TL;DR
Westchester snowbirds heading south need dog boarding they can trust from a distance. Paws & Play Pet Resort in Tuckahoe offers private accommodations, resort-style amenities, and the safety standards that have made it the veterinarian-recommended choice in Westchester for over a decade. Book early — winter fills up fast — and consider a trial stay before your departure so your dog arrives already settled.
Every fall, a familiar ritual plays out across Westchester. The leaves turn, the temperatures drop, and certain residents start quietly preparing to trade the cold for something considerably warmer. Flights are booked, bags are packed, and checklists are checked, including the one all-important question every dog-owning snowbird eventually must answer: what happens to the dog?
For Westchester snowbirds heading south for weeks or months at a time, Paws & Play Pet Resort in Tuckahoe has been the trusted solution for over a decade.
Why Boarding Close to Home Makes Sense
Bringing a dog to a seasonal home sounds appealing. In theory. In practice, it comes with real complications — air travel restrictions, unfamiliar veterinarians, and the logistical weight of managing a pet across two homes.
Many snowbirds find that the kindest, most practical choice is a trusted boarding arrangement right here in Westchester.
The key word, of course, is “trust.” A lot can happen over a two- or three-month stay in Florida or other southernmost destinations, and distance makes it harder to course-correct if something isn’t quite right.
Getting your dog settled at Paws & Play before you leave (ideally after a trial stay or two) means you arrive at your winter destination confident that the most important member of the household is in excellent hands.
A Resort Stay, Not Just a Boarding Kennel
Paws & Play was founded in 2011 on a simple conviction: dogs deserve to feel as happy, cherished, and entertained while their families are away as they do at home. Every boarding stay here reflects that philosophy.
Dog boarding for Westchester snowbirds includes:
- Private accommodations with raised beds and fluffy bedding — no kennels
- Advanced climate control, natural skylights, and fresh air purification
- Daily wellness checks, at least three outdoor potty breaks, and meals served just like home
- Group play in spacious indoor and outdoor yards, or one-on-one time with a caregiver
- Luxury suite upgrades, bedtime tuck-ins, and gourmet treats for a little extra pampering
- Bathing and spa services — so your pup comes home looking as good as they feel
Safety is also built into every aspect of the facility and includes hospital-grade cleaning protocols, certified staff training, 24-hour security monitoring, a backup generator, and best-practice vaccination requirements for all guests.
It’s why local veterinarians have recommended Paws & Play since it opened, and why the resort has earned 16+ Best of Westchester awards.
Book Early — Winter Fills Up Fast
Here’s something every Westchester snowbird should know: winter is the busiest boarding season of the year. Families traveling for the holidays, pet parents heading south for extended stays, and year-round clients all compete for space at the same time. The best facilities fill up weeks in advance.
Arrange your dog’s stay as soon as your travel plans take shape, not the week before you leave. A trial daycare visit or short overnight stay before the longer separation also gives your dog time to get comfortable with the facility and the team. Dogs who already know Paws & Play settle in far more easily for extended stays.
Head South with Confidence
You’ve earned those winters in the sun. Your dog has earned a great stay. Paws & Play Pet Resort & Training Center, located at 72 Marbledale Road in Tuckahoe, is convenient to the Hutchinson River Parkway and Bronx River Parkway, and an easy stop on your way out of town.
Better yet, new clients receive 10% off their first boarding stay.
Ready to get your dog on the calendar? Call us at (914) 337-2948 or start your reservation online. We can’t wait to meet your pet!
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FAQs
Is long-term boarding a good option for snowbirds?
Absolutely. Extended boarding at a quality resort like Paws & Play gives your dog a consistent routine, daily enrichment, and attentive personal care for the duration of your stay — often more structure than they’d get at home alone. Many snowbird dogs become genuine regulars who look forward to their winter stays.
How far in advance should I book for a winter stay?
As early as possible. Winter is the busiest season for Westchester boarding, and spots fill quickly, especially around the holidays. As soon as your travel dates are confirmed, make the call.
Should my dog have a trial stay before a longer reservation?
We strongly recommend it. A daycare visit or short overnight stay before a longer separation helps your dog get comfortable with the facility, the staff, and the routine. Dogs who have been to Paws & Play before settle in much more quickly for extended stays.
What vaccinations are required for boarding?
We require current proof of vaccination for rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella, administered at least one week before arrival. Our reservation team will walk you through all requirements when you call.
Is there a discount for new boarding clients?
Yes — new clients receive 10% off their first boarding stay. It’s a great way to introduce your dog to Paws & Play before the season begins. Exclusions apply; call for details.