Pet Boarding in Delaware

Don't let Delaware's size fool you — it's the second-smallest state in the country, but it carries outsized character. The state's Atlantic coastline, anchored by Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, is one of the East Coast's most beloved summer destinations, drawing vacationers from Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore who often bring their dogs along for the trip. Rehoboth has long been known as one of the most dog-friendly beach towns on the East Coast, with dedicated dog beaches and a summer culture that embraces four-legged visitors.

Wilmington, Delaware's largest city, sits at the northern tip of the state near the Pennsylvania border and has a working professional population that's helped build a solid urban pet care market. Dover, the capital, serves the state's more agricultural central region with several traditional boarding kennels. The Lewes and Milton area in the south has seen significant growth in recent years as beach-town living has attracted retirees and remote workers who bring their pets.

Given Delaware's compact geography, no part of the state is more than about an hour's drive from a quality boarding facility. The coastal areas see heavy summer demand, so booking ahead from Memorial Day through Labor Day is strongly advised. Delaware is also one of the few states with no sales tax, which keeps pet services slightly more price-competitive than neighboring states.