For over 20 years, we've been offering pet boarding services to Eastern Iowa, specializing in providing the best quality care for your beloved family members because we know just how much they mean to you.

Nestled on 3 beautiful acres next to Deep Lakes Park and less than a mile from the mighty Mississippi, Big River Boarding is in a league of its own. Our guests enjoy comfortable accommodations with plenty of opportunities to get outside and play while you’re away. We understand that every animal has a unique personality, and we strive to cater to the individual needs of each guest. We know that our customers regard their animals not only as pets, but as members of their family. You can rest assured that your dog or cat will be cared for, and entertained, as if he or she were one of our own. We encourage you stop by and take a look around before making a reservation so you can feel confident you’re leaving your pet in a place that suits their needs.

Big River Boarding is proud of its excellent reputation within the community. Since opening in 1997 (originally as “Canteloupe Hill Kennels” and later as “Cantaloupe Kennels”) we have constantly challenged ourselves to increase the quality of our facility and our services. Owners Jake and Erin Hardin live on the property providing an additional sense of safety and protection for your pets. When you stop by, you’ll get to meet us or even a member of our extended family who often lend a hand - we hope you’ll take time to get to know us. We are a family of animal lovers committed to providing the very best care for each individual guest.

What’s Provided

Our facility offers over 3,000sf of indoor space with central heat and air for the comfort of our guests. Indoor/outdoor runs, covered patios, grass and turf yards offer plenty of space for your pup to play. Your furry family member will love the attention they receive at Big River Boarding with one-on-one play time, unlimited belly rubs, and the same love and affection we give our own. For additional exercise and one-on-one attention, we offer country walks as an add-on service for our K-9 guests - a 20 minute walk, complete with stops to see the chickens and goats, in addition to a tennis toss for our high energy guests.

When it's time for some rest and relaxation, your pup can cozy up with a fresh blanket on their elevated Kuranda dog cot - these comfortable beds are also excellent for older dogs and master chewers. We provide bowls for food and water, treats, frisbees, and tennis balls for play. We provide basic kibble at feeding time (twice per day), otherwise you are welcome to bring your own food in a sealed container.

For our feline friends, we have four spacious cat kennels located in a private room. We provide the basics including litter boxes and litter, plus bowls for food and water.

Our Promise

When choosing a boarding kennel, you must consider the people who will be caring for your special friend. Dedication, patience, caring, and a passion for animals is our promise to you. We ensure your pet will receive the most attentive and caring experience while a guest at our facility.