At Best Friends Pet Hotel, we want nothing but the best for your pet. As animal lovers, we truly see your pet as our own when they’re in our care. We know that boarding your pet can be a daunting or stressful experience for some, but we want to help make the process as seamless as possible for both you and your pet! Here are some tips for first-time boarders, from our team of pet care experts:
1. Have Up to Date Vaccines (All Pets)
“Make sure that the required vaccines are up to date and that you have a hard copy. It’s a good idea to call ahead of time if you’ve faxed them over or have asked the vet to send them to make sure they have been received.”
– Agni, District Manager (has been with Best Friends Pet Hotel for 12 years)
2. Utilize the First Day and Night Free (All Pets)
“Bring your pet in for a day of interaction before leaving for boarding. This helps both the pet and our team get to know each other and gives the pet parent feedback on how their fur baby did. The pet will feel more comfortable and relaxed if there is some familiarity and trust built before being left in our care for a lengthier amount of time.”
– Caitlin, Manager at Chicago (has been with Best Friends Pet Hotel for 12 years)
3. No Food or Water for About Two Hours (Cats)
“Try not to feed or give any water to your cat for about two hours before going in the carrier for the car ride. Most of them urinate or defecate while in the carrier which typically leaves them even more stressed. Once they arrive, we then have to clean them up which can be frightful for all involved.”
– Jen, Manager at Disney (has been with Best Friends Pet Hotel for 20 years)
4. Give You and Your Pet Plenty of Time (All Pets)
"Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to check in your pet. We will ask lots of questions to be sure your pet has a fun and comfortable stay with us. We also have you fill out a contract to be sure we have all of your information correct and get your emergency contact information."
– Jennifer, Manager at Prairie View (has been with Best Friends Pet Hotel for 20 years)
5. Bring a Piece of Home (All Pets)
“Please do not bring bedding from home. Not only because it may get soiled or lost, but it's also how we help keep a flea and tick free environment in our facilities. I do like to suggest bringing a toy or two (just not an irreplaceable one) and a t-shirt works great, too. Those items have the scent of home (and you) and can help bring your pet comfort.”
– Jen, Manager at Disney (has been with Best Friends Pet Hotel for 20 years)
6. Get a ‘Go Home Fresh’ after Boarding (Dogs)
“Schedule a Go Home Fresh grooming service for your dog. Having fun in a camp-like environment may require a bit of clean-up!”
– Jessica, Manager at Chadds Ford (has been with Best Friends Pet Hotel for 20 years)
7. Don’t Worry – A Tired Dog is A Happy Dog (Dogs)
"We get quite a few calls from clients concerned that something is wrong with their dog because it’s been sleeping a lot after boarding. Don’t fret! It’s from all the running around they did in group play with all their new friends they made.”
– Sandra, Manager at Chestnut Ridge (has been with Best Friends Pet Hotel for 5 years)
Going on vacation? Book your pet’s stay at Best Friends this summer, before we're booked up!
Share your photos and videos with us! Did you score a video of Sparky catching a fly ball while jumping into the pool? Did you snap a cute photo of Fluffy in a sleeping slumber? Send your best photos and videos of your pets to marketing@bestfriends.net for a chance to be featured.
