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.
Check availability
Call Rick directly for the quickest answer.
For text or email, include your dates and your dog’s age, weight and breed or mix.
Personalized home-style care for each guest dog
At Small Dog Boarding, 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.
- Small, compatible group of guest dogs
- Someone stays in the home with guest dogs overnight
- 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.
Small Dog Boarding 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
What to Expect at Small Dog Boarding
Rick gives a short introduction to Small Dog Boarding, including why they focus on small numbers of small dogs, how the property is set up, and what the first visit looks like.
What dog families say
"Rick and Heather were fantastic while I was overseas, providing excellent care and giving me complete peace of mind. They kept me regularly updated on how the dogs were doing… My dogs felt right at home with them, and they loved having access to the beautiful, securely fenced property where they could explore safely."
Michelle W
EXCERPT
"Small Dog Boarding is such a wonderful place for Ella to stay when I go away. Rick and Heather treat her so well. She comes home happy, healthy and clean. I highly recommend Small Dog Boarding."
Lori McColl
"Rick and Heather are incredible care givers for my pups! They are salt of the earth, great people who genuinely love caring for dogs!… Every time we start heading up Rick’s driveway, my pups go crazy and can’t wait to get out of the car to greet them!"
Christa Moser
EXCERPT
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
Is Small Dog Boarding right for your dog?
Ideal guest:
- Well-socialized small dogs
- House trained
- Spayed or neutered
- Responsive to basic handling and recall
Non-ideal:
- Chronic barking
- Severe separation anxiety that prevents a dog from settling safely in a shared home environment.
- 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.
Is someone with the dogs overnight?
Yes. Someone stays in the home with the guest dogs overnight.
Can you administer medication?
Yes. Rick and Heather can administer medications. Discuss your dog’s medication and instructions with Rick before booking.
What vaccinations are required?
Guest dogs must be protected against contagious diseases that can spread between dogs. Because vaccination needs can vary by dog, please contact Rick before booking to confirm that your dog’s vaccination records meet the requirements for group boarding.
What happens if my dog needs veterinary care?
Small Dog Boarding has an emergency-veterinary procedure in place. Rick can explain the procedure and discuss your dog’s needs during the meet-and-greet.
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.
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 Rick at 250-857-3567 for the quickest answer. If calling isn’t practical, text Rick at the same number or email SmallDogBoardingLtd@gmail.com. When texting or emailing, include your dates and your dog’s age, weight and breed or mix.
A look around Small Dog Boarding
Actual photos from Rick and Heather’s home, guest dog spaces, and private outdoor areas.
Ready to check dates?
Call Rick directly for the quickest answer.
For text or email, include your dates and your dog’s age, weight and breed or mix.
Our Victoria Location
Visits by appointment only.