The Uptown Paw Journal

Your dog’s first boarding stay in Huntington Beach: what to expect

Leaving your dog overnight for the first time is a big moment. Maybe you have a trip coming up, a family event, or a work commitment you can’t move, and you want to know exactly where your dog will sleep, who will be looking after them, and how you’ll hear how they’re doing. If you’re planning your dog’s first boarding stay in Huntington Beach, this guide walks you through how it works at Uptown Paw Resort & Spa, from the first phone call to the moment you pick them up.

We’re a family-owned, boutique, cage-free boarding, daycare and grooming facility on Warner Avenue, run by Parisa and her mother, Roya. We care for dogs only, and we keep things small on purpose. That shapes everything below.

Step one: the temperament evaluation

Every dog who stays with us goes through a temperament evaluation first, whether they’re coming for boarding, daycare or the Spa. It gives us a chance to meet your dog, see how they handle a new place and new people, and make sure our environment is a good fit for them. It’s also the point where we confirm that your dog meets our health requirements.

Once your dog has completed the evaluation, you’ll be able to book stays through our client portal. New clients start by calling us at (714) 596-5312 or reaching out through our website.

Health requirements to plan for

Because many dogs share our space, we’re careful about health. Before your dog’s first boarding stay in Huntington Beach, please plan for the following:

• A negative Giardia fecal test, renewed every 6 months.
• Your dog must be free of any symptoms when they arrive. That includes things that look like allergies, such as sneezing or a runny nose, because those can sometimes be an undiagnosed upper respiratory infection.
• The leptospirosis vaccine is highly recommended, though not required.
• Senior dogs in good health are welcome with pre-approval and clearance from their veterinarian.

We don’t accept dogs with severe health issues, and we can’t accept any dog whose needs go beyond what our team can safely handle. We’d always rather have an honest conversation up front than put a dog in a situation that isn’t right for them. If you have questions about your dog’s health or vaccines, your veterinarian is the best person to ask, and we’re happy to talk through our requirements with you.

Where your dog will stay

We’re cage-free. Instead of kennels or wire crates, each dog has a private suite. Our suites have double tempered-glass doors with metal framing, walls covered with plexiglass, and porcelain tile floors, which keeps them bright, easy to clean and secure. We run heating and air conditioning all year, so suites stay comfortable whether it’s a warm summer week in Huntington Beach or a cool winter night.

Each suite has its own personality. You might hear us mention the Van Gogh Room, the Flamingo Cabana or the Pomegranate Chinoiserie. For families with more than one dog, our larger family suite is called the villa, so siblings can stay together.

Boarding rates

A private suite is $80 per night. The villa is $152 per night for two dogs, plus $72 for each additional dog. Holiday nights (November 23–28 and December 22–January 3) are an additional $5 per dog, per night, and package perks and extended‑stay discounts do not apply. Unaltered dogs over 6 months old are an additional $10 per night. We don’t board females in heat, and unaltered dogs need to be manageable and friendly with people.

Drop-off and pickup times

Boarding drop-off is Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. If you’re catching an early flight or getting back late, keep these windows in mind when you plan your travel, and give us a call if you’d like to talk through timing.

Staying in touch while you’re away

The hardest part of a first stay is usually not knowing how your dog is doing. That’s why we send daily report cards with photos and a summary of your dog’s day on weekdays. On weekends, report cards depend on availability. Most owners tell us that first photo is when they finally relax and enjoy their trip.

Tips to help your dog settle in

Every dog adjusts at their own pace. A few simple things can make the first stay easier:

• Book early. Getting the evaluation and health paperwork done well before your trip takes the stress out of the last few days.
• Keep goodbyes short and calm. Dogs pick up on our emotions, and a relaxed handoff helps them feel that this is a normal, safe place.
• Tell us about your dog. Routines, quirks, what they love and what makes them nervous all help us care for them the way you would.
• Consider a shorter first stay if you can. A night or two before a longer trip helps your dog learn that you always come back.

Frequently asked questions

Can I tour the facility before my dog’s first stay?

We don’t offer facility tours, and we know that can feel surprising. We’re a small, boutique space, and having visitors walk through can unsettle the dogs in our care, especially new dogs who are still getting comfortable. Keeping things calm and predictable is one of the ways we look after them. We’re always happy to answer questions by phone, and the temperament evaluation is your dog’s real introduction to us.

Is cage-free boarding right for my dog?

For many dogs, a private suite feels more like a quiet room than a kennel, which can make a first stay less stressful. The temperament evaluation is how we make sure our setup suits your dog specifically, and we’ll be honest with you if we don’t think it’s the right fit.

Do you board pets other than dogs?

No. Uptown Paw is a dogs-only facility, which lets us focus completely on dogs and keep the environment right for them.

How do I book my dog’s first boarding stay?

Start by calling us at (714) 596-5312 or reaching out through our website. After your dog completes the temperament evaluation, you can book stays through our client portal.

Ready to meet us?

If you’re looking for first time dog boarding in Huntington Beach that feels calm, personal and well cared for, we’d love to meet your dog. Learn more about our dog boarding in Huntington Beach, or get in touch and call us at (714) 596-5312 to get started.

← All articles