Getting ready for an out-of-town trip? Ensuring a successful boarding stay for your pet starts long before you drop them off. Here’s the secret: a few steps taken ahead of time can help your dog or cat settle in quickly, so they spend more time relaxing, and you spend less time worrying while you’re away.
For a pet, boarding in a new place means adjusting to a routine that feels different from home. There are new friendly faces to greet them and fresh smells to explore. With a little preparation before arrival, that first day can feel less like stepping into the unknown and more like settling into a safe, familiar place.
“Helping your pet get acclimated to a new environment helps create happy memories and positive associations before a longer boarding stay,” says Dr. Clay Hellner, Chief Veterinary Officer at Pet Paradise + NewDay Veterinary Care. “This can reduce their stress, leading to an even more fun and enriching experience!” Translation: preparation leads to more tail wags!
A lack of experience in new environments can trigger fear in pets, according to the Animal Humane Society. And it’s not just dogs with a known anxiety diagnosis who might get nervous. Many pets can get nervous simply because they’re unfamiliar with a new place or routine. That’s why gradual introductions and positive experiences before boarding can make all the difference.
“Set your pet up for success while you are away by easing their transition into boarding, especially if it’s their first time,” says Dr. Hellner. “Introducing your pet to the boarding environment beforehand helps them feel more secure. If your best friend suffers from separation anxiety, they may need additional preparation before their stay.”
A little preparation can go a long way. Let’s explore some tips to help your pet feel more confident and comfortable during their stay:
- Visit before boarding. Visiting a new facility 3-4 times before a multi-day boarding stay is a good rule of thumb, according to Dr. Hellner. “Based on your pet’s needs and personality, the number and type of visits may vary, but getting to know a new place gradually can help ease stress. At Pet Paradise, both our expert resort staff and NewDay Veterinary Care team can help acclimate your pet to our boarding facilities.”
- Try a “happy visit.” For nervous pets, begin with short, stress-free visits to the boarding facility. The goal is to help your pet get comfortable with the new environment in small doses. A happy visit might be as simple as stopping by to let your dog sniff around outside or walk through the lobby. Over time, these brief introductions can help your pet recognize the sights, sounds, and smells of a space without feeling overwhelmed. And if you’d like to learn more about Pet Paradise, our team is always glad to give pet parents a tour.
- Check out day camp. Playtime is nature’s stress reliever. When you book day camp at Pet Paradise, your pet will get to know us and make new friends in a fun, safe way! Whether they prefer the excitement of group play or the attention of one-on-one time, we tailor each experience to their personality. Between activities, they can relax in a private suite, just like the one they will enjoy while boarding. Plus, with our One Free Stay or Play program, your pet’s first day OR night is completely free. If you choose One Free Play, their first day of camp is on us.
- Plan a sleepover. Prefer to give your pet an overnight trial run? A cozy night away helps them get comfortable with the sights, sounds, and smells of a new environment before a longer stay. Sleepovers are a purr-fect choice for cats (since day camp is beneath them, anyway). If your pet has never stayed at Pet Paradise before, consider using One Free Stay for a free night of boarding. Remember, with One Free Stay or Play, the choice is yours! Your pet’s first night of boarding OR day of camp is free.
Book Like a Pet Paradise Pro
Your pet’s perfect stay is just a reservation away! Use these insider tips to help your pet have the best experience while you’re away:
- Reserve in advance. Trust us, your pet doesn’t want to hear “sorry, we’re booked” any more than you do, especially during holidays and busy times. When you book early, you can relax knowing you planned ahead, and your pet has a suite waiting just for them.
- Pick the perfect suite. Not sure which kind of suite to select for your pet? We have options to suit each pet’s unique personality. If you’re unsure, our team can help you choose the best fit, which may mean selecting a cozier space to help your pet feel more secure. Experts say dogs love the security of their own den. The American Kennel Club notes that “enclosed spaces create a shelter for your dog to rest and relax,” and that “dogs instinctively seek small spaces to create protective shelters for themselves.”
- Make check-in a breeze. Our handy Boarding Check-In Guide walks you through everything from what to pack (and what to leave at home), to which vaccines your pet needs, and more! Be sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date before their stay. It’s not just required, it keeps all pets safe and healthy. If your pet needs to update their vaccines, your local NewDay Veterinary Care team can help!
- Follow the fun with Furever Connected. Get daily photos and updates while you’re away so you can see your pet having fun and know they're in great hands.
- See your pet any time with a VIP Suite. With access to your own 24/7 private pet monitoring camera, a VIP suite allows you to check on your best friend anytime, from anywhere. You’ll also enjoy extras like ice cream, extra playtime, premium bedding, and more!
- Relax knowing your pet is safe and sound. At Pet Paradise, your pet’s safety is our top priority. From supervised playgroups to breed-specific standards and emergency preparedness, we’re ready for any situation. For more details, check out our Safety Guidelines.
Board with Confidence
With a little preparation, you’ll help your pet feel safer and more comfortable boarding while you’re away. Stop by your local Pet Paradise for a “happy visit” and a tour to get to know us, or take advantage of One Free Stay or Play to help them get settled in. While you’re away, you can relax knowing your pet is safe, loved, and having the time of their life. Here’s to a stress-free experience for both you and your best friend!
