How to Prepare Your Dog for a Doggy Hotel Stay: A Complete Guide

How to Prepare Your Dog for a Doggy Hotel Stay: A Complete Guide

Leaving your dog at a boarding facility—or “doggy hotel”—can feel stressful for both you and your dog. The good news? With the right preparation, a doggy hotel stay can be a positive, safe, and even enriching experience. Proper planning helps reduce anxiety, prevents behavioral issues, and sets your dog up for success while you’re away.

Here’s how to best prepare your dog for a smooth and happy stay.

1. Choose the Right Doggy Hotel

Not all boarding facilities are the same. Before booking, look for:

  • Clean, secure, and well-ventilated spaces

  • Knowledgeable, trained staff

  • Clear safety and emergency protocols

  • Structured routines (not chaos all day)

  • Transparent playgroup policies

If possible, tour the facility and ask how they handle feeding, rest time, stress signals, and emergencies.

2. Make Sure Vaccinations & Paperwork Are Up to Date

Most doggy hotels require:

  • Rabies

  • DHPP

  • Bordetella

Some may also require flea prevention or a vet health form. Submit paperwork early to avoid last-minute stress.

3. Do a Trial Stay or Daycare Visit

If your dog has never boarded before, don’t make their first experience a week-long stay.

  • Start with daycare

  • Progress to an overnight stay

  • Gradually increase duration

This helps your dog build confidence and familiarity with the environment.

4. Practice Calm Separations

Dogs who struggle with separation often struggle at boarding. In the weeks before your trip:

  • Practice short departures

  • Keep arrivals low-key

  • Avoid emotional goodbyes

Calm exits teach your dog that separation is safe and temporary.

5. Maintain Routine Before the Stay

Stick to your normal feeding, walking, and training routine leading up to boarding. Predictability helps your dog feel secure when entering a new environment.

6. Pack Familiar, Comforting Items

Send items that smell like home:

  • Your dog’s regular food (clearly labeled)

  • A familiar blanket or bed (if allowed)

  • Approved enrichment items

Avoid sending high-value toys that could cause guarding or stress.

7. Use Proper Gear

Make sure your dog arrives with:

  • A well-fitted collar or harness

  • Secure leash

  • Clear ID tags

Comfortable, durable gear reduces stress and improves handling safety for staff.

8. Communicate Your Dog’s Needs Clearly

Be honest with the staff about:

  • Reactivity or sensitivities

  • Feeding habits

  • Medical needs

  • Stress signals

  • Handling preferences

Transparency keeps your dog safe and sets realistic expectations.

9. Exercise Before Drop-Off

A calm dog boards better than an overexcited one.
Take your dog for a structured walk or light play session before drop-off to help them settle.

10. Trust the Process

Dogs often feed off human emotions. If you’re anxious, your dog will be too. Confident, calm hand-offs help your dog adjust faster.

When You Get Home

Expect your dog to:

  • Sleep more than usual

  • Be extra thirsty

  • Need decompression time

This is normal. Keep things calm and let them settle back into routine.

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