Boarding

Loving Overnight Care in a Safe, Enriching Environment

The Woof Den Difference

Unlike other dog boarding and daycare in the area, we include daily report cards with photos for all our guests at no charge! Many other places charge extra or limit this service to premium packages. We think it is important to connect and share how your pups day is going!

View Our Behavioral Fit Check List

Essential Woof

$75 per night

The Amenities: Provides the Essentials; a secure private space, bedding, water/food bowls, daily report cards with picture updates, outdoor relief leashed walks. All package amenities are provided daily.

Deluxe Den

$95 per night

The Amenities: Includes the Essentials, PLUS: Larger suite with upgraded cozy bedding, special treat and enrichment activity. All package amenities are provided daily.

Woof Den Elite

$115 per night

The Amenities: Includes Deluxe & Essentials, PLUS: A beautifully decorated suite, an included 15-minute Neighborhood Walk, and a live camera-on private suite. The in-suite camera is only available overnight during off-hours. Daycare activities are included, with camera access available for 2 hours during morning play and 2 hours during afternoon play. All package amenities are provided daily.

ThE Extras

Premium Service Add-Ons

Neighborhood Walks

All standard walks are 15-minute, structured, small on-leash pack walks. Destinations are selected by our staff to provide the best sensory experience, with possibilities including a stroll through the local Marina District neighborhood, a trip to South Marina Park, or an adventure down to the Des Moines Marina or beach if time allows.

Mind & Body Enrichment Using High Value Treats

Enrichment Activity:

Brain games designed to mentally tire out your pup! A staff member chooses and introduces a high-quality puzzle or focus activity, then steps back. Your dog will use their natural instincts to figure out how to complete the activity with minimal assistance—getting tired out by truly using their brain.

Daily Specialty Treat:

A tasty midday treat selected by our team to fit the day’s vibe, provided during quiet hours to help dogs peacefully decompress. Because these treats vary daily, please let us know if your pup has any dietary restrictions or allergies so we can accommodate them!

Fresh Exit Baths

The Exit Bath:

Go home smelling perfectly clean! Every bath is performed within 24 hours of your dog’s scheduled departure. We use a professional doggy dryer to ensure your pup is fully dry and fluffy right at pickup, and we finish with a spray of fur freshener and protective paw balm on their feet.

One-on-One Time (15-Minute Sessions)

Exclusive Socialization:

A 15-minute block of focused companionship designed to reduce boarding stress and provide essential emotional support through direct human interaction. Customizable Play or comfort, adaptable to your dog’s mood and personality. Activities range from active, stimulating play—such as fetch and tug-o-war—to calming comfort sessions featuring couch cuddles and extra belly rubs.

Good to know

Useful Information

Pro-Tip for Arrival: Help Us Seamlessly Integrate Your Pet

We highly encourage all owners and pets to visit the grassy potty spot located right across from our front entry before entering the building. Because our outdoor relief breaks are highly scheduled and structured, we cannot guarantee your dog will go on a relief walk immediately upon arrival. A quick pause at the grassy spot helps ensure they are comfortable and ready to seamlessly integrate into the Den’s daily routine!

Boarding Arrivals/Departures Policy

Our boarding follows traditional Inn-style hours. Pre-arranged early check-ins or late check-outs are available for an additional fee. Unscheduled early check-ins or late check-outs will result in a higher fee, or you may be asked to reschedule.

Daily Relief & Rest Structure

Frequent Outdoor Relief Breaks:
Daycare and Inn guests transition outside multiple times daily. All breaks are conducted in small packs and kept safely on-leash. Dogs enjoy time in our pristine on-site relief station, which beautifully compliments the natural outdoor setting, or along our scenic perimeter featuring mature trees and small grassy areas perfect for sniffing.

The Daily Stretch Break (Included for Boarded Guests):
Once a day, all overnight Inn guests enjoy an active, dedicated stretch break in our large indoor play area.

Meals

Meals are not provided, owner must provide. House stock meals can be provided for extra charge.

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Business Hours:

Monday through Friday

Business Hours:
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Boarding Inn Hours:
Check-out 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM & Check-in 2:00 PM – 5:45 PM

Saturdays

Business Hours:
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Boarding Inn Hours:
10 AM – 1:45 PM

Sundays

By Appointment Only:
Hours are available in the morning and mid-afternoon.

Holidays

Closed for drop off and pick up on Holidays.
Rates for boarding may increase on holidays or peak days throughout the year

Behavioral Fit

Happy Pack, Happy Stay

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Social and Tolerant:

Dogs must be non-aggressive toward humans and other dogs, showing a social or tolerant nature

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Crate Comfort:

Guests being crate-trained or crate-tolerant preferred, without suffering from extreme separation anxiety.

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The Sniff Test Assessment:

An initial evaluation to observe your dog’s behavior, socialization, and comfort level in the Woof Den. This helps us ensure a great fit and leaves your pup eager for their next visit!

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Support for Success:

If a dog struggles to relax or becomes a disturbance, we may suggest targeted training before their next stay to help build the confidence they need to rest easy.

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Training Partnerships:

If your dog isn’t a perfect fit for the Den right now, don’t worry—we can work with you to help train your dog and prepare them for future stays.

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Leash Skills:

Because we utilize leashed relief walks, calm leash manners are incredibly important to keep everyone safe. If your dog struggles with pulling or leash reactivity, we will work with you and them to develop these

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Pack Dynamics:

To ensure a calm, safe, and harmonious play environment, all dogs must be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age to participate in our social programs.

What to Expect

The Boarding Environment

At Woof Den Inn, we blend structured routine with plenty of fun so your dog feels safe, loved, and engaged throughout their stay.

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A Cozy Suite:

Comfortable, private and safe sleeping accommodations designed to feel like a home away from home.

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Seamless Continuity:

Consistent feeding schedules and medication administration managed with strict adherence to safety protocols.

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Relief Breaks:

Frequent, routine outdoor bathroom trips to ensure comfort throughout the night and day.

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Stretch Break:

An extra opportunity during the day for dogs to get out, stretch their legs, and enjoy gentle movement in our indoor area.

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Calming Ambient Noise:

Our boarding den features a 24/7 sound machine that provides a soothing hush instead of a cold, stark quiet.

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DogTV Enrichment:

We play DogTV during the day, filling the Den with dog-approved sounds and relaxing dialogue over the speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions Answered

What makes Woof Den Inn & Daycare different from other facilities?

We are proudly locally owned and operated—not a massive corporation or franchise—and we are deeply committed to the Des Moines community. Unlike traditional facilities that focus on passive, high-volume play, we use a “manners-first” philosophy. We focus heavily on structured routines, patience, and positive behavioral management so your dog goes home happy and balanced, never overstimulated.

Attention to Individual Needs:
We understand that every dog is different. We pay close attention to your pet’s unique needs and preferences, working them naturally into our daily pack routine. As a true part of the pack, they will feel completely safe and loved while you are away.
Commited to Safety:
Fully supervised play areas and a well-trained, behavioral-focused staff watch over your pups during play and downtime.
Upscale Lodge Comforts:
A clean, inviting, and beautifully designed facility.

Will my dog spend the entire day in a small crate?

Absolutely not. Our boarding suites are spacious, providing your dog with plenty of room to move around comfortably and stretch out. In addition to their roomy accommodations, every guest receives multiple outdoor relief walks and a dedicated daily stretch break in our indoor play area. If you’d like your pup to have even more activity, you can also select from our available upgrades and add-on services for extra enrichment, social time and outdoor breaks.

What do I need to bring for my dog's boarding stay?

To help keep our space organized, please pack your dog’s belongings in a compact bag. The ideal bag should be just large enough to comfortably hold their essential items and food baggies, ensuring everything fits perfectly for their stay.
Well fit quick release collar (side-squeeze buckle) and leash. Harnesses are not preferred, as they will not be removed during their stay.

How should I pack my dog's fresh or wet food?

Wet & Fresh Food: Canned food does not need to be divided per meal. Wet refrigerated food should be pre-portioned into individual baggies, if appropriate.
Freezer Storage: Don’t worry about longer stays—we have a freezer on-site to keep fresh meals frozen and ready.

Am I allowed to bring my dog's personal bed?

We prefer that you leave personal bedding at home. Clean, comfortable bedding is already fully included with every stay, and we even offer premium add-ons if you would like to upgrade your pup to extra-cozy bedding. Rest assured, we have everything handled to ensure your dog stays completely comfortable and relaxed.

What if my dog is on medication?

Prep and Packaging: Please place all daily medications and supplements inside individual baggies with meals. Pill pockets work nicely for this, or we can provide them for an additional charge.
Specialized Administration: If your dog requires medications that cannot be mixed into their food, additional charges may apply. Please inform us of these special medications in advance if possible.

Can you accommodate senior dogs?

Specialized Care: Please let us know if your dog has any special considerations. Some may include senior mobility issues, hearing or vision loss, or incontinence.
Tailored Comfort: Sharing these details ahead of time allows our team to fully prepare and accommodate as best as we possibly can.

What should I do if I am running late for a drop-off or pickup?

If you realize you are running behind and your arrival will be close to closing time, please call us immediately. We close promptly at 6:00 PM M-F and 2 PM on Saturdays; if you arrive after hours, we cannot guarantee staff will be on-site to assist you, and you may need to wait until the following morning to check your dog in or out. If you know you need extra time in advance, we offer a scheduled Early/Late adjustment charge to accommodate your schedule. Please note that additional fees may apply for late arrivals with or without advance notice. *Daycare latest pickup is 6pm. Unscheduled late check-outs will result in a higher fee and may be charged per each 5 minutes late beyond our closing time.

Ready to Experience a Better Kind of Dog Care?

We understand that every dog is different. We pay close attention to your pet’s unique needs and preferences, working them naturally into our daily pack routine. As a true part of the pack, they will feel completely safe and loved while you are away.