Book Your Dog’s Stay
New to DogJoy? Start with a quick Tryout Day so we can place your dog in the right boarding program.
More Than a Place to Sleep: Our Boarding Philosophy
What should a boarding stay actually accomplish? At many facilities, the bar stops at food, a roof, and a safe return.
DogJoy measures something different: how your dog carries themselves, relates to others, and feels from the minute you leave until the drive home to Elgin.
To get there, we build structured play, hands-on enrichment, and manners practice into every day, so each stay helps your dog:
- Spend energy in a way that also engages their mind
- Stay tuned in to people when the setting gets noisy or chaotic
- Grow more courteous around fellow dogs
- Remain calm and content for the length of the visit
Rather than a pause from normal life, their stay becomes daily practice in good habits that come home with them.
Two Boarding Programs, Matched to Your Dog’s Temperament
No two dogs handle time away from home the same way. That’s why each stay is planned around the dog in front of us: their temperament, their comfort level with other dogs, and any particular needs they bring along.
Stay & Play Boarding (Social Dogs)
Nightly Rate: $69/night
Room Setup: Your dog has a private room with a door to their own patio and mini-yard. Want more? The Splash Park, VIPup, and Special Care packages can all be added to this stay.
Great For: Outgoing dogs who light up around other dogs and truly enjoy group time.
How It Runs: Days follow a planned cycle of play, rest, and staff-supervised group time. The structure never lets up, so the yard never turns into a free-for-all.
Daily Highlights:
- Playgroups formed around dogs with compatible temperaments
- A trained team member watching over every interaction
- Playtime that shifts between outdoor yards and our indoor Great Room
- Manners practice built into the play itself, not saved for a separate session
Bottom Line: Your dog gets the exercise and social time they want, and comes home happy instead of wound up.
Stay & Play Boarding (Social Dogs)
Nightly Rate: $69/night
Room Setup: Your dog has a private room with a door to their own patio and mini-yard. Want more? The Splash Park, VIPup, and Special Care packages can all be added to this stay.
Great For: Outgoing dogs who light up around other dogs and truly enjoy group time.
How It Runs: Days follow a planned cycle of play, rest, and staff-supervised group time. The structure never lets up, so the yard never turns into a free-for-all.
Daily Highlights:
- Playgroups formed around dogs with compatible temperaments
- A trained team member watching over every interaction
- Playtime that shifts between outdoor yards and our indoor Great Room
- Manners practice built into the play itself, not saved for a separate session
Bottom Line: Your dog gets the exercise and social time they want, and comes home happy instead of wound up.
Hotel Boarding (Non-Social Dogs)
Please Read First: We reserve Hotel Boarding mostly for dogs we already know well, typically current DogJoy training clients whose dogs our team has worked with and evaluated. It is not available as a first stay for reactive or non-social dogs we haven’t met, so a new dog who can’t participate safely in group activities may not be able to board with us.
SPACE IS LIMITED
Nightly Rate: $58/night
Room Setup: Your dog has a private room with an attached patio and mini-yard. Optional enrichment add-ons come in three versions (Mind, Body, or Mind + Body), and each one is adjusted to your dog’s particular limits, such as safety around people, resource guarding, reactivity along fence lines, or physical ability.
Great For: Dogs who don’t enjoy group play, whether they prefer people over other dogs, do better in a calmer setting, or just aren’t suited to a social environment.
Daily Highlights:
- Enrichment delivered right inside their own private space
- Individual time with a member of our team
- Group play swapped out for walks, puzzles, and brain games
Good to Know: Hotel Boarding doesn’t mean your dog spends the stay alone. It’s the same structured care, deliberately set to a slower, quieter pace.
Bottom Line: A calmer, lower-stress visit built around exactly what your dog needs.
Hotel Boarding (Non-Social Dogs)
Please Read First: We reserve Hotel Boarding mostly for dogs we already know well, typically current DogJoy training clients whose dogs our team has worked with and evaluated. It is not available as a first stay for reactive or non-social dogs we haven’t met, so a new dog who can’t participate safely in group activities may not be able to board with us.
SPACE IS LIMITED
Nightly Rate: $58/night
Room Setup: Your dog has a private room with an attached patio and mini-yard. Optional enrichment add-ons come in three versions (Mind, Body, or Mind + Body), and each one is adjusted to your dog’s particular limits, such as safety around people, resource guarding, reactivity along fence lines, or physical ability.
Great For: Dogs who don’t enjoy group play, whether they prefer people over other dogs, do better in a calmer setting, or just aren’t suited to a social environment.
Daily Highlights:
- Enrichment delivered right inside their own private space
- Individual time with a member of our team
- Group play swapped out for walks, puzzles, and brain games
Good to Know: Hotel Boarding doesn’t mean your dog spends the stay alone. It’s the same structured care, deliberately set to a slower, quieter pace.
Bottom Line: A calmer, lower-stress visit built around exactly what your dog needs.
Hour by Hour: The Rhythm of a Boarding Day
At DogJoy, structure isn’t something we switch on for playtime and off again afterward. It shapes the entire day, start to finish.
The daily rhythm:
- Supervised play sessions for social dogs
- Brain work and enrichment woven in from morning to evening
- Set-aside periods for rest and recovery
- A quiet night’s sleep in their own private room
No dog here is left to entertain themselves or simply wait out the hours. Our team moves every guest through a day with purpose, and real downtime is part of the plan so they can recharge.
Mornings and afternoons trade off between time outdoors and enrichment activities. Around midday, everyone heads to their private room for a nap, where the lights are dimmed, gentle music plays, and pet-safe essential oils run in a diffuser. During active stretches, dogs spend time outside, social dogs enjoy group play, and our staff gives plenty of hands-on attention. After the evening’s final outdoor session, everything winds down: lights go low, the calming music continues, and the diffusers keep running so each dog can settle into deep, restful sleep.
The aim never changes from one day to the next: a dog who heads home to Elgin happily tired, with plenty of exercise and rest behind them, and relaxed instead of overstimulated.
Get Started!
Every Guest Gets a Room and Patio of Their Own
No shared kennels here: every dog who boards with us has a private room, plus a door out to a patio and mini-yard that belongs to them alone.
Once rest time arrives:
- The lights are dimmed
- Calming music plays softly
- Pet-safe essential oils diffuse during naps and overnight
- Patio doors close to keep the room secure and the heat or A/C inside
Whether your dog wants to stretch out indoors or wander onto their patio is their call. That small bit of comfort and control goes a long way while they’re away from home.
You won’t find:
- Long corridors echoing with nonstop barking
- Dogs locked in kennels for hours at a time
- Sterile, clinical-feeling runs
In their place is a warm, home-like setup, with structure built in from the start to keep stress as low as possible.
Packages and Add-Ons for Your Dog’s Visit
VIPup Package (+$35/night)
For the dog who’s earned a little spoiling:
- Scheduled one-on-one TLC with a staff member each day
- Facebook photo updates so you can check in on their stay
- A bedtime treat followed by a cozy tuck-in each night
Puppy Package (+$12/night)
Made for puppies under 10 months old:
- More frequent trips outside for potty breaks
- Closely watched playtime that helps them learn good social skills
- Teething-friendly enrichment, including a frozen Kong
Special Care Package (+$12/night)
For dogs who need extra hands-on care:
- Thorough nose-to-tail wellness checks
- Medication given as often as your dog requires, with no limit
- Extra check-ins throughout the day, along with reserved TLC time
Splash Park Package (+$28/night)
For the water lovers:
- Structured swim and splash time
- Supervised water play with their pals, plus full access to the Splash Park and its toys
Medication & Special Care
Our staff is trained to give medications safely and keep a closer watch on dogs who need it. Pricing is based on the level of care your dog requires.
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Rides to and from the Vet
We handle transportation to your dog’s vet appointment and back, with the wait time included.
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Frozen Treats and Seasonal Snacks
Frozen Kongs, frozen yogurt, and seasonal goodies that calm and challenge your dog during downtime.
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A Bath Before Heading Home
A pre-checkout bath so your dog returns to Elgin clean and fresh.
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Coat Brushing, Pawdicures, and Dental Care
Light grooming touches, including brush-outs and teeth brushing, available during the stay.
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One-Time Splash Park Visit
A single Splash Park session with their playgroup, booked without the full package.
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One-on-One Time
Personal attention for dogs who do best with a quieter style of engagement.
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An Added Walk
Bonus exercise on top of their regular daily routine.
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Private Training During the Stay
Training sessions built into the visit to teach new skills and sharpen existing ones.
What Elgin Owners See When They Pick Up
Guidance is the heart of what makes DogJoy different. Instead of just keeping an eye on the dogs in our care, our team works actively to shape their behavior.
Across a stay, clear expectations, structured play, and reinforcement every single day stack on top of each other, teaching dogs to:
- Hold their focus on their people, even with distractions all around
- Respond the first time, consistently, instead of only now and then
- Approach new surroundings with more confidence
Owners say it again and again: the dog they bring home to Elgin is calmer, more settled, and simply easier to live with.
Key Boarding Policies
- Checkout is 11am the morning after each boarding night
- Pickups after checkout are billed as a daycare day rather than another night
- Intact males add $10 per night
- A $6 per night surcharge applies during peak season
- The Puppy Package is required for dogs under 8 months old
- See every rate and program detail on our main dog boarding page
What to Bring for Boarding
Food
If your dog eats raw, or any other special diet, please package their food in individual pre-measured servings labeled with your dog’s name. Please DO NOT bring us your dog’s entire bag of dog food or your large plastic food container. We do not have the room to store it all. Please re-bag what your dog will need, plus an extra day, in large ziplocks or put in single serving bags labeled with your dog’s name. DO NOT bring any bowls or food dishes. We provide stainless steel bowls for your dog’s visit. Exceptions are made for slow-feed bowls (please label with your dog’s name).
Medications
If medication needs to be given, it must be in the original bottle, labeled with what the medication is and the dosage required, and have your dog’s first and last name written on the bottle. We require this information for identification to ensure the safety and well-being of every dog in our care when prescription medications are on the premises. Please include a measuring device, if applicable.
Toys & Comfort Items
We can provide a comfy elevated bed at your request and elevated beds are included in all of our boarding add-on packages. We can provide blankets to dogs that do not chew bedding, but a blanket, towel, or t-shirt that smells like home is a great comfort! We are unable to accept dog beds that can not fit in a small washing machine without being taken apart. For safety reasons, we DO NOT accept the following items: Rawhide, rope toys, or tennis balls.
If you have questions about what to bring, our team will guide you before your stay!
Dog Boarding FAQ
How do I know which boarding option is right for my dog?
We evaluate your dog’s temperament and behavior to determine whether they’re a fit for group play or better suited for a more private experience.
Will my dog be supervised during play?
Yes, all group play is structured and supervised by trained staff to ensure safety and appropriate behavior.
What if my dog doesn’t do well with other dogs?
That’s exactly why we offer Hotel Boarding. Your dog can still enjoy enrichment and care without the stress of group play.
Will my dog get enough rest?
Absolutely. We intentionally structure the day to include rest periods so dogs don’t become overstimulated.
What should I bring for my dog’s stay?
Please see our “What to Bring for Boarding” section above or read our Visitor Requirements to learn what you can and can’t bring to DogJoy!
When can I drop off or pick up my dog?
7:00am-11:00am
4:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday:
9:00am-12:00pm
Sunday:
4:00pm-6:00pm
Do I need to bring my dog’s food?
Yes, please see our “What to Bring for Boarding” section above or our Visitor Requirements page for more information!
Can you give my dog medication?
Yes, we can. Please see our “What to Bring for Boarding” section above or visit our Visitor Requirements page to learn more.
Can dogs stay together?
Yes, dogs can stay together if they are from the same household.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice for R.E.P.S. cancellation. Boarding typically requires 72 hours notice, but if the boarding is during peak season or a holiday, we require 7 days notice for cancellation. Peak season boarding will require a 50% deposit to reserve the room. The deposit can be refunded as credit if the boarding is canceled before the 7 day window.
What vaccinations are required for my dog to attend DogJoy?
All dogs must be up to date on:
- Rabies
- Distemper/Parvo
- Lepto
- A clean fecal within the last year
Please note: Bordetella is not required. There is a 7 day waiting period if the Bordetella vaccine was recently given. Please wait before bringing your pup to us.
What is the age requirement for Dog Boarding at DogJoy?
Dogs as young as 8 weeks old can join classes, as long as they have had at least two sets of shots.
Dogs must be 3 months old to come to the Splash Park, R.E.P.S. or to board. Exceptions can be made with prior approval.
We do not have an upper age limit for our services. Please reach out if you have concerns regarding senior care. We may recommend a lower activity stay based on your dog’s needs.
Other Services We Offer
Dog Daycare near Elgin, TX
Our dog daycare runs on the R.E.P.S. program, so even a single day with us includes good-behavior reinforcement, ongoing enrichment, and socialization kept safe and balanced from drop-off to pickup.
Dog Training near Elgin, TX
Whether you’re raising a brand-new puppy or helping a reactive dog find their footing, our dog training programs build clear communication and reliable behavior that keeps working once you’re back home in Elgin.
Splash Park near Elgin, TX
At the DogJoy Splash Park, water play is supervised and structured, giving your dog a mental workout alongside the physical one. A dog whose brain is engaged gets every bit as much from the day as one who simply ran hard.
What Brings Elgin Dog Owners to DogJoy
Elgin may be famous as the Sausage Capital of Texas, but it’s also a town full of dogs who stay busy. Owners here live everywhere from historic downtown, where the Saturday farmers market fills Veterans Memorial Park, to subdivisions like Saratoga Farms, Elgin Meadows, and County Line, along with the acreage that spreads out along the county roads. Many of their dogs already know the shaded walking paths at Elgin Memorial Park on North Main, the hike-and-bike trail around the fishing pond at Morris Memorial Park, or the short walking loop at Thomas Memorial Park on the east side of town.
When Elgin families book boarding, they’re usually after more than a kennel down the road, and that’s what brings them up State Highway 95 to our Pflugerville ranch. Dogs used to a full park day or a big backyard tend to take to Stay & Play groups quickly, while dogs who prefer their own company get the same structure through Hotel Boarding. Because Bastrop County summers run long and hot, every guest sleeps in a climate-controlled private room, and the Splash Park Package gives water-loving dogs a way to cool off. Whichever program fits, your dog returns to Elgin truly cared for, with better habits to show for it.
How to Get to DogJoy from Elgin, TX
The drive from Elgin to DogJoy runs north on two-lane state and farm roads, with no toll roads along the way. From town, make your way to N Main Street and follow it north onto State Highway 95, passing Elgin Memorial Park as you leave Elgin behind. Stay on Highway 95 North until it connects with FM 1660 North, then follow FM 1660 toward Pflugerville until you reach Martin Lane. From there, it’s just 0.2 miles down Martin Lane to DogJoy at 20818 Martin Ln, Pflugerville, TX 78660. Plan on roughly 28 minutes and 21 miles door to door.
Book Your Dog’s Stay
Give your dog a structured, enriching experience, not just a place to stay.