How to Prepare Pets for Hotel or Boarding Stays

Why Preparation Matters

Preparing your pet for a hotel or boarding stay requires planning and preparation to ensure your pet's comfort, safety, and wellbeing while you're away. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, or need to board your pet for other reasons, proper preparation helps reduce stress for both you and your pet and ensures your pet receives the best possible care.

A well-prepared pet is more likely to have a positive experience, which makes future stays easier and less stressful. Taking the time to prepare properly also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you've done everything possible to ensure your pet's comfort and safety. The preparation process may seem like a lot of work, but it's an investment in your pet's wellbeing and your own peace of mind.

Researching and Choosing the Right Facility

Choosing the right hotel or boarding facility is one of the most important steps in preparing for your pet's stay. The facility you choose will be responsible for your pet's care, so it's worth taking the time to find one that meets your standards and your pet's needs.

Research hotels or boarding facilities well in advance. Don't wait until the last minute—good facilities book up quickly, especially during holidays and peak travel times. Start researching at least a few weeks before your trip, or even earlier if you're traveling during busy periods.

Look for pet-friendly hotels with good reviews, or licensed boarding facilities with positive recommendations. Read reviews from other pet owners, but also do your own research. Look for facilities that are licensed, insured, and have good reputations. Ask friends, family, or your veterinarian for recommendations.

Visit the facility if possible to see conditions firsthand. A personal visit allows you to see the actual conditions, meet the staff, and get a feel for how the facility operates. You can see where your pet will stay, check cleanliness, observe how staff interact with pets, and ask questions in person.

Check requirements: vaccination requirements, health certificates, spay/neuter requirements, and any breed restrictions. Different facilities have different requirements, and you need to know what's needed well in advance. Some requirements, like vaccinations, may need to be completed weeks before the stay.

Ask about services: exercise, feeding schedules, medical care availability, and emergency procedures. Understand what services are included and what might cost extra. Ask about how often pets are exercised, what the feeding schedule is, whether veterinary care is available, and what happens in emergencies.

Choose a facility that meets your pet's needs and your comfort level. Every pet is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Consider your pet's personality, needs, and preferences when choosing. Trust your instincts—if something doesn't feel right, keep looking.

Ensuring Vaccinations and Health Requirements Are Met

Most facilities have specific health and vaccination requirements, and meeting these requirements is essential. Failure to meet requirements can result in your pet being turned away, which can be stressful and inconvenient.

Check vaccination requirements for the facility. Most require current vaccinations including rabies (required by law in most places), DHPP for dogs (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus), FVRCP for cats (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia), and often Bordatella for dogs (kennel cough). Some facilities may require additional vaccinations.

Ensure vaccinations are up to date well before your trip. Some facilities require vaccinations to be given at least 2 weeks before the stay to ensure they're fully effective. Don't wait until the last minute—schedule vaccinations with enough time to meet requirements.

Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian if required. Some facilities, especially for longer stays or certain types of travel, require a health certificate stating that your pet is healthy and fit for boarding. This typically needs to be obtained within a certain timeframe before the stay.

Update any medications your pet needs. If your pet takes medications, ensure you have enough for the entire stay plus extra in case of delays. Make sure medications are clearly labeled and that you provide detailed instructions.

Ensure your pet is in good health before the stay. If your pet is ill or has health concerns, discuss them with the facility and your veterinarian. Some facilities may not be able to accommodate pets with certain medical needs, or may require additional arrangements.

Keep vaccination records accessible. You'll need to provide proof of vaccinations, so have these records ready. Consider keeping digital copies as well as physical copies, and make sure the facility receives copies before or at drop-off.

Preparing Your Pet Gradually

Helping your pet become comfortable with being away from you and in new environments makes the actual stay much less stressful. Gradual preparation helps your pet adjust and reduces anxiety.

Help your pet become comfortable with being away from you and in new environments. If your pet has never been away from you, start with short separations. Leave them with a trusted friend or family member for a few hours, then gradually increase the time. This helps them learn that you'll return.

Practice short separations if your pet has separation anxiety. Pets with separation anxiety need extra preparation. Work on building their confidence and comfort with being alone. You may want to work with a trainer or behaviorist, or discuss options with your veterinarian.

Introduce your pet to their carrier or crate if they'll be using one. If the facility uses crates or if your pet will travel in a carrier, make sure they're comfortable with it. Leave the carrier out, put treats and toys in it, and let your pet explore it on their own terms. Make it a positive, comfortable space.

Consider a trial stay or daycare visit to help your pet acclimate. Many facilities offer trial stays or daycare services. This allows your pet to experience the facility in a shorter, less stressful situation before a longer stay. It also helps you see how your pet responds to the facility.

Practice basic commands and ensure your pet is well-socialized. A well-trained, well-socialized pet is easier for facility staff to care for and is more likely to have a positive experience. Basic commands help staff manage your pet, and good socialization helps your pet interact positively with staff and other pets if applicable.

The more prepared your pet is, the less stressful the experience will be for them. Preparation takes time, but it's worth it. A pet who is comfortable with new situations and being away from you will adjust much more easily to a boarding stay.

Packing Essential Supplies

Having the right supplies ensures your pet's comfort and makes it easier for facility staff to care for your pet. Packing thoughtfully helps ensure nothing is forgotten and that your pet has everything they need.

Pack enough of your pet's regular food for the entire stay plus extra in case of delays. Sudden diet changes can cause digestive upset, and your pet will be more comfortable with familiar food. Pack in clearly labeled containers with feeding instructions. Don't assume the facility will have your pet's food—bring your own.

Bring medications with clear instructions. If your pet takes medications, bring enough for the entire stay plus extra. Provide clear, written instructions including medication name, dosage, frequency, and any special instructions. Make sure medications are clearly labeled with your pet's name and your contact information.

Include favorite toys, blankets, or comfort items that smell like home. Familiar items can help reduce stress and make your pet feel more comfortable. Choose items that are safe for the facility environment and that won't be missed too much if something happens to them. Items that smell like home can be particularly comforting.

Pack feeding bowls, leashes, collars with ID tags, and any special items your pet needs. Even if the facility provides these items, your pet's own items may be more comfortable. Make sure collars have current ID tags with your contact information. Include any special items your pet needs for comfort or care.

Bring vaccination records and health certificates. Have these ready to provide to the facility. Consider bringing copies rather than originals, and keep originals safe. Some facilities may need to keep copies for their records.

Include emergency contact information and your veterinarian's information. Provide multiple ways to reach you, including phone numbers where you can be reached while away. Include your veterinarian's contact information so the facility can reach them if needed. Also provide an emergency contact who can make decisions if you can't be reached.

Label everything clearly with your pet's name. This helps ensure your pet's items don't get mixed up with other pets' items. Use permanent markers or labels that won't come off easily.

Creating Detailed Care Instructions

Detailed care instructions help facility staff provide the best possible care for your pet. The more information you provide, the better staff can meet your pet's needs and preferences.

Write detailed care instructions including feeding schedule and amounts. Specify exactly when and how much your pet should be fed. Include information about any special feeding requirements, such as food that needs to be soaked, or if your pet needs to eat slowly.

Include medication schedule with dosages. Provide clear, written instructions for all medications. Include the medication name, dosage, frequency, time of day, and any special instructions (such as with food or on an empty stomach). Make this as clear and detailed as possible.

Note exercise preferences and routines. Tell staff about your pet's normal exercise routine, what types of activities they enjoy, and any limitations. This helps staff provide appropriate exercise and activities for your pet.

Include behavioral notes and preferences. Share information about your pet's personality, what they like and don't like, how they interact with people and other pets, and any behavioral quirks or concerns. This helps staff understand your pet and provide appropriate care.

Provide emergency contact information. Include multiple ways to reach you, including phone numbers where you can be reached while away. Also provide an emergency contact who can make decisions if you can't be reached.

Include your veterinarian's information. Provide your veterinarian's name, phone number, and address. This allows the facility to contact your veterinarian if needed. You may also want to provide authorization for the facility to seek veterinary care if needed.

The more information you provide, the better the facility can care for your pet. Don't assume staff will know what your pet needs—provide detailed, clear instructions. This helps ensure your pet receives consistent, appropriate care.

Preparing for Drop-Off

The drop-off process can be stressful for both you and your pet, but staying calm and prepared helps make it smoother. How you handle drop-off can affect how your pet adjusts to the stay.

Stay calm during drop-off—pets sense your anxiety. If you're anxious or upset, your pet will pick up on that and become more anxious themselves. Try to remain calm and confident, even if you're feeling nervous about leaving your pet.

Keep goodbyes brief and positive. A long, emotional goodbye can increase your pet's anxiety. Give your pet a quick, calm goodbye, and then leave confidently. Your pet will adjust, and a calm departure helps them feel more secure.

Provide all necessary information and supplies. Make sure you've given staff all the information they need, including care instructions, emergency contacts, and any special requirements. Ensure all supplies are clearly labeled and that staff know what everything is for.

Double-check that you've provided everything needed. Go through your checklist to make sure nothing is forgotten. It's better to double-check than to realize later that something important was left behind.

Trust the facility staff—they're professionals. The staff at boarding facilities are experienced in caring for pets, and they want your pet to be happy and healthy. Trust their expertise and let them do their job.

Don't prolong the goodbye, as this can increase your pet's anxiety. It's natural to want to stay and make sure your pet is okay, but prolonging the departure can actually make things worse. Trust that your pet will adjust, and leave confidently.

Your pet will adjust, and a calm, confident departure helps them feel more secure. Most pets adjust to boarding facilities within a day or two. Your calm confidence helps your pet feel that everything is okay.

Staying in Touch During the Stay

Staying in touch with the facility during your pet's stay can provide reassurance and help you stay informed about how your pet is doing. However, it's important to balance staying informed with trusting the facility.

Ask about communication options—many facilities offer updates, photos, or calls. Some facilities provide regular updates, while others may offer updates upon request. Some facilities have apps or online portals where you can check on your pet. Understand what options are available.

Provide your contact information and preferred method of communication. Make sure the facility knows how to reach you and what your preferred method of communication is. Provide multiple contact methods in case one doesn't work.

Understand the facility's policies about updates. Some facilities provide regular updates, while others may only contact you if there's a problem. Understand what to expect so you're not worried if you don't hear from them regularly.

Don't over-call or worry excessively—trust the facility. While it's natural to worry about your pet, excessive calling or worrying doesn't help. Trust that the facility is caring for your pet and will contact you if there are any concerns. Most facilities want your pet to be happy and healthy, and they'll let you know if there are any issues.

However, do check in if you have concerns. If you're worried or have questions, it's okay to call and check in. Most facilities are happy to provide updates and reassurance. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need peace of mind.

Most facilities are happy to provide updates and reassurance. They understand that pet owners worry, and they want to help you feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to ask for updates if it helps you feel better.

Preparing for Pick-Up

When it's time to pick up your pet, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition back home. Your pet may need time to readjust, and being prepared helps.

Schedule pick-up time in advance. Let the facility know when you'll be picking up your pet so they can have everything ready. This also helps ensure staff are available to discuss your pet's stay with you.

Ask about your pet's stay and any concerns. When you pick up your pet, ask staff how the stay went. Were there any concerns? How did your pet adjust? Did they eat well? This information helps you understand how your pet did and if there are any issues to watch for.

Check that you receive all your pet's belongings. Make sure you get back all the items you brought, including food containers, toys, blankets, and any other supplies. Check that everything is accounted for.

Give your pet time to readjust when you get home. Your pet may be tired, excited, or need time to settle back in. They may show some behavioral changes initially, such as being more clingy or needing extra rest. This is normal and usually resolves within a day or two.

Monitor your pet for any signs of stress or health issues. Watch for changes in behavior, appetite, or elimination. Most pets adjust quickly, but some may need a day or two to fully readjust. If you notice concerning signs, contact your veterinarian.

Contact your veterinarian if you have concerns after returning home. If your pet shows signs of illness, stress, or other problems after returning home, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian. They can help assess whether there are any concerns that need attention.

Related Resources

For more information on pet travel and safety:

• How to Travel with Pets in a Car Safely
• How to Introduce Your Pet to a Carrier
• Pet Safety Guide

Conclusion

Preparing your pet for a hotel or boarding stay requires planning and preparation, but it's worth the effort to ensure your pet's comfort and safety. By researching and choosing the right facility, ensuring health requirements are met, preparing your pet gradually, packing essential supplies, creating detailed care instructions, and staying in touch during the stay, you can help ensure your pet has a positive experience.

Remember that preparation takes time, so start early. The more prepared you and your pet are, the smoother the experience will be. Trust the facility staff, but also trust your instincts—if something doesn't feel right, address it. With proper preparation, your pet can have a safe, comfortable stay while you're away.