforward pricing.
Nightly Boarding
Additional Dog
max 3 dogs per kennel
Daycare
Mon–Fri, 7am–6pm
Medication
Two large dogs? If you've got two big dogs from the same household, they can share a kennel at $15 per night for the second dog. Most bonded pairs do better together anyway — familiar company goes a long way when a dog is in a new environment. Max of 3 dogs per kennel.
Large Breed Dog Boarding — What to Expect
From drop-off to pickup, here's what your large breed dog's stay looks like with us:
- Spacious kennels with room for large and extra-large breeds to stretch out comfortably
- Climate-controlled facility — critical in Alabama summers for large breeds that overheat easily
- Large fenced outdoor play area for exercise throughout the day
- Staff experienced handling big, strong, high-energy dogs
- Feeding on your schedule using your dog's food
- Medication administration for dogs on joint supplements, heartworm prevention, or other prescriptions ($1 per dose)
- Dogs allowed in and out of the play yard throughout the day — not stuck inside all day
Large Breeds We Board Regularly
Auburn is a big-dog town. Between the hunting culture in Lee County, outdoor-loving Auburn University families, and active households all over the area, we see a lot of large breeds come through our doors. The AKC's sporting and working breed groups make up a huge portion of what we board. Here's a sampling of what we see most often:
Labrador Retrievers
Probably the most common large breed we see in Auburn. Labs are social, energetic, and love the play yard. They usually settle into boarding quickly and are some of our most enthusiastic daycare regulars.
Golden Retrievers
Friendly and adaptable — Goldens tend to do great in boarding. They love people, they love other dogs, and they've got the energy to make the most of the outdoor play area every single day.
German Shepherds
Smart, loyal, and sometimes more reserved with new environments. Shepherds often take a day to settle in but once they're comfortable, they do really well. We give them time to adjust rather than rushing the process.
Boxers
High energy, playful, and big personalities. Boxers love the play yard and usually become fast friends with the staff. They're also heat-sensitive, so our climate-controlled facility matters for them specifically.
Hounds & hunting breeds
Lee County has a strong hunting culture, and we see a lot of hunting dogs — Beagles, Coonhounds, bird dogs of all kinds. Working dogs that are used to outdoor activity do great here.
Mixed large breeds
A lot of Auburn's dogs are rescue mixes — big, medium-big, and everything in between. If your dog is on the larger side, they're welcome here and they'll get the same quality of care as any purebred.
Dog Play for Large Breeds
Large breed dogs need real exercise — not just a quick trip outside and back in. Our outdoor play yard gives big dogs somewhere to actually run, not just pace. Dogs rotate through outdoor time throughout the day, and staff supervises to make sure play stays safe and appropriate.
For large breeds that are dog-selective or have had issues with other dogs, we can work around that. Not every big dog does well in group play, and that's okay. Individual outdoor time is available for dogs that need their own space. Just mention it when you book.
Auburn game days and large breeds: A 90-pound dog in a house full of game day guests is a lot. Whether your big dog gets anxious with crowds or you just don't want the chaos of managing them during a tailgate, boarding over an Auburn home game weekend is genuinely the easier call. Just book early — those weekends fill up fast.
Dog Boarding for Large Breeds — Common Questions
Yes. Our kennels are sized to give large dogs real room — not a tight squeeze where they can barely turn around. We've had customers specifically mention the kennel size as a reason they keep coming back. If you want to see them before you book, stop in during business hours and we'll show you around.
Yes. We've been handling big, strong dogs for over 11 years. Our staff is experienced with large breeds and knows how to handle dogs that pull, jump, or get excited at drop-off. If your dog has specific handling quirks, mention it when you bring them in so we can be ready.
They'll get exercise. Outdoor play yard access throughout the day, group play with other dogs when appropriate, and staff that keeps things moving. The whole point is that your dog goes home pleasantly tired — not restless from being cooped up all day.
Tell us upfront. Dogs that aren't good with other dogs get individual outdoor time rather than group play. It's not a problem and it doesn't cost extra — it's just how we handle dogs that need that kind of arrangement. We'd rather know going in than find out during the stay.
No. Boarding is $26 per night regardless of size. Same care, same attention, same pricing. We don't penalize large breed owners for having a big dog.
Bring your dog's food and leave clear feeding instructions with the amount and schedule. We follow your instructions. Large breeds with specific dietary needs or portion requirements are something we handle all the time — just be specific when you drop off.
What Auburn Families Say
"Great place with large kennels. My dog LOVES going there overnight!"
"Phenomenal pet boarding experience. Couldn't be happier with the amazing customer service, great prices and how well they treated my 2 Shepherds!"
"So glad to have this so close to home. He ran in excited to see me, but then tried to go back out to play. I was so relieved to see he wasn't dying to leave. The staff is so friendly and I'm sure my 9 month old Boxer is quite a handful."
"Only doggie daycare place my dogs seem to enjoy and like going in the door with tails wagging."
Large Breed Boarding Near Kiesel Park in Auburn
We're at 633 Chadwick Lane in Auburn, right across from Kiesel Park. Plenty of on-site parking — important when you're wrangling a large dog from your car. Easy to get to from anywhere in Auburn or Opelika, without having to deal with campus traffic or downtown congestion.
Justin and Brittany Alexander have run Kiesel Bark since 2014, and large breed families have been a core part of the business from the beginning. We're a local, family-owned operation — not a chain — and we take that seriously. If you want to see the facility before you commit to a boarding stay, you're welcome to stop by during business hours. We're happy to show you the kennels, the play yard, and answer whatever questions you've got about your big dog's stay.
Book Your Large Breed Dog's Stay
Call to check availability or book online. Large kennel spots go fast around Auburn game weekends and holidays — don't wait.
Phone: (334) 734-2650
Address: 633 Chadwick Lane, Auburn, AL 36832
Reserve Your Spot Now
🏆 Convenient Location
Right across from Kiesel Park
🏆 Experienced Team
Staff who genuinely love and understand animals
🏆 Flexible Hours
We work around your Auburn/Opelika schedule
