Playing Paws Petstead
Doggy Day Care & Overnight Boarding
Where dogs play, stay and feel right at home.
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Welcome to Playing Paws Petstead — located in Matthews, NC.
We are a cozy, 3 acre countryside-style city getaway for dogs who deserve a vacation of their own. Here, every pup enjoys comfort, safety, and playtime while their humans are away.
Whether your dog wants to sunbathe on the back patio, romp around the fenced yard, or cuddle up for a nap....
Playing Paws Petstead offers a peaceful stay that feels like family and is full of fun.
Please use the form at this link to create a client account, added your pet and request services.
Please log in here to add services or update information.
Perks to the Stay
Perks to the Stay
Host Friend!
Host Friend!
Meet your host friend, Lumen — who keeps tails wagging and hearts happy.
Fully Fenced Backyard Area!
Fully Fenced Backyard Area!
Dogs can play all day in our very large fenced backyard area. Tons of room to run!
Goodie Bags!
Goodie Bags!
Take home goodie bags for each overnight boarding dog!
Chicken Friends!
Chicken Friends!
Dogs can safely watch our chickens — no direct contact, just fun viewing!
High Quality Photo Updates
High Quality Photo Updates
Long before starting Playing Paws Petstead, I worked as a food photographer for Grubhub — capturing the perfect shot of every dish. That eye for lighting, perspective and detail now goes into photographing the dogs who stay here.
Every single photo you see on this site was taken by me — real moments of joy, rest, and play from pups enjoying their stay. I love giving pet parents updates with genuine glimpses of their dog’s vacation life here at Playing Paws Petstead. 🐶✨
You’ll get a private folder link with daily photo uploads — all yours to download and keep for personal use!
About Playing Paws Petstead
About Playing Paws Petstead
At Playing Paws Petstead, I believe dogs should love their time away from home — not just tolerate it.
I’m Alicia Moya-Mendez, your dog’s new favorite sitter! I’ve had dogs as far back as I can remember and with one of my own currently, I absolutely understand how important it is for our furry family members to feel loved, safe, and understood while their families are away.
Our property in Matthews, NC, offers a fenced area for play, quiet shaded spots for rest, and cozy indoor spaces for naps. Each guest gets individualized attention and enrichment suited to their personality — whether that’s chasing toys, sniffing trails, or snuggling on the couch.
Here’s what your dog can expect during their stay:
Constant supervision by myself or partner and consistent individual attention for each dog.
Gated transition rooms for safe unleashing and preventing any escapees! Extra safety is our priority!
HEPA air filters in every room for cleaner air.
Four fresh water options, including a stainless steel filtered fountain.
No plastic food bowls — only ceramic and stainless steel.
Enrichment activities like a sniff mat, puzzle toys, and lots of toys.
Resting options like an open crate with orthopedic interior bed and an open indoor dog house.
A variety of healthy treats and toys. Please note: we do not offer or allow hard bones here for teeth health.
A treat-tossing pet camera for real-time monitoring in separated rooms — if we're both ever briefly away in an emergency.
Client Reviews
Client Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 Star Rating
Daisy
This was my first time leaving my dog more than just a few hours and it was great. Alicia has created an environment in which the dogs can run and play and enjoy each other‘s company safely. My dog loves other dogs, so this was a true vacation for her. I will not hesitate to bring her back!
- Rhonda U.
Sandy
Alicia took such great care of Sandy while we were out of the country for 12 days. She sent daily updates and amazing pictures of Sandy having the time of her life! It was such a relief knowing that Sandy was having fun and getting so much love and attention while we were so far away. She has a big, beautiful backyard where the dogs can play and get all their energy out. Highly recommend Alicia.
- Kearen V.
Baylor
If your dog likes playing with other dogs - this is the place!!! It’s like summer camp! Alicia clearly knows what she’s doing and all of the dogs there were so happy. She even gives you little goody bags when you pick up your babies and sends really good pictures throughout the stay ! She was also so flexible with pickup and drop off timing which was so helpful for us.
- Catherine G.
Obi
Alicia was the BEST. First time using her for our Obi the Dobi. She was fantastic. Constant follow up, accommodating on our last minute stay, a special google link with professional photos of Obi AND a gift bag! Her pup Lumen is so playful and welcoming as well. We couldn’t ask for a better experience. THANK YOU Alicia! You will be seeing us again soon. ❤️
- Mary Beth L.
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Me with Luca!
Me with Squatch!
Me with Crosby!
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