Sleepovers at Airdrie Puppy Pals: An Alternative to Traditional Kennels
What is a Sleepover
We’re often asked if we offer dog boarding or if we are a kennel. We do offer boarding but in our own unique way. Our Sleepovers are designed exclusively (only) for Puppy Pals who already attend our dog daycare program. That means your dog spends the night in a place that already feels familiar, surrounded by the same caring people, the same rooms, and the same daily routine they know and trust.
This sense of familiarity makes a real difference. Dogs, much like people, relax when they understand what to expect. A steady rhythm of care and familiar faces helps them handle changes with more confidence and less stress [3][4].
Why we do it this way
Traditional kennels can be busy, noisy environments. While many facilities work hard to care for dogs, studies have shown that ongoing noise and constant unplanned activity can contribute to higher stress levels for dogs in care [2][8]. That is why we have built a calmer model that focuses on rest, routine, and reassurance.
This stock image shows what many people picture when they think of a traditional kennel environment. (Not what we do at Airdrie Puppy Pals)
We also take the time to make sure every Puppy Pal is the right fit for our environment. While many kennels welcome dogs without looking closely at behavior or comfort levels, we take a more thoughtful approach. Before any dog joins our daycare program or books a Sleepover, we complete a structured meet and greet and a behavioral assessment to understand how they feel in our space and ensure it’s the right match for them.
For families, this step means peace of mind. It ensures your Puppy Pal is surrounded by dogs who are well-matched in temperament and energy. It also helps us maintain a calm, balanced atmosphere where every dog can feel safe and at ease. If we ever feel a dog might not be comfortable in our setting, we’ll share that openly and help find what suits them best. That honesty protects your dog’s well-being and the peaceful environment that makes Airdrie Puppy Pals special.
Why rest and routine matter
A calm, balanced environment allows each Puppy Pal to relax, eat, and sleep comfortably. Research shows that most adult dogs need between eight and thirteen and a half hours of sleep each day, averaging just under eleven hours [1]. When we protect that time for quality rest, we’re supporting their mood, focus, and comfort for the day ahead.
During the day, that same sense of calm carries through our routines. We balance playtime and learning with enrichment and positive human connection. This thoughtful approach, grounded in positive dog training, helps Puppy Pals feel secure and confident even when they’re away from home [7][10].
How a Sleepover works
Once your Puppy Pal is comfortable in our daycare environment, the next step is an overnight stay that feels calm, predictable, and safe. Every part of the evening and morning routine is planned to help them settle easily and wake up happy. Here’s what a typical Sleepover looks like from start to finish.
Step one: Daycare First
Before any overnight stay, every Puppy Pal joins us for a few days of daytime Dog Daycare. This first visit helps them learn our drop-off process, outdoor potty routines, and playroom setup. Most importantly, they get to know our team of aunties and uncles. By the time a Sleepover happens, your dog already recognizes the sights, smells, and friendly faces that make our space feel safe. Studies show that dogs introduced gradually to new spaces and routines show fewer signs of stress, so we make sure they’re fully comfortable before ever spending the night [3][4].
Step two: Crate games
During daycare, before our first sleepover we gently introduce crate games to help your Puppy Pal see their crate as a calm and comfortable space. If they need more practice, we’ll give you simple games to play at home or continue working with them during daycare. These early steps set them up for restful nights when it’s time to sleep over.
Step three: Evening routine
When the day winds down, we go out for a final potty break before settling everyone for the night. Each Puppy Pal rests in an extra-large wire crate, giving them plenty of room to stretch and settle. Families are welcome to bring a bed or blanket from home if they’d like, though it’s optional. For safety, we remove collars at bedtime to prevent snagging, a precaution recommended by trainers and humane societies alike[5][6]. Our boarding rooms are equipped with temperature and motion sensors, as well as cameras. Once every dog is tucked in and the space is calm, we quietly step out so they can sleep undisturbed. Our technology ensures we can check in as needed without interrupting their sleep.
Step four : Morning care and a full day of fun
In the morning, potty time comes before breakfast and it is on leash so we can see them pee or poop and let you know if anything looks out of the ordinary. Then it is right back into their regular daycare routine, playing, learning, and relaxing under the supervision of our trained team. If a dog needs an extra meal, another potty break, or a quieter rest spot, we adjust their day as needed. Our goal is always to make sure they feel at ease from morning to night [7][10]
Why familiarity matters
Every dog handles change differently. Some adapt quickly, while others take a little more time to feel at home. Studies show that dogs resting in unfamiliar places can experience higher stress levels at first, while familiar environments support calmer behavior and better recovery [3][8]. That’s why we limit Sleepovers to our existing dog daycare families. We know your Puppy Pal’s personality, preferences, and routine — and that lets us give them the right kind of care for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Booking your Puppy Pal’s Sleepover
At Airdrie Puppy Pals, every Sleepover is planned with your dog’s comfort in mind. We know how important it is to feel confident that your Puppy Pal is cared for just like they are at home. If you’re planning time away, we’d love to help make it stress free for both of you. You can learn more about our Dog Daycare program and, when you’re ready, book a meet and greet.
Sources
Here are a few of the research sources and professional references that guide how we care for Puppy Pals at Airdrie Puppy Pals.
Sleep Foundation. How Many Hours a Day Do Dogs Sleep. 2025. Sleep Foundation
Dogs Trust. Research Year in Review 2024. Noise in kennels and welfare. 2024. dogstrust.org.uk
Frontiers in Animal Science. Behavior, long term stress and relationship to owner in shelter, rehomed and control pet dogs. 2024. Frontiers
Animals journal. Behavioral, Physiological, and Pathological Approaches of Stress in Dogs. 2024. MDPI
Edmonton Humane Society. Canine Crate Training guide. Collar removal note. 2024. Edmonton Humane Society
Preventive Vet. What to put in your dog’s crate. Collar safety section. 2019. preventivevet.com
Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour. Veterinary Sciences review. 2022. PMC
Animals journal. The role of cortisol in canine stress physiology and behavior. 2024. PMC
Animals journal. Dietary Strategies for Relieving Stress in Pet Dogs and Cats. 2023. PMC
Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Stress related behaviors in companion dogs exposed to common noises. 2021. Frontiers
