Swirly and Friends Blog

5 Tips to Prepare for Pet Boarding or Daycare

Written by Andrew Lee | 16/09/23

Are you planning to send your pet for boarding or daycare? Prep early so that your pet has a smooth and stress-free experience. 

Here are five tips to help you get ready
1. Health
2. Food and Medication
3. Familiar Things
4. Emergency Contact
5. Insurance

1) Health

Make sure to notify the pet hotel about your pet's health, including any pre-existing medical conditions, dietary restrictions, and medications your pet is currently taking.

Make sure to provide proof of your pet's latest vaccinations, such as rabies, distemper, and Bordetella, to ensure that your pet and other pets in the facility are protected from any contagious diseases.

Most pet hotels are strict about the safety and well-being of all pets under their care. There might be temperature checks, flea and tick treatments, and regular cleaning and sanitization of the facility.

Ensure your pet meets all the minimum requirements before checking in. Failure to meet these requirements may result in denial of entry for you and your pet, which can be inconvenient and stressful for everyone involved.

2) Food and Medication

Pack enough food and medication for your pet's stay, clearly labeling them with your pet's name and providing detailed instructions.

PRO TIP: Place food, medication, familiar things and 
whatever neccessities in a bag with your pets name.

Detailed instructions on how to store, the combination, the feeding times, and the amount too. If food needs to be cooked, heated up, or served 30 minutes after a walk, list that in the instructions and when you drop your pet off.

While there is no one-size-fits-all diet, some boarding places do provide freshly cooked food or kibbles. This is fine if your pet is not picky and has an iron-walled stomach.

Remember that different pets have different dietary needs and preferences. Some prefer kibbles, others canned wet food, and some raw.

3) Familiar Things

Some boarding places provide standard furniture and supplies. However, we still recommend packing your pet's bed, toys, blankets, and anything that would have a sense of familiarity with home.

PRO TIP: Any items that can help provide comfort and reduce 
stress for your pet are recommended, such as your exercise
clothes that are sweaty and smelly.

4) Emergency Contact

Best if this contact is not going on the same trip as you. The nearer your contact is to the boarding place, the better. 

Always notify the staff if there are any changes to your plans.

5) Insurance

There is always a risk of getting sick or being injured, even at home. So when there are additional factors like a different place, interactions, or changes and separation, you have to take into account that risk.

Getting insurance is always advisable.

Conclusion

Preparing your pet for boarding or daycare is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

By following the tips mentioned above, including notifying the pet hotel about your pet's health, packing enough food and medication, bringing familiar items, providing an emergency contact, and considering insurance, you can ensure that your pet has a happy and comfortable stay while you're away.

Remember to prioritize your pet's well-being and take the necessary steps to make their time at the pet hotel as enjoyable as possible.

If you want more information or have any questions, feel free to engage further and explore our other blog posts on pet care and boarding tips.