You've packed the bag, dropped off your dog, and now you're on your way to the airport. Somewhere between the security line and your gate, the thought creeps in: "I wonder what they're doing right now."
We hear this from boarding parents all the time. So here's an honest, detailed look at what a typical evening and night looks like for dogs staying at Metro Mutts.
5:00 PM — Wind-Down Time
The afternoon play session wraps up and the energy starts to shift. Dogs who've been running, wrestling, and chasing all day are starting to feel it. Our staff begins transitioning the boarding dogs from the play areas back to their private suites. This is intentional — the gradual shift from high energy to calm helps dogs settle in for the evening without feeling abruptly cut off from the fun.
5:30 PM — Dinner Service
Every boarding dog gets fed according to their owner's instructions. Some dogs are on kibble, some on raw diets, some need medications mixed in. Our staff tracks every detail on individual care cards posted on each suite. If your dog is a slow eater, they get extra time. If they're a gulper, we monitor to make sure they don't eat too fast.
For dogs on special diets or medications, we follow your instructions to the letter. We've handled everything from insulin injections to anxiety medications to dogs who will only eat if you warm their food up first. Whatever your dog needs, we've got it covered.
6:30 PM — Evening Potty Break
Every dog gets a supervised trip to our outdoor relief area. This is also a chance for our evening staff to do a quick health check — making sure every dog is moving well, eating normally, and showing no signs of stress or illness.
7:00 PM — Quiet Time Begins
The lights dim, the music shifts to something calmer, and the facility settles into evening mode. Dogs in their suites have plush beds, fresh water, and a chew toy or Kong to work on. Some dogs curl up immediately. Others take a few minutes to circle, rearrange their bedding, and find the perfect spot.
This is when you'd notice something interesting if you were watching our cameras: the dogs are genuinely relaxed. Tails are low and loose, breathing is slow, and most are asleep within 30 minutes. That's not an accident — it's the result of a full day of physical and mental exercise. A tired dog is a happy, calm dog.
9:00 PM — Final Check
Our overnight staff does a final round of every suite. Fresh water bowls, a quick visual check on each dog, and any last potty breaks for dogs who need them. The facility is quiet now. The only sounds are the hum of the HVAC system and the occasional contented sigh from a sleeping dog.
Overnight — Staff On-Site
This is where Metro Mutts is different from many boarding facilities. Our staff doesn't go home at night and come back in the morning. Someone is here, in the building, all night long. If a dog gets restless, has a stomach issue, or just needs some reassurance, there's a real person there to help.
We've had dogs who needed a 2 AM potty break because of an upset stomach. Dogs who got spooked by a thunderstorm at 3 AM and needed someone to sit with them. Dogs who just needed a gentle voice and a scratch behind the ears to settle back down. Our overnight team handles all of it.
6:00 AM — Good Morning
The lights come up gradually, and the morning routine begins. Potty breaks first, then breakfast, then the play areas open up for another full day of fun. By the time you're landing at the airport and checking your phone, your dog has already had breakfast, made their morning rounds, and is back to playing with their friends.
Why This Matters
Boarding isn't just about having a place to put your dog while you're gone. It's about knowing — really knowing — that your dog is safe, comfortable, and cared for around the clock. That's what we built Metro Mutts to be.
Starting at $50/night. Every stay includes daily play sessions, private suites, and 24/7 staff. Call or text us at 539-867-3841 to book your pup's next stay.
