Pooch Pals

Pooch Pals is an Arlington, VA pet care business at 3601 Fairfax Dr that offers in-home dog boarding, overnight stays, dog walking and training. Owners who want dog boarding in Arlington without a traditional kennel can book a sitter for overnight care instead. The business also handles daytime walks and visits, so one team can cover a dog's routine on workdays and on trips.

What services does Pooch Pals offer?

Pooch Pals covers most of what a dog needs while the owner is away. The list goes well beyond overnight care:

• Overnight stays and in-home boarding
• Drop-in visits and house sitting
• GPS-tracked dog walks, in groups or one-on-one
• Dog training
• Pet taxi service, plus pickup and drop-off

What makes it different from a kennel?

The company describes its approach in terms of socialization and exploration. The idea is that dogs get play, attention and exercise, then come home happy and tired. Every walk is GPS-tracked, so owners can see the route their dog took.

All staff are background-checked. That counts for a lot when someone is coming into your home or keeping your dog overnight. There are no contracts, and a free meet and greet lets owners and their dogs get to know the sitter before booking anything.

Who is it a good fit for?

This setup suits dogs that settle better in a home than in a kennel run. It also works for owners with long workdays who want walks, drop-ins and overnight care from the same provider. Dogs with behavior issues can be booked for training as well.

How much does it cost, and how do you book?

Overnight boarding costs $100 to $120 per night, based on rates published on the Pooch Pals website. Booking is done online through the website at thepoochpals.com. For questions first, the team can be reached at 703 475 9360 or contact@thepoochpals.com. Owners who can't get their dog to and from a stay themselves can use the pickup and drop-off service.