Home-Based Dog Boarding in Austin
Pre-screened dogs, small pack, personalized care
Most boarding places are facilities. This one is a home.
Sonya and Bryce Garcia run Big Little Paws out of their house in East Austin. When you travel, your dog stays with real people, on real couches, with a pack of dogs they already know and love.
Your dog's days here are genuinely full. Morning walks and yard time get the energy out early, then it's playtime with their crew and one-on-one attention from Sonya and Bryce throughout the day. In the afternoons the pack settles in for a nap, then it's back outside until the evening. Everyone winds down together, your dog finds their spot for the night, whether that's the couch, a dog bed, or their crate if you want that routine kept, and someone is home with them all night long.
Throughout the entire stay, Sonya sends you photos and videos so you always know exactly how your pup is doing. You can actually enjoy your trip. Every dog here is personally reviewed and approved before their first visit, because keeping the pack safe and happy for everyone starts before day one.
Is Big Little Paws Right For Your Dog?
Do you feel guilty every time you leave your dog behind?
You're trying to enjoy yourself and in the back of your head you're wondering if they're okay, if they're scared, if whoever has them actually cares. You shouldn't have to feel that way.
You want your dog to actually have a great time while you're gone.
Not just survive the week in a crate waiting for you to come back. Real playtime, real friends, real attention from people who genuinely love dogs.
You did your research & are careful about who you trust with your dog.
You read the reviews, you asked around, you take this seriously. You're exactly the kind of dog parent Big Little Paws was built for.
What Your Dog's Boarding Stay Looks Like
Every arrival is its own little celebration!
Your dog walks in and the whole crew loses it. Tails going crazy, everyone running over to say hi to their best friend. They head straight outside and the fun begins!
We spend a big chunk of the morning outside. Walks, yard time, zoomies, you name it. When it gets too hot we bring everyone inside to cool down, and honestly they're usually ready for a break by then anyway!
By midday the pack has burned through most of their energy and everyone starts winding down naturally. Some dogs claim their favorite couch cushion. Some find a cozy spot on a dog bed. Between 2-3pm the whole house just gets so quiet and peaceful, it's the sweetest thing!
After the nap it's back to play! Outside if the weather is cooperating, inside if not.
We feed every dog separately so each one can enjoy their meal in peace, no stress, no sneaking bites from someone else's bowl!
In the evenings everyone winds down together. Dogs find their spots for the night, the couch, a dog bed, or their crate if that's their routine, and we keep that going for them. We are home with them all night long, every single night!
We send photos and videos throughout the entire stay because we know you miss them and we want you to actually be able to enjoy your trip!
Kate says it best: "They keep me so updated about who Bogey is playing with and how he is eating that I can actually enjoy my trip. That is the whole point!"
What Your Dog Gets at Big Little Paws
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Real love, cuddles, and one-on-one attention from Sonya and Bryce
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Overnight stay in a real home with couches, dog beds, and space to roam
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Sleep arrangements tailored to your dog (couch, dog bed, or crate-- your call!)
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Someone home with them every single night
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Socialization and playtime with their best friends (regulars have a crew here!)
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Exercise and play that actually gets their energy out
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Supervised group play with pre-screened, approved dogs
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Groups divided by behavior and energy so every dog is with the right crowd
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Quiet time and space to decompress when they need it
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Walks and outdoor time throughout the day
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Shaded outdoor areas and comfortable indoor space
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Separate feeding so every dog eats their own meal in peace
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Medication handling if your dog needs it
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Frequent photo and video updates throughout the entire stay
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Treats throughout the stay if it agrees with your dog's diet (owners bring their dog's own food for meals)
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Flexible drop-off and pickup windows that work with your travel schedule
What 150+ Big Little Pawrents Are Saying
Kate, Bogey's mom
Sonya and Bryce take amazing care of Bogey while we are out of town. We tried several different boarding places for him and did not feel comfortable leaving Bogey until we found Big Little Paws!
They text us photos of Bogey and keep us updated who he's playing with and how he is eating.
We are so grateful for them and how well they care for Bogey like one of their own.
We joke that Sonya and Bryce are Bogey's godparents but it really is true!
Rose, Chai's mom
We regularly board our Cavapoo, Chai, with Big Little Paws ATX and they've been absolutely fantastic!
Sonya and Bryce are true dog whisperers, kind, calm, and so attentive.
Chai always comes back happy, well-fed, and well-rested.
We love that they send regular updates through social media, texts, and even detailed report cards, which gives us so much peace of mind while we're away.
Sarah, Tucker's mom
Bryce and Sonya are the BEST at what they do!
I've never met another boarding company who cares about the dogs they look after more than they do.
They go above and beyond!
My pup Tucker loves playing with the other dogs at daycare and boarding!
Highly recommend this company!!!
Natalie, Gemma's mom
Just amazing!
I love Big Little Paws for day care and boarding services. Sonya and Bryce are the best and my pup always leaves happy and tired from so much play time!
They are great communicating on how my dog is doing and always send lots of pics which I appreciate.
Highly recommend!
Cameron, Cooper & Kylie's dad
Sonya and Bryce are the BEST!
They treat your dogs like family and let your dogs be dogs!
They truly emphasize letting your dogs be who they are, and I love that.
They provide such timely updates and the most adorable pictures and videos.
I wouldn't trust anyone else to watch Kylie and Cooper!
Mallory, Oscar's mom
My mini doxie, Oscar and I have had bad experiences and have heard horror stories of boarders all around Austin.
The amount of relief I feel each and every time Oscar stays with Big Little Paws is truly unmatched.
Sonya and Bryce are extremely communicative and I love the pictures and silly stories of how much fun Oscar is having. Oscar now gets excited for car rides because he thinks he is heading to Big Little Paws!!
How To Get Started With Boarding At Big Little Paws
Step 1: Fill Out the New Dog Inquiry Form
This is where it all starts!
Fill out the New Dog Inquiry Form and tell us everything about your pup. Their personality, their energy level, how they do with other dogs, and what you're looking for. We read every single submission personally and we love learning about your dog before we even meet them!
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If it looks like a great match, you'll hear from us to set up your free meet and greet. We don't accept last-minute requests for new dogs. The safety of every dog in our pack is our top priority, and we protect that by making sure every new pup goes through the full process before joining the group!
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Step 2: Free Meet and Greet
This is honestly one of our favorite parts!
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You bring your dog to the house and we get to see them in action. We watch how they do with the other dogs, including Magnus, our resident King German Shepherd who sets the tone for the whole pack. We pay attention to how they handle a brand new space, how they approach the group, and what their body language is telling us. Every little detail matters to us!
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The meet and greet is completely free. We have sat for 150+ dogs and have had very few incidents, and that is because of how seriously we take this process. Not every dog is going to be the right fit, and that is completely okay!
Step 3: Free First Daycare Day
Dogs who pass the meet and greet come back for a full free first daycare day!
This is where we really get to know your pup, because dogs often show a completely different side of themselves once their owner leaves.
Some dogs settle right in from the start. Others need a little time to warm up and find their groove. Both are totally normal and we will work with your dog every step of the way to help them feel safe and happy here!
If it's a great fit, you are officially approved to book boarding! Most families feel so much better about that first overnight stay after going through this process, and that is exactly why we do it this way!