The Animals' House

The Animals' House is a dog boarding, daycare and training center at 20789 Great Falls Plaza #170 in Sterling, VA, and it takes small, medium and large dogs. Overnight guests spend their day in playgroups and settle into private kennels at night.

Services and amenities

• Overnight boarding in private kennels and private suites
• Daycare with indoor play space and an outdoor area
• Grooming and mid-day dog walking
• Obedience, agility, scentwork and rally classes
• Pickup and drop-off service

What sets it apart

New dogs take a temperament test before joining a group, and playgroups are matched by size and energy level. That matters for a shy senior or a bouncy adolescent who does better with a careful match than a free-for-all. The BackYard Enrichment Center lets owners customize a stay with extras such as snuggle time and treadmill work.

Bedding, bowls, toys and treats are provided. Owners are encouraged to bring their dog's own food, which keeps the diet steady through a stay away from home.

Training is a large part of the operation. Staff credentials include an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College, and Pet Partners registered therapy animal teams. Owners who want more structure than boarding alone can combine daycare, classes and enrichment sessions.

Practical details

The doors open at 6:00 AM on weekdays and close at 7:00 PM, with 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM hours on Saturday and Sunday. Booking is handled online. Vaccinations are required for every dog. Published rates run from $24 to $58 per night, and the facility can be reached at (703) 433-1300.