South Walton offers pet owners a variety of boarding options that cater to both comfort and safety. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly rates, luxury accommodations, or specialized care, these facilities have something for everyone. Here's a quick rundown of the top five spots:
- Emerald Coast Kennel, Inc.: Offers spacious indoor/outdoor runs, luxury suites, and discounts for military and first responders. Rates start at $65/night for dogs and $40/night for cats. Services include baths, nail trims, and medication administration.
- What's Up Dog?: Known for personalized care, leash walks, supervised play, and photo updates. Also features training programs and holistic pet supplies.
- Emerald Shores Pet Hospital Resort and Spa: Combines boarding with veterinary care, accommodating non-traditional pets like rabbits and birds. Grooming and spa treatments are also available.
- Posh Pups Grooming Salon: Focuses on grooming with boarding options. Services include bathing, nail trimming, and teeth cleaning in a calm environment.
- Primo Dog: Offers affordable rates starting at $40/night and a social boarding approach with supervised group play. Features doggy daycare, grooming, and loyalty programs.
Quick Comparison
| Facility | Starting Rate (Overnight) | Unique Features | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Coast Kennel, Inc. | $65/night (dogs), $40/night (cats) | Luxury suites, military discounts | (850) 267-2201 |
| What's Up Dog? | Call for rates | Training programs, photo updates | (850) 420-2894 |
| Emerald Shores Pet Hospital Resort and Spa | Call for rates | Veterinary care, non-traditional pets | (850) 622-0988 |
| Posh Pups Grooming Salon | Call for rates | Grooming-focused, stress-free environment | (850) 622-1018 |
| Primo Dog | $40/night | Social boarding, on-site dog park | (850) 301-3647 |
Each facility ensures pets receive top-notch care, with vaccination requirements and optional services like grooming or medication administration. Whether you're a local or visiting South Walton, these boarding options provide trusted solutions for your furry friends.
South Walton Pet Boarding Facilities Comparison: Rates, Services & Features
1. Emerald Coast Kennel, Inc.
Since opening its doors on December 16, 2002, Emerald Coast Kennel, Inc. has been a trusted pet boarding facility in Santa Rosa Beach. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this 3,000-square-foot facility offers 35 inside/outside runs, 12 indoor runs, and 4 spacious play yards, ensuring pets have ample room to stay active and comfortable.
Pricing and Accommodations
The kennel provides a variety of boarding options to suit different needs and budgets.
- Standard dog rooms: $65 per night, or $58 for military personnel, police, and firefighters. These rooms feature a 4' x 6' indoor space connected to a 4' x 10' covered veranda.
- Luxury suites: $100 per night, or $90 with applicable discounts. These 6' x 8' suites come with added perks like a TV and a bed.
- Kitty condos: $40 per night, or $36 with discounts, with a separate cat room available for families with multiple cats.
Services and Policies
Dogs enjoy individual outdoor playtime in one of the four play yards 3–4 times daily, included in the boarding fee. To ensure safety, pets from different families are never mixed. Vaccination records are strictly required:
- For dogs: Rabies, Parvo/Distemper, and Bordetella.
- For cats: Rabies, Feline Upper Respiratory, and Feline Leukemia.
Pets must also be on heartworm and flea/tick preventatives.
Additional Costs and Discounts
- Families can save with shared accommodations: $30 for a second dog in a standard room, $50 in a luxury suite, or $20 for an additional cat.
- Day boarding is available for $40 per day, or $36 with a discount.
- Optional add-ons include baths ($15–$50 depending on size), nail trims ($10), brushing ($5 per day), and medication administration ($1 per dose).
Important Notes
- First-time guests must prepay upon arrival.
- Holiday bookings for Thanksgiving and Christmas require a $50 deposit.
- Science Diet kibble is provided at no charge, but owners are encouraged to bring their pet’s usual food to avoid stomach upset.
- In hurricane evacuation situations, pets may be relocated if owners are unreachable, with a $100 daily fee for care.
Pricing updates went into effect on January 1, 2026, ensuring transparency and value for all services. Emerald Coast Kennel, Inc. continues to prioritize the safety, comfort, and well-being of every pet in its care.
2. What's Up Dog?
What's Up Dog? has become a cornerstone for pet care along the Emerald Coast, offering a mix of services that prioritize safety, comfort, and community. With locations in Santa Rosa Beach (boarding) and Miramar Beach, this business has earned recognition, including "Best in Destin" for three years running and the title of "Best Local Pet Supply" for 2023–2024. This dedication aligns perfectly with South Walton's broader focus on high-quality pet care.
Owner and Senior Trainer Steve Kotowske captures the spirit of their mission:
"When you join the What's Up Dog? family you become part of a community living the 'dog life'".
At What's Up Dog?, experienced staff provide personalized care, including leash walks, supervised play in secure areas, and regular photo updates to keep pet owners connected.
But it doesn't stop at boarding. What's Up Dog? is also the Emerald Coast's largest independent holistic pet retailer. They offer expert nutrition advice and a range of training options, such as Board and Train programs, private sessions, group classes, and specialized training courses.
For boarding inquiries, rates can be obtained by calling (850) 420-2894, and vaccination records must be sent to shots@whatsupdogfl.com before your pet's stay. Customers often rave about their experiences, like Kara H., who shared:
"Have to give a HUGE shout out to What's up Dog for taking amazing care of our pups. First time in their lives away from home and they did amazing, thanks to the staff there".
With over 13 years of service, What's Up Dog? has become a one-stop destination for boarding, retail, grooming, and training - offering everything pet owners need under one roof.
3. Emerald Shores Pet Hospital Resort and Spa
Emerald Shores Pet Hospital Resort and Spa stands out in South Walton for blending high-end pet care with medical expertise. Situated at 4925 US Highway 98 W in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, this facility serves as both a boarding resort and a fully equipped veterinary hospital, offering a unique combination of luxury and health services.
What makes Emerald Shores special is its ability to care for a wide variety of animals. Beyond the usual dogs and cats, they also welcome rabbits, birds, and other non-traditional pets - something not commonly found in boarding facilities around the area. Along with their boarding services, they provide professional grooming and spa treatments. Plus, their on-site diagnostic capabilities mean they can quickly address any health issues that might arise during your pet's stay.
The facility operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Whether you're looking for boarding options or detailed pricing, you can reach them directly at 850‑622‑0988. Emerald Shores combines clinical care with resort-like comfort, making it a trusted choice for pet owners.
4. Posh Pups Grooming Salon
Posh Pups, located at 557 Mack Bayou Road in Santa Rosa Beach, focuses on grooming services with a personal touch for both cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes. Unlike many South Walton facilities that prioritize boarding, Posh Pups stands out by offering expert grooming services alongside boarding options for pet owners who want the best of both worlds.
Their grooming menu is packed with options to ensure pets not only look great but feel their best too. Services include bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, ear cleaning, de-shedding, teeth cleaning, and flea and tick prevention. What truly sets them apart is their dedication to customizing services for each pet’s unique needs:
"They understand that each pet is unique and requires individualized care, so they tailor their grooming services to meet the specific needs of each furry friend".
The team takes the time to build trust with every pet, creating a calm and stress-free environment that makes grooming a more enjoyable experience. This thoughtful approach aligns with South Walton's focus on providing high-quality, community-centered pet care.
Posh Pups operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and offers convenient options like a mobile app for tracking grooming history and scheduling appointments. Online booking is also available, and with 123 ratings on DogDog.org, it’s clear they’ve earned the trust of local pet owners. Pricing is competitive, with package deals for regular grooming and extras like aromatherapy and massage for pets that need a little extra comfort. For specific services and pricing details, reach out to their Santa Rosa Beach location.
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5. Primo Dog
Primo Dog stands out as a pet boarding facility that combines affordability with a unique approach to caring for your furry friends. With two locations - 131 Hospital Dr NE in Fort Walton Beach and 1023 Partin Dr N in Niceville - both just a short drive from the 30A beach corridor, it’s a convenient choice for pet owners in the area.
Overnight boarding starts at just $40, making it a budget-conscious option without sacrificing quality. What truly sets Primo Dog apart is its social boarding philosophy. Instead of traditional kennels, dogs enjoy supervised group play during the day before settling into spacious private rooms for the night.
Both facilities offer doggy daycare and grooming services, but the Fort Walton Beach location goes a step further with spa services and an on-site dog park. It opens early at 6:30 AM on weekdays and even accommodates Sunday drop-offs at 3:00 PM, with pick-up available at 6:00 PM. The Niceville location operates on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and again from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The Niceville facility has earned glowing reviews, boasting 109 ratings and praise for its responsive customer service. Primo Dog sweetens the deal with loyalty programs, seasonal promotions, and package deals for regular visitors. For more information, you can contact the Fort Walton Beach location directly at 850-301-3647.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right pet boarding facility involves weighing factors like rates, services, play areas, and operating hours. To simplify your decision-making process, here’s a quick comparison of the verified details available. This table complements the more detailed descriptions provided earlier, giving you a clear snapshot of key features.
| Facility | Overnight Boarding Rate | Grooming Services | Play Areas | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Coast Kennel, Inc. | $65/night (standard room); $100/night (suite); $58/night (military/first responder discount) | Baths, brushing, nail trims; medicated/hypoallergenic shampoo add-ons available | 4 play yards; 35 kennels with private 4'x10' outdoor verandas; dogs taken out 3–4 times daily | Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00 PM–5:00 PM; Sun/Holidays: 9:00 AM–10:00 AM & 4:00 PM–5:00 PM |
| What's Up Dog? | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Emerald Shores Pet Hospital Resort and Spa | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Posh Pups Grooming Salon | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Primo Dog | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
It’s worth noting that Emerald Coast Kennel adjusted its rates starting January 1, 2026, due to increasing costs for wages and supplies.
Conclusion
South Walton's boarding facilities offer a reliable solution for pet care, especially during local beach access restrictions. These facilities provide outdoor play sessions tailored to individual pets and luxury suites, all while prioritizing safety by keeping pets separated.
Beyond secure boarding, options range from standard rooms to spacious multi-level kitty condos. Many facilities also extend discounts to military personnel and first responders. Services include professional grooming like bathing and nail trimming, as well as medication administration - all under strict vaccination requirements.
"We believe that every pet deserves to be treated with our utmost care and respect and place your pet's safety as number one in our facility." - Emerald Coast Kennel, Inc.
Before booking, double-check that your pet's vaccinations are up to date and ensure they’re protected with heartworm and flea preventatives. For holiday stays, early reservations are a smart move. Additionally, bringing your pet's regular food can help avoid digestive upset, although many facilities offer complimentary kibble.
For more tips on pet-friendly rentals, dining spots, and outdoor activities, visit sowal.co.
FAQs
What vaccinations are required for pet boarding in South Walton?
Most pet boarding facilities in South Walton have strict vaccination policies to ensure the health and safety of all animals in their care. For instance, Miss Pearl’s Bed & Biscuit requires pet owners to provide proof of vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian at least 7 days before check-in. Dogs need to be up to date on DHPP, Bordetella (administered within the last 6 months), Rabies, and must have a negative fecal-parasite exam from the past year. Cats, on the other hand, should have completed the FVRCP series, Rabies, and also need a negative fecal-parasite exam from the past year.
Another local option, Emerald Coast Kennel, emphasizes preventative care by requiring all pets to be on an active heartworm and flea/tick prevention program. Their specific vaccination requirements may differ, so it’s always smart to confirm details directly with the facility before making a reservation.
For more information on pet-friendly services and resources in South Walton, visit sowal.co, your go-to guide for the 30A area.
What are the rates and standout services at South Walton's top pet boarding facilities?
Rates for pet boarding in South Walton can vary quite a bit depending on the facility and the level of accommodations you choose. For instance, Mercy’s Play & Stay starts at $49 per night for their standard suites, while their premium options go up to $79 per night. At Emerald Coast Kennel, prices range from $45 per night for basic accommodations to as much as $100 per night for their luxury suites. Meanwhile, Companion Animal Hospital & Boarding Center highlights its extensive amenities but doesn’t share its pricing publicly.
Each facility offers something a little different to cater to various needs. Mercy’s Play & Stay features a fully indoor, climate-controlled environment with group play areas, calming music, and 24-hour video monitoring for peace of mind. Companion Animal Hospital provides spacious indoor runs tailored for large breeds, separate exercise areas, and a tranquil cat room. Emerald Coast Kennel blends indoor and outdoor spaces, offers private suites equipped with TVs, and even provides discounted rates for families of military personnel, police officers, and firefighters.
For more details on pet care options in South Walton, along with travel tips and recommendations, visit sowal.co.
Do any of these pet boarding facilities offer discounts or loyalty programs?
Yes, Emerald Coast Kennel, Inc. provides a special discount for active-duty military, police officers, and firefighters. Instead of the usual $55 per night for a standard room, they charge $50 per night - a small but thoughtful gesture of appreciation. This is the only discount or loyalty program explicitly mentioned in the information available.
As for other highly-rated facilities like Central Bark Fort Walton Beach, Mercy’s Play & Stay, and Companion Animal Hospital & Boarding Center, their websites don’t list any discounts or loyalty programs. That said, it’s always a good idea to reach out to them directly. They might have unpublished offers or run seasonal promotions that aren’t advertised online.
For more details on current discounts or special deals in the area, you can also visit sowal.co, a reliable local guide for South Walton and the 30A region.
