Sun Dog Boarding Kennel

Sun Dog Boarding Kennel is a cage-free dog boarding and daycare facility in Traverse City, Michigan. Dogs sleep in private suites built from laminate and tempered glass, and the kennel itself is a 1,500 sq. ft. home-style space with couches and rugs rather than rows of concrete runs. Published overnight rates run $45 to $50 per night.

Services and amenities

• Overnight boarding, cage-free during the day
• Daycare for dogs
• Private laminate and tempered-glass sleeping suites
• Medication administered for dogs that need it
• Baths by request ($25)

Indoor and outdoor space

The building is fully air-conditioned and has in-floor heating, which covers humid summers and northern Michigan winters alike. There are two outdoor areas. The side play yard is 20,000 sq. ft., fenced, with shade and large pine trees. A smaller 900 sq. ft. yard looks out on farm animals: a horse, a donkey, an alpaca, and chickens.

How dogs spend the day

Dogs are grouped by size, age, and activity level rather than mixed together as one pack. Play is supervised, and walks are leashed. Indoor play space means a rainy afternoon doesn't shut the day down, and each dog still has a suite of its own for rest.

Practical details

The kennel is at 9504 East Bingham Road, Traverse City, MI 49684, and the phone number is (231) 392-9680. Rates, requirements, and facility photos are posted at sundog-kennel.com. Owners weighing options in the area should know this one sits on the smaller, home-style end of the scale rather than the large-facility end, which suits some dogs better than others.