How to Prepare your Dog for their Boarding Stay

Preparing your dog for a boarding stay can make a big difference in how quickly they settle in and enjoy their time away from home. At Pawtriotic Pet Hotel in Murrieta, we welcome dogs from Murrieta, Temecula and surrounding communities, and we've learned that a little preparation before check-in can help dogs feel more comfortable, confident and ready to have fun.

Visit the Pet Hotel Before Your Dog's Stay

Before your dog's first boarding stay, we encourage you to bring them along for a tour of Pawtriotic Pet Hotel. Our tours are available without an appointment, and bringing your dog gives them a chance to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the hotel with you by their side. They also get to see that they came in with their family and left with their family. When they return for their boarding stay, the environment is already familiar, which can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Make Drop-Off Calm and Simple for You and Your Dog

We know drop-off can be emotional for pet parents as well as their dogs. At Pawtriotic Pet Hotel, we usually recommend saying your goodbyes in the front of the hotel rather than walking your dog back to their room. Watching their family place them in a room and then walk away can create unnecessary anxiety. Instead, one of our team members takes your dog from the front and walks them back to their room. This allows our staff to become the reassuring person in that moment. We help them settle in, spend time with them, and let them know we'll be right back. A calm simple handoff can make the transition easier for both you and your dog.

If Your Dog Has High Anxiety, Talk to your Veterinarian

If your dog experiences high anxiety, we commend talking with your veterinarian before their boarding stay. Your veterinarian knows your dog's health and history and can determine whether medication or another approach may help them feel more comfortable during their stay. If your veterinarian does prescribe medication, please provide us with the medication and instructions at check-in. Our trained staff can administer medications as directed while your dog is staying with us free of charge.

Giving Your Dog Time to Decompress

When your dog arrives at Pawtriotic Pet Hotel, we don't rush them straight into a playgroup. We first take them to their individual rooms and give them time to settle in, explore their surroundings and decompress after saying goodbye to their family. Once they are comfortable, our staff can gradually introduce them to the play area and other dogs based on their temperament and comfort level. Every dog is different, so we let the dogs tell us when they're ready rather than forcing them into socialization too quickly. At Pawtriotic Pet Hotel, we keep our social playgroups small, typically no more than 4 to 6 dogs at a time.

Small, Carefully Matched playgroups

Before joining a social playgroup, each dog is evaluated to make sure they are comfortable around other dogs and to help us choose the right group for their personality and play style. At Pawtriotic Pet Hotel, our playgroups are kept small, typically 4 to 6 dogs, so our staff can closely supervise their interactions. Dogs who prefer not to socialize are welcome too. They receive one-on-one attention, playtime and bonding with our staff instead of being forced into a group where they may feel uncomfortable.

What to Bring for Your Dog's Boarding Stay

At Pawtriotic Pet Hotel, packing for your dog is simple. The Only items we ask pet parents to bring are their dog's food, any medications they may need, and a collar/harness and leash. For safety and emergency preparedness, every dog must have a collar/harness and leash accessible during their stay. We provide the rest, including beds, bedding, pillows, blankets, food and water bowls, and toys. Keeping personal belongings at home helps prevent favorite items from being misplaced, damaged or accidentally sent home with another family. Your dog will still have everything they need to be comfortable during their stay.

Keep Your Dog's Diet Familiar

We recommend that pet parents bring enough of their dog's regular food for their entire boarding stay. Keeping dogs on the same diet they eat at home can help prevent an upset stomach or diarrhea caused by a sudden change in food. If your dog's stay needs to be extended and their food runs out, just let us know. We can purchase the same food locally when available or we can provide our house food as another option. Our goal is to keep your dog's feeding routine as familiar and consistent as possible while they are away from home.

Take Care of Requirements Before Check-in

Before your dog's boarding stay, make sure their required vaccination records are up to date, and all check-in forms have been completed. Our forms help us learn about your dog before they arrive, including their likes and dislikes, personality, whether they are social with other dogs, and whether you would like them to participate in social playgroups. We also ask for permission before taking or sharing photos of your dog on social media, along with the required boarding waivers. Completing everything ahead of time helps make check-in quicker and gives our staff important information to help us provide the care your dog is accustomed to receiving at home.

Will I know how my dog is doing?

Absolutely. We know how important it is for pet parents to know how their dog is doing while they're away. We send daily photos of your dog enjoying their time in the playroom whenever possible. We also keep you informed about anything we notice during their stay, whether it's something minor or more serious. If your dog develops diarrhea, we notice a flea or tick, or another concern comes up, we'll contact you by text or phone. We'll explain what we're seeing, offer our recommendations, and talk with you about what you would like us to do. We believe you should always be kept informed about your dog's care.

What Should I Expect When My Dog Comes Home?

After a fun and active boarding stay, it's normal for some dogs to be extra tired when they get home. They may sleep more than usual, drink a little more water, or simply be excited to be back with their family. Some dogs may also experience a temporary upset stomach or diarrhea as they readjust to being home and return to their normal routine. Every dog responds differently. If you notice anything that concerns you or symptoms that continue or symptoms that continue or become more severe, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

A little Preparation Makes a Big Difference

Preparing ahead of time can make your dog's boarding experience easier for both you and your fur baby. At Pawtriotic Pet Hotel in Murrieta, our goal is to make every dog feel safe, comfortable and cared for while their family is away. Whether your dog loves playing with new friends or prefers one-on-one attention with our staff, we take the time to get to know them and care for them as an individual. We're proud to welcome families from Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Winchester and surrounding communities, and we look forward to making your dog's next boarding stay a happy one.