The Best Home Dog Boarding & Daycare In Austin, TX - Everything You Need To Know
- biglittlepaws2
- Feb 14
- 19 min read
Quick Answer:
Big Little Paws is Austin's premier home-based dog boarding and daycare. We serve dog families across the city from our home in NE Austin (78723). Our group stays small on purpose, so every dog gets real attention in a real home, not a kennel. Every new dog starts with a free meet and greet and a free first daycare day before any boarding stay. We never accept dogs with a history of aggression, so your pup is always surrounded by safe, compatible friends. Dogs here don't just get watched. They make best friends, improve their socialization, and come home happy in a way that says it all. You'll get daily photos, videos, and report cards so you never have to wonder how they're doing. Boarding starts at $65/night and daycare ranges from $30-45/day, depending on the daycare package. Ready to get started? Fill out our New Dog Inquiry Form at biglittlepawsatx.com.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE
How Big Little Paws started: Bear's story
What makes us different from Austin kennels
Our services: daycare, boarding and more
Transparent pricing and packages
Everything included with every stay
Meet Sonya, Bryce and the team
How to get started, step by step
Our holiday policy
What Austin dog parents say about us
Frequently asked questions
Bear: The Dog Who Started Everything
In 2019, a German Shepherd named Bear ran away from an abusive home, was hit by a car, and was left on the side of the road with a broken hip and leg. That's when Sonya found him. She got him the surgery he needed, including a full hip and leg amputation, and brought him home.
Bear had no pet insurance. His medical bills were enormous. And because of everything he had been through, the health problems kept coming.
Sonya struggled to find quality care for Bear. She didn't trust just anyone with him. Bear had special needs and it was hard to find someone who would care for him like she would.
As she was struggling to find care for Bear, neighbors noticed how much she cared for him and started asking her to watch their dogs too. Sonya needed help paying for his care and loves dogs, so she said yes.
Once she started taking on boarding clients officially, word spread fast. So many families trusted her with their dogs that she had to move to an apartment with a yard just to keep up. Then we bought our house so the pups would have even more space.
Big Little Paws wasn't planned. It grew because people kept seeing how much Sonya cared, and they didn't want anyone else watching their dogs.
Bear lives on in our logo. Those paws and ears? They're his. Every dog we care for carries on his legacy. Resilience, love, and the belief that every pup deserves to feel completely safe.
What Makes Big Little Paws Different from Austin Kennels
There are a lot of dog boarding options in Austin. Here is why Big Little Paws is different, and why it matters for your dog.
We're Not a Kennel. We're a Home
When your dog comes to Big Little Paws, they come into our actual home. The same home Sonya and Bryce live in every day. There are couches to claim, a backyard to run around in, quiet spots to nap, and two people who are genuinely excited to see them. No fluorescent lights. No concrete runs. No rows of crates echoing with stressed out dogs. Your dog's day looks a lot like it does at home, and that is exactly the point.
Small Groups. Real Attention.
We keep our group small on purpose. Every dog gets genuine one on one attention throughout the day. We know each dog's name, their energy level, their quirks, and their favorite spot on the couch. That kind of individual care is simply not possible at a large facility, and we are not willing to compromise on it.
The Same Faces, Every Single Day
At a large boarding facility, your dog might be cared for by a different staff member every shift. At Big Little Paws, it is always Sonya and Bryce. Dogs are creatures of habit and comfort. Consistency matters deeply to them. Your pup will know our voices, our energy, and our routines. That familiarity builds trust, reduces anxiety, and means your dog genuinely looks forward to coming here.
Pre-Screened Dogs Only.
Every dog in our care has been vetted before joining our pack. All new dogs go through a free meet and greet and a free first day of daycare before any boarding stay. We never accept dogs with a history of aggression toward people or other dogs. This keeps our environment safe, calm, and enjoyable for every single pup in our home. When you drop your dog off here, you know exactly who they are spending the day with.
Your Dog Will Thrive Here.
Dogs at Big Little Paws do not just get watched. They make real friends with other pups. They improve their socialization. They burn their energy in the best possible way. And they come home happy in a way that tells you everything you need to know. We have seen shy dogs come out of their shell. We have seen anxious dogs learn to relax. We have seen dogs who used to hate car rides start sprinting to the door when they realize where they are going.
Complete Peace of Mind for You.
We know how hard it is to leave your dog. So we make sure you never have to wonder. You will get daily photos, videos, and detailed report cards throughout every stay. We treat you exactly the way we want to be treated when we have to leave our own dog with someone. You will always know your pup is safe, happy, and loved.
Big Little Paws Services - Boarding, Daycare, and more
We offer two core services, both in the same warm home environment. Here is everything you need to know.
Overnight Dog Boarding
Overnight boarding is for when you travel, have a long work trip, or just need someone truly wonderful caring for your dog while you are away. This is not crate and rotate care. Boarding dogs sleep in our home, have full access to the living areas and backyard, and get every bit of the love and attention they would get during a regular daycare day.
Every overnight stay includes daily walks, breakfast and dinner on your dog's normal schedule, bedtime snuggles, and daily photo and video updates. We do not charge extra for walks, one on one time, or love. That is just how we do things here.
Boarding is available seven days a week. Drop offs and pickups must be scheduled in advance.
Dog Daycare
Our daycare is perfect for busy work days, long meetings, travel days, or any day your dog deserves more than an empty house. Dogs enjoy supervised play, backyard time, walks, enrichment toys, rest breaks, and real human company all day long.
Every dog's day is tailored to their energy and temperament. Some dogs want to run and play all day. Others prefer a quieter pace with more rest time. We pay attention to what each dog needs and adjust accordingly.
Daycare is available Monday through Friday. No weekend daycare, as weekends are reserved for our boarding guests.
Pickup and Drop Off
We offer flexible drop off and pickup windows that work around your schedule. All drop offs and pickups must be confirmed in advance. We are available Monday through Saturday for scheduling.
Add Ons
Want a little something extra for your pup? We offer optional add ons including a third daily walk and a peanut butter Kong. Just let us know when you book and we will take care of the rest.
A Note on New Dogs
We do not accept last minute requests for new dogs. Ever. This protects your dog and every dog already in our home. Our process takes a little time upfront, but it is exactly what makes your dog's experience so exceptional once they are with us. Head to the How to Get Started section below to learn more.
Transparent Pricing & Packages
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. No paying extra for the things that should just be included. Here is exactly what you can expect.
Overnight Boarding Rates
Boarding is priced per night and includes everything. Two daily walks, all meals, bedtime snuggles, and daily photo and video updates are all part of the deal.
1 Dog: $65 per night
2 Dogs: $90 per night (save $35)
3 Dogs: $145 per night (save $40)
Daycare Rates
Single daycare days are available, but our packages are by far the most popular option for regular clients. The more you commit, the more you save.
Single Day Rates:
1 Dog: $45 per day
2 Dogs: $75 per day (save $15)
Daycare Packages:
10 Day Pack: $350 (save $100)
20 Day Pack: $650 (save $250)
50 Day Pack: $1,500 (save $750)
The 50 day pack works out to just $30 per day. If your dog comes to us two or three times a week, this is by far the smartest way to do it. Our most dedicated dog parents use this one exclusively.
Multi-Dog Packages
Have more than one dog? Packages are available for multiple dogs too. Just reach out and we will put something together that works for your family.
Cancellation Policy
We ask for at least 24 hours notice for daycare cancellations and 72 hours notice for overnight stays. Holiday bookings require 7 days notice. We appreciate you respecting our time the same way we respect yours.
Everything Included With Every Stay
We believe the best things should just be included. No add on fees for attention. No extra charge for a walk. No paying more just because you want your dog to actually be loved while you are away. Here is everything that comes with every boarding and daycare visit at no extra c
harge.
A Real Home Environment
Your dog has full access to our home. That means real furniture, real living spaces, and a real backyard. No crates unless your dog personally loves them or needs a quiet moment to decompress. No concrete floors. No kennel runs. Just a warm, comfortable home that feels familiar from the very first visit.
Small Group Play With Compatible Dogs
Every dog in our home has been pre-screened and vetted before joining our pack. Your dog will spend their day with a carefully chosen group of compatible, social, vaccinated pups. They will make real friends here. We see it happen every single day.
Daily Walks
Every overnight boarding stay includes two daily walks, weather permitting. Want an extra walk? Just add it on when you book. We love getting out with the pups and they absolutely love it too.
Meals
We feed every dog as close as possible to their normal routine at home. Just bring their usual food and let us know their schedule. Keeping things consistent helps with tummy comfort and keeps their routine as close to home as possible.
We typically feed all the dogs around the same time in the morning and evening, but if your dog needs something different, just let us know!
Daily Photos, Videos and Report Cards
This is one of our favorite parts. Throughout every stay you will get real time photo and video updates sent directly to your phone. For longer stays you will also receive detailed report cards so you always know exactly how your pup's day went. We treat you exactly the way we want to be treated when we have to leave our own dog with someone.
One on One Attention
We are with the dogs all day. Not rotating staff. Not a team member you have never met. The same two people your dog already knows and loves, giving them real attention throughout the entire day.
Enrichment and Rest Time
We balance play and downtime based on each dog's energy and temperament. Some dogs want to go all day. Others need more quiet time. We pay attention and adjust accordingly so every dog ends the day feeling good, not exhausted or overwhelmed.
Flexible Drop Off and Pickup
We work around your schedule as much as possible. Drop off and pickup windows are flexible and confirmed in advance so everything runs smoothly for you and your pup.
We plan our day around these schedules so we ask that you stick to your time slot. Always keep us updated if you expect delays.
Emergency Preparedness
Your vet information, emergency contacts, and personal preferences are all on file before your dog's first stay. In the rare event of an emergency, we contact you immediately and get your dog the care they need right away. You will never be left in the dark.
Meet the Team
When you leave your dog with us, you deserve to know exactly who they are spending their time with. Here is our whole crew.
Sonya Garcia, Co-Founder
Sonya grew up with dogs her whole life. Caring for them has never been a job for her, it has always just been who she is. She is the one who found Bear, the one who had the vision for Big Little Paws, and the one who sets the tone for everything we do here. On any given day you will find her taking the pups on field trips, going on long walks, or playing outside with the whole crew. She notices everything. If a dog is having an off day, she is the first to know.
Bryce Garcia, Co-Founder
Bryce has been obsessed with dogs since he was a kid. He used to play with all of his friends' dogs and always dreamed of having one of his own. That dream came true when he met Sonya, and he has never looked back. Dogs take to Bryce immediately. There is something about his calm, steady energy that puts every pup at ease. He is the backbone of our daily routine and the reason our pack stays so grounded and happy.
Reann Medel, Team Member
Reann is Sonya's sister and lives with us full time, which means she is here every single day. She has three dogs of her own who love playing with our boarding and daycare guests, so the energy in our home is always warm, familiar, and full of wagging tails. Reann has been part of Big Little Paws for almost two years and our regulars absolutely adore her.
Magnus, The Gentle Giant
Magnus is a King German Shepherd and honestly? He runs the show. He is the alpha of our pack but do not let that intimidate you. He is one of the calmest, most patient dogs you will ever meet. His 3 main interests in life are fetch, squirrels, and food, and he pursues all 3 with incredible dedication. If the younger pups start getting a little too wild, Magnus has a way of herding them back into line without breaking a sweat. Every pack needs a Magnus.
In Loving Memory of Bear
Big Little Paws would not exist without Bear. He was a happy, loving soul who spent his days playing with his best friends here and bringing joy to everyone around him. We miss him every single day. His paws and ears live on in our logo, and his spirit lives on in every dog we welcome through our door. This one is always for him.
How to Join the Big Little Paws Family
We are so excited you are here. Finding the right place for your dog is one of the most important decisions you will make as a pet parent, and we do not take that lightly. Our process is thoughtful and intentional because we want every dog who comes through our door to have the absolute best experience possible. Here is exactly what to expect.
Step 1 — Fill Out the New Dog Inquiry Form
Submit the new dog inquiry form by pressing the button below!
Tell us about your pup. Their personality, their routine, what they love, what they are not so sure about. We read every single one and we genuinely look forward to learning about your dog. Please let us know about everything you can think of!
Step 2 — We Will Reach Out
If your dog sounds like a great fit for our pack, we will text you to connect. We will have a quick conversation about your dog's needs, vaccination status, and any questions you have for us. We want you to feel completely comfortable before we ever meet in person.
Step 3 — Free Meet and Greet at Our Home
This is our favorite part. You and your pup come to our home. Your dog gets to explore the space, sniff around, meet a few of our regulars, and get to know Sonya and Bryce in a calm and low pressure way. We will introduce everyone one by one so nobody gets overwhelmed. We will also chat with you about your dog's routine, preferences, quirks, and anything else that helps us care for them the way you would. This is completely free and there is no commitment required.
Step 4 — Free First Day of Daycare
Before any overnight boarding stay, your dog comes for a full free trial daycare day. This gives your dog time to get comfortable with our home, our group, and our routine. It gives us time to observe how they do in our environment. It is all about making sure everyone feels safe, happy, and confident before we take the next step. This is also completely free.
Step 5 — Welcome to the Family!
Once your dog completes their trial day, you are officially part of the Big Little Paws family. You can book daycare or boarding anytime through our booking system at biglittlepawsatx.com. Your dog now has a second home and a whole new group of best friends waiting for them every time they come back.
A Quick Note
We do not accommodate last minute requests for new dogs. This is not something we ever make exceptions on. Our process exists to protect your dog and every dog already in our care. We know it takes a little planning upfront, but every single one of our regulars will tell you it was completely worth it.
Ready to get started? Fill out our New Dog Inquiry Form at biglittlepawsatx.com. We cannot wait to meet your pup.
Our Holiday Policy
This is one of the things that makes Big Little Paws truly unique, and once you understand it, we think you will love it just as much as our regulars do.
Holidays Are for Our Family
During peak holiday periods, our home can have up to 20 dogs overnight. Every single one of them is a dog who knows us, knows each other, and knows the routine. The environment stays calm and familiar because everyone in it is a trusted regular. That is not an accident. That is a decision we make deliberately every single holiday season.
We do not accept new dogs during holidays. Ever. Introducing a new dog into a full, high energy holiday house is not fair to that dog or to our existing pack. A new environment, new dogs, new routines, and a house at full capacity is a lot for any dog to navigate. We would never put a dog in that position.
Why This Is Actually Great News for You
Here is the thing. Once your dog is an established Big Little Paws regular, you never have to stress about holiday boarding again. No scrambling for last minute care. No settling for somewhere unfamiliar just because everywhere else is full. No dropping your dog off somewhere new right before you leave for the airport.
Your dog has a confirmed spot in a calm, familiar home with people and dogs they already love. That peace of mind during the holidays is something our regulars tell us they are incredibly grateful for.
Plan Ahead and Get Established Early
The best time to get your dog established with us is before you need holiday boarding. Get the meet and greet done. Complete the free trial daycare day. Become a regular. Then when the holidays roll around, you are already in.
We book up fast for holidays and we reserve those spots exclusively for our pack. If you are reading this and thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any upcoming holiday, now is the time to reach out.
What Austin Dog Parents Say About Us
We could talk all day about what makes Big Little Paws special. But honestly, our dog parents say it better than we ever could. Here is what real Austin families have shared about their experience with us.
"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!" — Sarah C., Austin TX
"Big Little Paws is hands down the best dog care agency in the city! They welcomed our rescue pup Bella, who was nervous at the beginning, and have helped her feel so welcome. We always joke that BLP is her version of Disneyland! We also love their level of communication about how she is doing during her stay. It always puts our mind at ease. Cannot recommend Sonya and Bryce enough!" — Kaila C., Austin TX
"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!" — Kate D., Austin TX
"Hands down the best doggy daycare ever. My dog walks in with a smile and is never ready to leave. Sonya and Bryce are incredibly caring and communicative, which gives me total peace of mind when I travel. They truly treat every dog like their own, with so much love and personalized walks. Big Little Paws is run beautifully, and I couldn't recommend them enough." — Claire T., Austin TX
"We've boarded our Cavapoo, Chai, with Big Little Paws ATX a couple of times now 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. It's clear they treat every dog like their own in a cozy, home-based environment. Highly recommend!" — Rose I., Austin TX
"Best decision to take Harry to Big Little Paws! Sonya and Bryce care for him like he's their own. We've been going to them since November, and it has quickly become Harry's favorite place! If you're deciding on a daycare or boarding in Austin, they are by far the best choice!" — Mary Grace N., Austin TX
"Where do I start? Sonya and Bryce are the absolute best. I don't trust many people with my baby but they are exactly the type of people you would want to watch your dogs. My pup Slinky has been going to them since she was 3 months old. I owe a lot of her good behavior and social skills to Big Little Paws. She has so much fun at daycare and does not want to leave. She would stay forever if she could! They are so great at special requests too. Slinky has had bad allergies and health issues before and they are so great at making sure she gets her medication. I never have to worry about her when she's there. They truly love Slinky like she's their own and I'm so grateful that Slinky has this place to call her second home!" — Hana, Austin TX
"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!" — Cameron B., Austin TX
"We can't say enough wonderful things about Big Little Paws! From the moment we walked in, we knew Poppy and Lily were in the best hands. Sonya, Bryce and Reann are incredibly friendly, professional, and clearly passionate about caring for dogs. Every time we drop them off, their tails start wagging like crazy and they can't wait to run inside. Poppy and Lily come home happy and tired every time. Big Little Paws has truly been a lifesaver for us. Thank you for taking such great care of our girls!" — Luana B., Austin TX
We have a lot more 5-star reviews on Google too!
What We Hear All the Time
Beyond the full reviews, here are the things our dog parents text us most often after pickup. These never get old.
"I think he loves you guys more than me."
"They sleep like babies after your house."
"She never wants to leave when we pick her up."
"She knows when I say "daycare" and gets so excited!"
"He gets so excited the second we turn onto your street"
"She's gotten so much better at socializing with other pups since coming to BLP!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Little Paws?
Big Little Paws is a home-based dog boarding and daycare in Austin, TX (78723). We are run personally by Sonya and Bryce Garcia. Dogs stay in our actual home, not a kennel or facility, with small group sizes and genuine one on one care every single day.
What areas of Austin do you serve?
We serve dog families all across Austin. We are based in NE Austin (78723) and have clients coming to us from all over the city including South Austin, North Austin, East Austin, West Austin, and everywhere in between. Many of our clients tell us the drive is absolutely worth it.
How much does boarding cost?
Overnight boarding starts at $65 per night for one dog, $90 per night for two dogs, and $145 per night for three dogs.
Our holiday rate is $75/night.
Every stay includes daily walks, all meals, bedtime snuggles, and daily photo and video updates. No hidden fees and no extra charges for love and attention.
How much does daycare cost?
A single daycare day is $45 for one dog and $75 for two dogs. But we highly encourage you to use our packages:
Our 10-day pack is $350
Our 20-day pack is $650
Our 50-day pack is $1,500
Packages work out to as low as $30 per day.
How do I get started?
All new dogs start with a free meet and greet at our home followed by a free first day of daycare. To get the process started, fill out our New Dog Inquiry Form at biglittlepawsatx.com. We will reach out and take it from there.
Do you accept all dogs?
We welcome all breeds and sizes as long as they are social, vaccinated, and pass our meet and greet and trial daycare process. We do not accept dogs with a history of aggression toward people or other dogs. This keeps our environment safe and enjoyable for every single pup in our home.
What vaccinations are required?
All dogs must be current on Rabies, Bordetella (kennel cough), and DHPP. We also require flea and tick prevention and recommend the Canine Influenza vaccine for boarding stays.
Are dogs ever crated?
Only if an owner requests it or if a dog needs a quiet moment to decompress. Otherwise dogs have free roam of our home all day. We do use crates during feeding time to keep mealtimes calm and prevent any food guarding between dogs.
What does a typical day look like?
Every day includes backyard playtime, walks, indoor rest and cuddle time, meals on your dog's normal schedule, enrichment toys, and plenty of one on one attention from Sonya and Bryce. We balance play and rest based on each dog's energy and temperament so every pup ends the day feeling happy and satisfied.
Will I get updates while my dog is here?
Always. We send daily photos, videos, and detailed report cards throughout every stay. You will never have to wonder how your dog is doing. That is a promise we take seriously.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours notice for daycare cancellations and 72 hours notice for overnight boarding. Holiday bookings require 7 days notice. We appreciate you respecting our time the same way we respect yours.
Do you board dogs during the holidays?
Yes, but only our established regulars. We do not accept new dogs during peak holiday periods. This keeps our environment calm, safe, and familiar for every dog in our home during the busiest times of year. This is one of the biggest reasons dog parents get established with us early.
How do I book once I am an established client?
Once your dog has completed the meet and greet and trial daycare day, you can book daycare or boarding anytime through our booking system at biglittlepawsatx.com. Easy and straightforward from that point on.
Is someone always with the dogs?
Yes. Sonya and Bryce are with the dogs all day. If we ever need to step out briefly, we separate the dogs, use crates if necessary, and have cameras monitoring the dog areas at all times. Your dog is never truly alone.
Comments