Leaving your beloved furry friend at a small animal hotel can be a daunting experience, both for you and your dog. However, with the right preparation and some extra care, you can ensure that your pet feels at home during their stay.

Here are some helpful tips to make your dog comfortable and happy at a small animal hotel.

1. Choose the Right Small Animal Hotel

The first step to ensuring your dog feels at home is to carefully select a small animal hotel that aligns with their needs. Research and visit several facilities, assessing the cleanliness, staff expertise, and overall environment.

Look for hotels that offer spacious and comfortable accommodations, ample outdoor play areas, and a variety of activities to keep your dog entertained.

2. Familiarize Your Dog with the Hotel Environment

Before dropping off your dog at the small animal hotel, take a few visits to the facility together. Let your pet explore the surroundings and become familiar with the smells and sounds of the hotel.

This will help ease their anxiety and create a sense of familiarity when they stay there in the future.

3. Pack Comfort Items from Home

Dogs are creatures of habit and find comfort in familiar scents. Pack their favorite toys, blanket, and bedding to make them feel more secure and at ease.

The familiar scents will create a sense of home, providing a sense of comfort and reducing stress during their stay.

4. Provide Detailed Care Instructions

Ensure that you provide the small animal hotel with detailed care instructions for your dog. Include information about their feeding schedule, dietary requirements, medications, and any specific health conditions they may have.

This will help the hotel staff take the best care of your pet and make them feel more comfortable.

5. Maintain Your Dog’s Routine

Try to mimic your dog’s usual routine as closely as possible during their stay at the small animal hotel. Inform the staff about their regular daily schedule, including feeding times, exercise routines, and any special habits they may have.

Following a familiar routine will help reduce anxiety and make your dog feel more at home.

6. Provide Engaging Toys and Activities

Make sure to pack a variety of engaging toys and activities for your dog’s stay at the small animal hotel. This will help keep them mentally stimulated and entertained.

Puzzle toys, chew toys, and interactive toys can all provide hours of fun and help alleviate any boredom or anxiety your dog may experience.

7. Maintain Contact with the Hotel

While you may miss your dog during their stay at the small animal hotel, it’s important to maintain regular contact with the facility.

Some hotels offer services like live video streaming or photo updates, allowing you to check on your pet whenever you’d like. This can help put your mind at ease and ensure that your dog is doing well.

8. Provide Your Contact Information

Make sure to provide the small animal hotel with your updated contact information, including your phone number and email address. This way, they can reach you promptly in case of any emergencies or concerns.

Clear communication channels will help address any issues effectively and ensure your dog receives the best care possible.

9. Try a Trial Stay

If it’s your dog’s first time at a small animal hotel or if they are particularly anxious, consider arranging a short trial stay before a longer one.

This will allow your dog to get acquainted with the surroundings and will help them adjust better to their longer stay in the future.

10. Show Excitement and Positivity

Finally, when dropping off your dog at the small animal hotel, maintain a positive and upbeat demeanor. Dogs can sense their owner’s emotions, so if you are anxious or sad, they may pick up on it and feel more stressed themselves.

Show excitement and joy, reassuring your dog that the small animal hotel is a safe and fun place to be.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help make your dog feel at home during their stay at a small animal hotel.

Remember to choose a reputable facility, familiarize your dog with the environment, pack comforting items from home, and maintain contact with the hotel staff. By providing a sense of routine and engaging activities, your beloved pet will have a comfortable and happy experience at the small animal hotel.