As a pet parent, leaving your furry family member overnight at a pet resort can be an emotional experience. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, ensuring your dog is happy, comfortable and safe is paramount. Here are our top tips to prepare for your dog’s overnight boarding stay, along with a handy pre-boarding checklist to help ease the transition for both you and your beloved pet.
- Choose a High-Quality Pet Care Facility
The most crucial step in preparing for your dog’s overnight stay is selecting a reputable pet resort. A high-quality facility will prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of your dog, ensuring they have a fun and enriching experience. When choosing a pet resort, consider the following:
- Tour the facility: Ensure it is clean, well-maintained, and has secure accommodations.
- Meet the staff: They should be friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about animals.
- Check for certifications: A reputable facility will have staff trained in pet first aid and CPR, as well as have other certifications, such as through the Professional Animal Care Certification Council.
- Read reviews: Look for feedback from other pet parents about their experiences.
- Create a Pre-Boarding Stay Checklist
Being organized will help make the boarding process smooth and stress-free. Here’s a pre-boarding stay checklist to ensure you have everything covered:
- Meals: Pack individually bagged meals for each feeding. This ensures your dog continues their regular diet without any digestive disruptions.
- Medication: If your dog requires medication, make sure it’s labeled and in its original containers. Provide clear instructions on the dosage and administration times.
- Toys: Bring 2 to 3 toys that your dog enjoys. This can provide comfort and a sense of familiarity in the new environment.
- Scented Shirt: Consider including a shirt with your scent on it. Your scent can help soothe your dog and reduce anxiety.
- While the pet resort will likely provide beds, blankets, and bowls, you might want to bring some yummy treats or a toy that can be filled with peanut butter, pumpkin or yogurt to add to your dog’s comfort and provide a calming activity for bedtime.
- Note: Please do not pack anything of significant value or your dog’s favorite toys/items. Despite best efforts, these items can sometimes get lost or misplaced during the stay.
- Prepare Your Dog
Ensure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations and confirm with the pet resort which vaccines they may require as each pet care facility may have different requirements. Before the boarding stay, acclimate your dog to being away from home. Here are a few tips:
- Short Visits: If possible, schedule a few short day stays at the pet resort before the overnight stay. This will help your dog get familiar with the new environment and staff.
- Maintain Routine: Keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible leading up to the boarding stay. Consistency helps reduce anxiety.
- Exercise: Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise before their stay. A tired dog is a happy dog and more likely to relax in a new environment.
- Prepare Yourself
It’s natural to feel anxious about leaving your dog overnight, especially if you are a new pet parent. To ease your worries:
- Stay Positive: Dogs are highly perceptive and can pick up on your emotions. Staying positive and calm will help reassure your dog.
- Trust the Process: Remind yourself that you’ve chosen a high-quality facility that prioritizes your dog’s well-being. Trust that the staff will take good care of your pet.
- Have Fun! Engage in activities that keep you occupied and distracted while you are away.
Preparing for your dog’s overnight boarding stay requires careful planning and consideration. By choosing a reputable facility, organizing a pre-boarding checklist, preparing your dog, and managing your emotions, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. With these tips, you can feel confident that your dog will have a safe, fun, and enriching stay, making the separation easier for both of you.
To learn more about the Playful Pups Retreat overnight lodging services, visit our website or give us a call at 717-689-3408, and our Reservation Specialist will be happy to answer all your questions or schedule a tour of our facility.
Written by Laurie Yost, owner of Playful Pups Retreat
Laurie holds the highest level of certification through PACCC (Professional Animal Care Certification Council) with a CPACO certification (Certified Professional Animal Care Operator). In addition, she is certified in Pet First Aid and is also certified through Fear Free Pets.