Small Breed Dog Boarding — Big Care for Little Dogs
Small dogs deserve the same quality boarding as big ones — but a lot of facilities aren't really set up to handle them well. At Kiesel Bark Pet Resort in Auburn, we board small breed dogs every single week. We know that a Chihuahua, a Maltese, or a Dachshund has different needs than a Labrador, and we handle them accordingly. Same great care, same clean facility, same attentive staff — just with an eye for what actually works for smaller dogs.
Small Breed Dog Boarding in Auburn, AL
Small dog owners in Auburn tend to be a little more protective when it comes to boarding — and honestly, that makes sense. Little dogs can get overwhelmed fast in the wrong environment. A facility that works great for big, social, high-energy dogs isn't always the right fit for a 10-pound dog that gets stressed around a lot of commotion.
We've been boarding small breeds here since 2014, and we've learned what they need. They need calm handling. They need staff that doesn't rush them. They need play situations that are appropriate for their size and temperament. And they need owners who can drop them off and actually feel good about it — not spend the whole trip anxious about whether their little dog is okay.
That's what we're here for. We've got Auburn families who've been bringing their small dogs to us for years, and their dogs come in wagging. That's the goal every time.
Small Breed Dog Daycare
Small breed daycare is one of the most popular things we offer, and it's a great option for Auburn pet parents who work full-time and don't want their small dog home alone all day. Daycare runs Monday through Friday, 7am to 6pm, so your dog can come in with you in the morning and go home with you in the evening.
Small dogs that come to daycare regularly tend to be better socialized, less bored, and honestly just happier. A lot of our small breed daycare regulars were anxious or high-strung when they first started coming — after a few weeks of regular visits, they settled right in. The routine helps. The socialization helps. And coming home worn out instead of wound up is something Auburn pet parents with busy schedules really appreciate.
Daycare is $15 per day. Learn more about dog daycare at Kiesel Bark.
Small Breed Boarding Rates
Our boarding rates are the same regardless of size — we charge by the dog, not by the pound. That's actually a good deal for small breed owners, since some facilities charge more for larger dogs and less for small ones, which sounds great until you realize the care isn't the same either.
Nightly Boarding
Additional Dog
max 3 dogs per kennel
Daycare
Mon–Fri, 7am–6pm
Medication
Small Breed Dog Boarding — What to Expect
When your small dog boards with us, they get the full experience — spacious climate-controlled kennels, access to our outdoor fenced play area, and personal attention from staff throughout the day. A few things that matter specifically for small breeds:
- Climate-controlled kennels — comfortable year-round, especially important for small dogs that get cold easily
- Play group supervision — staff keeps an eye on size dynamics so small dogs aren't overwhelmed
- Individual attention for dogs that prefer people over other dogs
- Feeding on your schedule with your dog's food — diet consistency matters for small breeds with sensitive stomachs
- Medication administration for dogs on heart meds, thyroid meds, or other small-breed-common prescriptions ($1 per dose)
- Familiar items from home welcomed — a blanket or toy can make a big difference for a small dog settling into a new space
Small dogs and temperature: Small breeds lose body heat faster than large dogs, which is why climate control actually matters more for them than most people realize. Our facility stays comfortable year-round — your little dog isn't going to be shivering in a cold kennel or panting in August heat.
Small Breeds We Board Regularly
We see a wide variety of small breeds through our doors. The American Kennel Club recognizes dozens of toy and small breed dogs, and we've likely boarded most of them. Here's a sampling of what we see most often from Auburn families:
Chihuahuas
Big personalities in small packages. Chihuahuas can be nervous in new environments, so we give them time to warm up and never force them into social situations that stress them out.
Dachshunds
Friendly and curious but can be stubborn about new routines. Dachshunds tend to do well once they figure out the daily rhythm of the facility — after day one, most are totally comfortable.
Shih Tzus & Maltese
Gentle dogs that usually love attention from staff. These breeds often bond quickly with whoever's caring for them, which makes the boarding experience easier for everyone.
Pomeranians & Yorkies
High energy for their size. These little dogs want to be in the middle of things and usually do great in daycare or boarding once they get past the initial excitement of a new place.
French Bulldogs
Growing in popularity in Auburn. Frenchies are social and adaptable but we keep an eye on them in warmer weather given their sensitivity to heat — another reason climate control matters.
Mixed small breeds
A big portion of Auburn's dogs are mixed breeds — rescue mixes, "designer" mixes, and everything in between. If your dog is small, they're welcome here regardless of what's in the mix.
Dog Socialization for Small Breeds
Socialization is one of the best things you can do for a small dog — but it has to be the right kind. Throwing a 10-pound dog into a yard full of 80-pound Labs isn't socialization, it's a recipe for a bad experience. We pay attention to how dogs are grouped and make sure small breeds are in situations they can actually handle and enjoy.
For small dogs that have never been around other dogs much, boarding or daycare can be a genuinely positive step. They learn that other dogs aren't scary. They burn energy in ways they can't at home alone. And they develop the kind of social confidence that makes future boarding stays easier and easier. A lot of small breed owners tell us their dog is noticeably calmer and better-behaved at home after regular daycare visits — that's the socialization benefit paying off.
What Auburn Small Dog Owners Ask Us
We supervise play groups and pay attention to size and temperament dynamics. Small dogs aren't just thrown in with large dogs unsupervised. If your small dog seems uncomfortable around larger dogs, we adjust accordingly. Just mention it when you drop off — or better yet, when you book.
Honestly, most dogs adjust better than their owners expect. Bringing a blanket or item from home that smells like you helps a lot. The first night is usually the hardest — by night two, most dogs have settled into the routine. If your dog is particularly attached, a short one-night trial stay before a longer trip is a great idea.
Yes. Small dogs with big energy are some of our favorite boarding guests. They get full access to the outdoor play area and participate in group play when it's appropriate for their size and temperament. They come home tired, which is usually exactly what their owners are hoping for.
Yes. Bring your dog's food clearly labeled with their name and feeding instructions. We follow your feeding schedule and amounts. Consistency in diet is especially important for small breeds with sensitive digestive systems, so we take feeding instructions seriously.
Yes — $26 per night for boarding, $15 per day for daycare. We don't charge less for small dogs, but we also don't charge more. Every dog gets the same quality of care and the same attention from staff regardless of size.
What Auburn Families Say
"Love Kiesel Bark!! My Millie loves it. Miss Donna and Miss Patty are great and love all the dogs."
"Thank you Kiesel Bark for helping our babygirl see again!! Best haircut CoFi has EVER had!!! We will be back!"
"Our girl Perdy goes to day camp nearly everyday and she loves it so much. They are so sweet and loving to her coming and going. She gets all of her puppy energy out and comes home worn out, which we appreciate!"
Small Breed Boarding Near Kiesel Park in Auburn
We're at 633 Chadwick Lane in Auburn, right across the street from Kiesel Park. Easy to find, easy to park, and a straight shot from most Auburn and Opelika neighborhoods. Auburn University faculty and staff, families near campus, and pet owners from all over Lee County bring their small dogs to us regularly.
We've been a part of this community since 2014. Justin and Brittany Alexander opened Kiesel Bark as a local alternative to big chain boarding facilities, and small breed families have been a core part of our client base from the beginning. Stop in during business hours if you want to see the facility before you book — we're happy to show you around and answer any questions about your small dog's specific needs.
Book Your Small Dog's Stay
Call us to check availability or book online. Small breed boarding spots fill up fast around Auburn game weekends and holidays.
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
