Small Dog Boarding in Our Peaceful Country Home
Your small dog’s calm, caring, kennel-free home away from home in Greater Victoria since 2008.
Personalized home-style care for each guest dog
At Small Dog Boarding, a select number of guest dogs live and sleep inside our home, kennel-free. This ensures each dog receives the personal attention and familiar home-style routine we take pride in providing.
- Select number of guest dogs
- Live and sleep inside our family home
- Personal attention and familiar routines
Meet Rick & Heather
Heather and Rick are the owners behind Small Dog Boarding. They opened their first kennel-free facility in 2008. After temporarily closing in 2020, they reopened with a renewed focus on small dog boarding.
Today, Small Dog Boarding Ltd. is properly zoned, licensed, and insured, with experienced owners providing calm, home-style care for small dogs inside their own family home.
- Real home
- Experienced owners
- Licensed & insured
Secure outdoor play on our private property
Guest dogs enjoy fresh air and supervised outdoor time in three secure woodland play areas, with room to sniff, explore, and play safely on site.
- Three secure woodland play areas
- Fresh air in a natural setting
- Supervised outdoor time on site
A look around Small Dog Boarding
Actual photos from Rick and Heather’s home, guest dog spaces, and private outdoor areas.
Kind words from local dog families
"There is no other dog sitter that we have ever found in 35 years of having fur babies that can compare with Small Dog Boarding. They treat your beloved pet as if he/she were their very own. We love Rick and Heather just as our dogs do. They are wonderful."
Peter & Laurie
Victoria, BC
"Mully absolutely loves visiting Small Dog Boarding! I'm confident he's being looked after when I have to leave him overnight. He doesn't even want to come home when I come to pick him up! He definitely loves it there!"
Louise
Sidney, BC
"Skipper and Chester have stayed with Heather and Rick 3 times now. I have absolute confidence when my dogs are with them that they are safe. It means the world to me to know this! Their property is a delightful place for the pooches to sniff and explore securely. I love that they are in a homelike situation and that their needs are met with loving care."
Lesli
Central Saanich, BC
Is Small Dog Boarding right for your dog?
Ideal guest:
- Well-socialized small dogs
- House trained
- Spayed or neutered
- Good recall skills
Non-ideal:
- Chronic barking
- Separation anxiety
- Aggressive or unsafe behaviour
Pricing
Hours
Visits, drop-offs, and pick-ups are by appointment only so the home stays calm and safe.
Common questions
How is Small Dog Boarding different from a kennel?
Small Dog Boarding provides calm, kennel-free care inside Rick and Heather’s home. Guest dogs live and sleep indoors as members of the extended family, with limited capacity and supervised outdoor time on the property.
Are you convenient for airport or ferry travel?
Yes. Small Dog Boarding is on route to Victoria International Airport, Sidney, and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, and about 5 minutes from the North Elk Lake and Keating Cross Road exits.
Do you take larger dogs?
Although Small Dog Boarding typically cares for dogs under 22 pounds, we are open to considering well-suited dogs up to 35 pounds.
Does my dog need to meet you first?
Yes. The first step is a meet-and-greet tour, followed by a free half-day visit. We want your dog to be both physically and mentally happy coming here.
Where do dogs sleep?
Guest dogs sleep in Rick and Heather’s home as one of the family.
What should I bring?
Bring your dog’s food, dishes, bed, and any clear care instructions.
Can I drop in without an appointment?
No. All visits, drop-offs, and pick-ups are by appointment only so the home stays calm and safe for all dogs.
How do I check dates or availability?
Call or text Rick at 250-857-3567 for the fastest answer. You can also email SmallDogBoardingLtd@gmail.com with the dates you are looking for.
Questions or ready to check dates?
Call Rick directly, or text/email if easier.
Our Victoria Location
Visits by appointment only.