Dog boarding at Circle Lake Ranch Pet Resort gives your dog a safe, comfortable place to stay while you are away. Our Katy boarding program includes climate-controlled kennels, daily outdoor play, fresh water, feeding on your schedule, and careful supervision from an experienced team that knows how to keep dogs relaxed and comfortable.
What Boarding Includes
- Overnight stays in spacious climate-controlled kennels
- Outdoor exercise and potty breaks every day
- Feeding based on your dog's normal routine
- Medication administration with clear instructions
- Comfortable bedding, rest time, and monitoring
Food, Medications, and Packing Tips
We highly recommend keeping your dog on the same food before and during boarding. Please bring your dog's regular food from home with clear feeding directions. Dogs can be fed up to three times per day, and we can handle refrigerated food, frozen food, raw diets, supplements, and special preparation instructions. Bowls are provided. If kennel house food is needed, the additional fee is $10 per day.
We administer oral, topical, and eye and ear medications at no medication-administration fee, multiple times per day when arranged in advance. Original labeled containers are not required. Insulin injections can be accommodated only with advance reservation so appropriate staff can be scheduled; other injectable medications are not administered.
Treats are welcome. You may bring your dog's own bed or blanket, though we prefer house bedding and can launder bedding during the stay. Please do not bring toys, and no rawhide because of the choking risk. Label all belongings; Circle Lake Ranch is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
Vaccines and First Visit Requirements
Boarding dogs must be current on Rabies, DHPP/DHLPP (distemper/parvo), and Bordetella. Canine influenza is recommended but not required. Titers are accepted in place of vaccination where applicable, and proof of vaccination must be provided before arrival. The same requirements apply to puppies and senior dogs, and medical exceptions may be accepted subject to review. A $25 temperament assessment is required before a dog joins group play or daycare; boarding dogs are not required to participate in group play, and individual play and exercise are available. Intact dogs may board, with behavior-based restrictions on group play, and dogs may be declined for aggression or behavioral concerns at staff discretion.
Kennel Sizes and Accommodations
Boarding accommodations are indoor, climate-controlled kennels in three sizes: Medium (3 ft by 3 ft), Standard (4 ft by 4 ft), and XL (4 ft by 8 ft). Each includes a raised bed, bowls, and blankets or bedding. Dogs from the same family may share an accommodation, generally 2 to 3 dogs, depending on availability and an appropriately sized kennel. Facility systems include temperature alarms, dehumidifiers, and an automatic backup generator. These are environmental and safety systems, not veterinary monitoring, and do not guarantee uninterrupted environmental conditions.
Senior and Special-Needs Dogs
We generally accept senior dogs and can accommodate extra potty breaks, individualized handling, mobility limitations and arthritis, blind dogs, deaf dogs, and controlled chronic conditions within our safe boarding capabilities. Veterinary clearance may be required, and there is no additional charge solely for that extra care. Circle Lake Ranch is a boarding facility, not a veterinary hospital, so we do not provide hospitalization or continuous medical monitoring. For their own safety, routine boarding is not appropriate for brittle diabetic dogs, terminally ill dogs, dogs with severe disability or serious illness beyond what can be safely managed in a boarding environment, actively bleeding or injured dogs, or dogs immediately following surgery.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding
- Schedule a vet visit — Ensure vaccinations (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella) are current and get a health certificate if needed.
- Book your assessment day — Group play and daycare require a one-time $25 temperament assessment so we can learn your dog's personality and needs.
- Update medications list — Prepare written dosing instructions for any medications and bring enough for the stay plus extras. Original labeled containers are not required, and there is no medication fee.
- Practice short separations — If your dog has separation anxiety, practice leaving them for short periods to build confidence.
- Pack food, treats and labeled bedding — Bring your dog's regular food with feeding instructions, plus treats if you like. You may send a bed or blanket, though we prefer house bedding — please skip toys and rawhide.
- Confirm your reservation — Call us 24-48 hours before arrival to confirm drop-off time and any special instructions.
Holiday Boarding
Our major holidays are Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Major-holiday reservations require a $100 deposit per kennel that is noncancellable and nonrefundable and is forfeited if the reservation is cancelled or not used, plus a 4-night minimum stay. There is no additional holiday surcharge. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve the office closes at noon with drop-off and pick-up available before noon; on the other listed holidays the office is closed with no drop-off or pick-up.
Check-In and Check-Out
Drop-off and pick-up are available from 8:00 AM to 5:45 PM, seven days a week. There is no special checkout time after which another night is automatically charged, and we do not offer after-hours drop-off or pick-up. Call (281) 395-4567 to reserve your dog's boarding stay in Katy.
Dog Boarding Questions
What are your dog boarding hours and check-in times?
Boarding drop-off and pick-up are available from 8:00 AM to 5:45 PM, seven days a week. There is no special checkout time after which another night is automatically charged, and we do not offer after-hours drop-off or pick-up. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve the office closes at noon, with drop-off and pick-up available before noon; on Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day the office is closed with no drop-off or pick-up.
How far in advance should I book boarding?
We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance for regular stays, and 4-6 weeks ahead for holidays and peak seasons (summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break). Last-minute availability is sometimes possible - call us at (281) 395-4567 to check.
What's your cancellation policy?
We understand plans change, and we appreciate at least 48 hours notice for cancellations. Major-holiday reservations are different: they require a $100 deposit per kennel that is noncancellable and nonrefundable and is forfeited if the reservation is cancelled or not used, plus a 4-night minimum stay.
Can I book online or do I need to call?
You can book online through our boarding registration form at https://form.jotform.com/252215794242153, or call us at (281) 395-4567. For first-time visits, we recommend calling so we can schedule your required assessment day.
What is an assessment day and why is it required?
An assessment day is required for all new dogs before their first boarding or daycare visit. It's a 4-10 hour visit ($25 for the 1st dog, $20 for the 2nd dog, $15 for the 3rd dog) where we evaluate your dog's temperament, socialization skills, and comfort level in our facility. This ensures a safe and stress-free experience for all pets.
How do you help dogs with separation anxiety?
We use several strategies for anxious dogs: gradual introduction during assessment day, quiet kennel placement away from high-traffic areas, familiar items from home (blankets, toys), consistent routines, one-on-one attention from staff, and calming activities. For severe anxiety, we recommend discussing with your vet about calming aids.
My dog has never been boarded before. How can I prepare them?
Start with short separations at home to build confidence. Book an assessment day first so your dog can explore our facility. Bring familiar items like their bed or a worn t-shirt with your scent. Maintain a calm, positive demeanor during drop-off - dogs pick up on owner anxiety. Consider a daycare visit before an overnight stay.
What if my dog doesn't do well in group play?
Not every dog is suited for group play, and that's perfectly okay! We offer individual playtime and one-on-one attention for dogs who prefer solo activities. During assessment, we identify your dog's social preferences and create a customized care plan.
What vaccinations are required for boarding?
Rabies, DHPP/DHLPP (distemper/parvo), and Bordetella are required. Canine influenza is recommended but not required. Titers are accepted in place of vaccination where applicable, and proof must be provided before arrival. The same requirements apply to puppies and senior dogs; medical exceptions may be accepted, subject to review.
Is the canine influenza vaccine required for boarding?
No. Canine influenza is recommended but not required at Circle Lake Ranch. The required vaccines are Rabies, DHPP/DHLPP, and Bordetella.
My dog's vaccinations expire during their stay. What should I do?
Vaccinations must be current at the time of check-in and throughout the entire stay. Please schedule any needed boosters at least 2 weeks before boarding to allow time for full immunity to develop and to ensure your dog doesn't experience any vaccine reactions.
Do you administer medications during boarding?
Yes. We administer oral medications and pills, topical medications, and eye and ear medications, multiple times per day when arranged in advance. There is no medication-administration fee, and original labeled containers are not required — clear written dosing instructions are. Injectable medications other than insulin are not administered.
Can you give my dog insulin injections?
Insulin injections can be accommodated only with advance reservation, so we can schedule appropriately trained staff for your dog's stay. Please tell us when you book. Brittle diabetic dogs are not appropriate for routine boarding. Injectable medications other than insulin are not administered.
What happens if my dog gets sick during their stay?
Your pet's health is our priority. We monitor all dogs closely for signs of illness. If your pet becomes unwell, we'll contact you immediately and can arrange veterinary care if needed. We have relationships with local vets for emergencies.
Can you accommodate dogs with special dietary needs or allergies?
Yes. Dogs can be fed up to three times per day, and we can handle refrigerated food, frozen food, raw diets, supplements, and special feeding or preparation instructions. Bring your dog's food pre-portioned and labeled with written instructions. Bowls are provided — you don't need to bring them. If you'd rather not send food, house food is available for $10 per day.
Can I bring my dog's own food?
Yes, and we recommend it — keeping your dog on their usual diet avoids stomach upset. House food is available for $10 per day if you prefer. We can feed up to three times daily and accommodate refrigerated, frozen, and raw diets as well as supplements.
Does Circle Lake Ranch board senior or special-needs dogs?
Yes, we generally accept senior dogs. We can accommodate extra potty breaks, individualized handling, mobility limitations and arthritis, blind dogs, deaf dogs, and controlled chronic conditions that fall within our safe boarding capabilities. Veterinary clearance may be required, and there is no extra charge solely for that added care. We are a boarding facility, not a veterinary hospital, so we do not provide hospitalization or continuous medical monitoring.
Are there dogs you cannot board?
For their own safety, routine boarding is not appropriate for brittle diabetic dogs, terminally ill dogs, dogs with severe disability or serious illness beyond what can be safely managed in a boarding environment, actively bleeding or injured dogs, and dogs immediately following surgery. Many dogs with stable, controlled conditions board with us comfortably — call us if you're unsure.
Is your facility air-conditioned?
Absolutely! All our indoor kennels and common areas are fully climate-controlled for your pet's comfort year-round. This is especially important during hot Texas summers.
Does Circle Lake Ranch have a backup generator?
Yes. Our facility has an automatic backup generator, along with temperature alarms and dehumidifiers. These are environmental and safety systems — they are not veterinary monitoring and do not guarantee uninterrupted conditions, but they help keep the kennels comfortable during Texas weather and power events.
Do you have outdoor play areas for dogs?
Yes! We have spacious outdoor play yards where dogs can run, play, and socialize under supervision. Our 13-acre ranch setting provides plenty of room for exercise and exploration in a safe, fenced environment.
Can I tour the facility before booking?
We encourage facility tours! Please call ahead to schedule a visit so we can give you our full attention and show you around our boarding areas, play yards, and grooming facilities.
What size are your kennels?
Boarding accommodations are indoor, climate-controlled kennels in three sizes: Medium (3 ft × 3 ft), Standard (4 ft × 4 ft), and XL (4 ft × 8 ft). Each includes a raised bed, bowls, and blankets or bedding. Dogs from the same family may share an accommodation — generally 2–3 dogs, depending on availability and an appropriately sized kennel.
What should I bring for my dog's boarding stay?
Bring proof of vaccination, your dog's regular food with written feeding instructions, and any medications with clear dosing directions. Treats are welcome. You may bring your dog's own bed or blanket, though we prefer to use house bedding, and bedding can be laundered during the stay if needed. Please do not bring toys, and no rawhide — it's a choking risk. Label anything you send, and leave valuable or irreplaceable items at home; we can't be responsible for lost or damaged belongings.
Does my dog have to participate in group play?
No. Boarding dogs are not required to join group play, and individual play and exercise are available for dogs who aren't suited to a group. Group play and daycare do require a $25 temperament assessment first, and dogs may be declined for aggression or behavioral concerns at staff discretion.
Can intact (unneutered) dogs board?
Yes, intact dogs may board. Participation by intact dogs in group play or daycare is subject to behavior-based restrictions, decided case by case after the temperament assessment.
What are the holiday boarding rules?
Our major holidays are Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Major-holiday reservations require a $100 deposit per kennel — noncancellable and nonrefundable, and forfeited if the reservation is cancelled or not used — plus a 4-night minimum stay. There is no additional holiday surcharge; you otherwise pay for the nights actually stayed. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve the office closes at noon with drop-off and pick-up available before noon; on the other listed holidays the office is closed with no drop-off or pick-up.
How much does dog boarding cost at Circle Lake Ranch?
Our boarding rate is $49.44/night for the first dog. For dogs in the same household who can share a kennel, the 2nd dog is $39.14/night and 3rd+ dogs are $28.84/night. A 3% cash discount applies if you pay with cash or check. We offer 10% off for stays of 10+ nights. Call us at (281) 395-4567 for availability.
Do you offer discounts for multiple dogs or extended stays?
Yes! We offer 10% off for stays of 10+ nights. Multi-dog families also save: $49.44/night for the first dog, $39.14/night for the second, and $28.84/night for the third+ dog. A 3% cash discount applies for cash or check payments. We also offer 10% military and first responder discounts with valid ID.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), and debit cards. Cash payments receive a small discount as reflected in our pricing. Payment is due at pick-up.
Can my dog get groomed during their boarding stay?
Absolutely! Many pet parents schedule grooming at the end of their dog's stay so they go home fresh and clean. Let us know when booking and we'll coordinate grooming with your pick-up time.
What areas do you serve near Katy, TX?
We proudly serve pet parents from Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Cinco Ranch, Brookshire, Houston's Energy Corridor, and surrounding areas. Our convenient location at 1134 FM 1463 makes us easily accessible from I-10 and the Grand Parkway.
Do you offer pick-up and drop-off services?
We don't currently offer transportation services, but our central Katy location is convenient for most pet parents in the Greater Houston area. We're located just off FM 1463, easily accessible from I-10 and the Grand Parkway (99).