Planning a vacation but worried about leaving your furry friend behind? At Pete & Macs Pet Resort, we understand that your first time boarding your dog can feel like sending your child to summer camp—exciting but a little nerve-wracking! The good news is that with proper preparation, your pup can have just as much fun on their “vacation” as you’ll have on yours. Here are five proven ways to ensure your dog’s first boarding experience is a positive one.
1. Schedule a Trial Run
Before committing to a long stay, consider bringing your dog in for a short visit or a single day of daycare. This gives them a chance to meet our staff, explore the environment, and get comfortable with the sights, sounds, and smells of our facility. Many dogs who seem anxious at first quickly discover that Pete & Macs is actually a fun place to be! A trial run also gives you peace of mind, knowing that your dog has already had a positive experience with us.
“We always recommend a daycare visit before a longer boarding stay,” says our lead caretaker, “especially for dogs who haven’t spent much time away from home. It’s amazing how quickly most pups adjust when they realize they get to play with new friends all day!”
2. Pack Familiar Items From Home
Dogs find comfort in familiarity. Bringing their favorite bed, blanket, or toy can make a world of difference in helping them settle in. These items carry your scent and remind them of home, creating a sense of security in their boarding suite. At Pete & Macs, we encourage pet parents to bring these comfort items—just be sure to label them with your name!
A well-loved plush toy or that slightly smelly blanket they always curl up with might seem insignificant to us, but for your dog, these familiar scents are like carrying a piece of home with them. This simple step can dramatically reduce anxiety during their stay.
3. Maintain Their Regular Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency. Before boarding, share your dog’s regular feeding schedule, exercise habits, and any special routines with our staff. At Pete & Macs, we do our best to maintain your dog’s normal schedule to minimize disruption.
If your dog is used to a morning walk followed by breakfast, then an afternoon play session, let us know! The more closely we can match their home routine, the more comfortable they’ll feel. This is especially important for dogs who might be sensitive to changes in their environment.
4. Update Vaccinations and Share Health Information
Ensuring your dog is up-to-date on all required vaccinations isn’t just a boarding facility policy—it’s protection for your pet and others. Schedule a vet check-up before their stay to confirm they’re in good health and all vaccinations are current.
Equally important is sharing detailed information about any medical conditions, allergies, or behavioral quirks. Does your dog need medication at specific times? Are they allergic to certain treats? Do they get anxious during thunderstorms? The more our team knows, the better we can care for your special pup.
“We once had a guest who forgot to mention their dog was afraid of brooms,” recalls one of our caretakers. “Once they told us, we made sure to sweep when their pup was outside playing. Those little details make a big difference!”
5. Project Confidence When Saying Goodbye
Dogs are incredibly intuitive and pick up on our emotions. If you’re anxious or upset when dropping them off, they’ll sense something is wrong. While it’s natural to feel a twinge of sadness when saying goodbye, try to keep the drop-off positive and upbeat.
A quick, cheerful goodbye sends the message that everything is normal and there’s nothing to worry about. Lingering or showing distress can actually increase your dog’s anxiety. Remember, they’ll be in good hands with our experienced staff who genuinely love animals and are trained to provide excellent care.
Many pet parents report that their dogs are so busy playing when they return that they barely acknowledge them—a sure sign of a successful boarding experience!
Making the Most of Their Stay
At Pete & Macs Pet Resort, we offer various enrichment activities to make your dog’s stay extra special. From playtime with other dogs to one-on-one attention from our staff, your furry friend will have plenty to keep them happy and engaged. Consider adding on a grooming session so your pup comes home looking and smelling fresh, or a training refresher to keep their skills sharp.
Remember that boarding can actually be beneficial for your dog’s social development. They’ll meet new dogs, interact with different people, and experience new situations—all in a safe, supervised environment.
With proper preparation and a positive attitude, your dog’s first boarding experience can be the beginning of a wonderful relationship with Pete & Macs. They might just start getting excited when they realize where they’re going for their next “vacation”!
We look forward to welcoming your furry family member to Pete & Macs, where every dog is treated like our own.
