As dog parents ourselves, we know what it’s like to have to leave your pet when you go on vacation. It’s probably the worst part of travel, if we’re all being honest. Finding somewhere to trust with your furry best friend can be stressful. 

But! vacation dog boarding doesn’t have to be worrisome, we promise!

With the right facility, proper planning, and a pinch of prep work, we’ll have you jetting off on your holidays with confidence that your dog is happy, content, and enjoying a vacation of their own at their home from home.

Key Takeaways: Enjoy Vacay with Knowledge on Your Side  

• Booking early is essential for vacation dog boarding, especially during peak travel seasons like summer, holidays, and long weekends.
• Most boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations, health records, and sometimes a temperament assessment before a dog’s first stay.
• Choosing the right boarding option depends on your dog’s personality, energy level, and social preferences, not just room type.
• Preparing your dog with daycare visits or short overnight stays before you leave for an extended vacation can significantly reduce stress and improve their boarding experience.
• A successful boarding stay is reflected in your dog’s behavior post-pickup, including relaxed body language, normal eating, and calm rest.

Why Vacation Boarding is Worth Planning Ahead

Sadly, there are only so many rooms in a pet hotel, so it’s always worth booking as early as possible, especially ahead of peak seasons. These will always be worth booking ahead of time. 

Peak vacation seasons are:

• Summer vacation months of July/August
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas/New Years
• Spring break season 
• Long weekends such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day

Your city may also have some other peak seasons aligned with local festivals and events, 

but as with everything, it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment! 

What Counts as “Vacation Dog Boarding?”  

Typically, vacation dog boarding is any time your dog stays with us overnight; usually, this is two nights or more, but even a single night might be useful if you’re planning a quick overnight trip.

During these multi-night stays, your dog will enjoy a consistent daily routine depending on the package selected.  Your dog can also catch up on their beauty sleep, socialising, and even their looks with à la carte grooming services.

Common Requirements for Boarding  

Wag Hotels, like most vacation dog boarding facilities, require your dog to be up to date on vaccinations and be behaviorally sound. This is for their safety and ours. We have the following requirements, which will be verified at check-in.

1. Minimum Vaccination Requirements

• Rabies
• DHPP
• Bordetella

Most of these are legally required for a dog anyway, but we always double-check that our dog friends are coming in and are not posing a risk to other dogs or us. More information can also be found in our dog daycare policies.

In addition to core vaccination requirements, we strongly recommend Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) and Leptospirosis vaccinations. These illnesses can be transmitted through common canine interactions and environments, making prevention an important part of your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. While we maintain rigorous cleaning and sanitation protocols throughout our hotels, vaccinations provide an added layer of protection and help support the health and safety of all pets in our care.

A Note on Puppies 

Puppies are welcome at Wag Hotels after they’ve completed their vaccinations and are through the incubation period recommended by their veterinarian. 

 Behavioral Considerations  

Sadly, human-aggressive dogs and dog-aggressive dogs may not be a good fit for overnight boarding. If your dog is able to be boarded, there may be strict requirements in place to set everyone up for success. 

If your dog shows aggressive behavior, it may be something that we recommend you work with a specialist or behaviorist before the dog is allowed to come to us.

How to Choose the Best Boarding Option for Your Dog 

At Wag Hotels, we are delighted to say that we offer a broad range of dog vacation boarding. All guests enjoy room service with up to three meals a day (yum!) and two one-hour play groups. Less social dogs can enjoy more solitary vacation stays by opting out of play groups and electing for morning and evening strolls instead. 

It’s of the utmost importance to us that we match our dog boarding guests and daycare goers for play style, size, energy levels, and manners. It’s always our goal to ensure all dogs are enjoying their play sessions. 

Our helpful dog daycare guides are a fantastic resource for learning about what goes on at daycare and during our play sessions

Preparing Your Dog for Boarding  

Having a well-trained, socialized dog is a great foundation for successful vacation boarding. Working on their listening skills and their loose leash walking will help make their stay even more pleasant for everyone involved.

We also recommend that our guests come for daycare at least once and enjoy a minimum of one overnight to familiarize themselves with the hotel and our caregivers. Plus, this helps us get to know your pup before they spend a holiday with us! 

This pre-vacation work positions us to give your dog the very best of care from day one of their stay and prevents that awkward “who’s that strange person giving me my dinner” moment we all hate. It also gives you peace of mind that boarding your dog will go smoothly while you’re enjoying your own vacation. 

Booking & Communication Best Practices While On Vacation  

If your dog is staying at Wag Hotels, that means you have access to them – from the mountains to the beach! With our mobile app, webcams, and the Wag Line, you can check in on your dog at your convenience to know that they’re well cared for and content. 

After Pickup: How to Assess if Boarding Went Well  

Every dog adjusts differently after returning home from boarding. While most dogs settle back into their normal routine quickly, some may need a little extra time to readjust after the excitement of a stay away from home.

It’s not uncommon for dogs to sleep more than usual, experience mild digestive changes, or exhibit temporary signs of stress as they transition back to their home environment. You may notice:

• Increased tiredness or extra naps

• Mild digestive upset

• Pacing, clinginess, or other temporary behavioral changes

These signs are often short-lived and resolve as your dog returns to their regular routine. If symptoms persist or you have concerns about your pet’s health or behavior, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.

At Wag Hotels, our goal is to make every stay as comfortable, enriching, and enjoyable as possible. From personalized care to plenty of attention and affection, our team is dedicated to helping each guest feel safe, happy, and right at home.

 FAQs  

How far in advance do I need to book boarding for dogs while on vacation? 

When it comes to dog boarding, booking as far in advance as possible is always best. Much like everything in the holiday space, the quicker boarding is booked, the easier your vacation or trip will go. 

What should I pack for vacation dog boarding? 

Be sure to bring your pet’s current vaccination records with you. Additionally, we allow you to bring a gallon-sized Ziploc bag containing your dog’s favorite toy. If you wish, you can bring their typical food from home for us to give them during their stay. Otherwise, we’re happy to provide complimentary food for your fur baby while you’re away.

What is overnight dog boarding drop-off like?

Our wonderful Wag Hotels team will be waiting to warmly welcome you at check-in! There, you will complete any necessary paperwork and verify vaccination records. Then, you’ll wish your dog a happy stay, give them their final cuddles and kisses before one of our trained caregivers shows them to their room.