I live in Austin and I totally know how you feel. My Scooter is King of the Castle. He is well trained but spoiled as all get out. I work full time so after I got Scooter, I was on a mission to find a great place that offered daycare and boarding.
I take Scooter to Barking Hound Village (one block off of Lamar at Barton Springs - behind P.Terrys). Scooter goes to daycare once or twice a week so that he can have plenty of play time with other dogs his size. I have had to take a few business trips and couldn't take Scooter. He stayed there each time and loved it. They take really good care of them. They have a large staff and the pens are big. Each pen has water at all times and they promise the dogs go out a minimum of 5 times a day for 30 minute min. sessions. They take amazing care of Scooter. He loves it so much he can't scratch to get out of my car fast enough when I drop him off. They charge $20 for daycare and $28 (I think - they just changed the price) a night for boarding but it includes a full day of play.
Some places I went and looked at (PM me if you want my Hell No list) just didn't look safe or dog friendly. I chose Barkhound Village after 3 co-workers recommended it to me. I work at the capitol so it is sort of close but a bit of a pain considering I live near Camp Mabry. I visited other places and hands down Barking Hound was the clear winner. They remember Scooter and totally love him, all I see them do is give him kisses. He plays so much that he normally lays down on my lap on the drive home because he has had so much fun. One of the employees even video taped Scooter playing on her cell phone because he was so funny when he was playing.
On the few occasions I have boarded him, they take all kinds of notes and ask all kinds of questions. Last time I picked him up after boarding him, they had given him a chew stick to nibble on. I can't say enough good things about Barking Hound Village. Vanessa is the manager but everyone is so nice and helpful.
My advice, before you go out of town, take your baby for a playday. See how she reacts. If she is tired but in a great mood, you know she loves it. The first time they always are overly excited to see you but you can still tell. They have great hours during the week (7:30am to 8PM). Try them, I LOVE THEM.
