Tips for Preparing to Board Your Pet at A Resort
Preparing to board your pet at a resort while you are away is an important step in creating a positive experience. It’s an exciting day—you are ready for vacation and it’s time to drop your dog or cat off for lodging. Even though you are looking forward to your trip, the moment you have to leave your pet in the care of others can be stressful. A positive attitude and good preparation are a great start…
“A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.” ~ Wade Boggs, professional baseball player
Planning will make the check-in process easy for you and the resort experience fun for your pet. At Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center, all the forms necessary for your pet’s stay are located on our website. By submitting these forms online ahead of your arrival, your check-in will be quick and smooth so that vacation fun can start right away!
- Activities– Be sure to choose an activity package for your pet when you make the reservation. Staying active is important for health and happiness. Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center has designed convenient activity packages. From fun-filled hours in daycare to a quiet snuggle session, we have the right activity to meet the needs of your pet.
- Vaccinations– When you make the lodging reservation, ask the staff which vaccinations are necessary and suggested for your pet’s stay. Contact your veterinarian to make sure your dog or cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, and make an appointment if necessary.
- Medications – If your pet is on medication, be sure to provide enough medication for the entire stay. Medications must be provided in the original prescription packaging with dosing instructions. Be sure to place the package in a clear bag marked with your name and your pet’s name.
- Food – Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center serves veterinarian-approved food but our staff will serve your pet’s regular diet if you provide the food. Measure, package and label individual servings in a clear bag. If your dog eats twice a day, there should be two individual servings of food for each day your dog with staying at the resort. It’s also a good idea to supply extra food, especially if your pet is involved in lots of activities.
- Contact information– Provide an up-to-date list of contacts and emergency numbers. Be sure to confirm your correct email address so you can receive photos of your pet while at the resort.
- Remain calm – This is the most important tip for ensuring a smooth check-in. Pets can sense when we are upset or stressed and will mirror our energy. The best thing you can do is remain calm and confident so your dog or cat will have a positive experience.
Finally, going home – A smooth transition when returning home is also important. Opting for a grooming package before check-out is a nice way to end the lodging experience. 
If you are lodging a puppy or young dog, then return to basic housebreaking to reinforce good behavior now that he is back home. If you have considered training for your puppy or young dog, our popular Lodge & Learn training program is a great option! In addition to the resort activities you chose, your dog will spend one-on-one time learning with our trainers.
It’s also recommended not to feed your pet a big meal after coming home. Pets who are kept busy and happy at lodging—much like a child at camp—will be sleepy, so provide small amounts of water and food for several hours until their energy returns.