Dog hotels are not only convenient care stations but also promise a wonderful experience for your beloved pets. The promise is that as you travel around the world or take a break from routine, your dog also enjoys a memorable vacation. However, do dogs really like the experience at dog hotels?
Most dogs love dog hotels. The dogs get to play more at the hotel than at home. They receive more love, affection, and affection from humans since the dogs are under close and playful supervision most of the day. They exercise more, meet other dogs, and receive spa treatments.
If you’re considering sending your dog to a dog hotel, there are lots of details you need to factor in. Read on for the key concerns and benefits of dog hotels
Should I Put My Dog in A Dog Hotel?
Booking your dog into a dog hotel is quite often a less stressful option when traveling, both for the dog and the human. A dog hotel can be the ideal option when you have to leave your dog in the care of others.
Nonetheless, finding a safe and comfortable boarding option takes careful planning and research. Safety is key, and some of the most important factors to watch out for include:
- Security
- Noise
- Temperature control
- Chemical-free
- Pest-free (fleas, ticks, and bugs)
- Cruelty-free (most dog hotels are professionally staffed and use positive reinforcement methods free of cruelty)
Put your dog in a dog hotel if you:
- Don’t have a trusted dog sitter who has the time and is already familiar with your dog.
- Need long-term or regular care. For instance, if you know you’ll be traveling out of town for a few days each month then a dog hotel is a better arrangement than hiring a sitter.
- Can’t accommodate a sitter at your home or are not comfortable leaving someone in your house.
- Need more than someone to just walk and feed your dog. A dog hotel offers extra services such as grooming, training, and group socialization.
- Need video monitoring. Most pet hotels will have pup videos so you can monitor your dog’s stay remotely. They may also have pup phones where you can call your dog or video conference. You and your dog may feel calmer and more confident seeing and hearing each other.
Do Dogs Like Dog Hotels?
In the past, dog hotels were simply bare kennels offering basic meals and dog boarding. Today’s pet hotels are mostly luxury facilities and most dogs love their stay. Some of the services dogs enjoy while at a dog hotel include:
- Dedicated staff for optimal exercise and frequent play. There’s lots of activity with little room for boredom. Most dogs will have more play opportunities at the hotel than at home.
- Experienced dog trainers who use the latest and most effective dog-friendly methods. Whether you need basic command training or advanced protection training there’s likely to be a qualified trainer on staff.
- Professional groomers with the trendiest skills.
- Tasty and nutritious meals and treats.
- Supervised and safe socialization with other types of dogs, pets, and humans.
Do Dogs Feel Abandoned When Left in A Dog Hotel?
Dogs can be playful and curious around new people and a new environment. They can also be anxious, scared, temperamental, and feel abandoned when cast in strange surroundings. The key to happy and comfortable dogs at a dog hotel is the welcome and treatment the dogs receive when they arrive and during their stay.
If you have time to plan ahead, consider a trial run for your dog, preferably in your presence. Spend at least half a day with your dog at your preferred dog hotel. Walk your dog around the premises in the areas where the dog will spend most of its time. Let your pet get acquainted with the grounds, the kennels, the staff, and the other pet residents.
If you can accomplish more than one trial run, start leaving your dog with the staff for longer periods. If you can’t do a trial run, try and spend some minutes walking your dog around the dog hotel before you leave. The more familiar the place seems, the faster your dog will settle in and like the place.
If your dog loves the place and the sense of adventure, they won’t feel abandoned. If you simply deposit the dog and rush off, your dog might miss your company and feel abandoned.
Ensure you don’t make a big fuss when saying goodbye. Avoid being nervous as your dog can pick up on your emotions and sense that all is not well.
Nonetheless, with proper staff care, they can still make your dog feel comfortable and welcome after you’ve left. To avoid the feeling of abandonment, you need to ask about the personalized services and attention your dog will receive. Some ways to avoid the feeling of abandonment include:
- Begin your search well in advance, so you have time for trial runs. Also, dog hotels are scarce in some areas and can fill up fast during holidays if you don’t book early.
- Ask your dog park friends and neighbors where they take their dogs. If your dog finds familiar dogs it may ease their sense of abandonment.
- Ask how and when your dog will be exercised. Dogs need regular physical and mental stimulation. Walks in a new environment could be stimulating and your dog may soon forget your absence.
- Ask the staff about emergency measures, pet first-aid, and insurance coverage. If your dog gets hurt or ill during your absence this may trigger separation anxiety.
- Drop in unannounced and check the condition of the kennels and the staff to dog ratio.
- Exercise your dog before booking them into the hotel. A tired dog may hardly notice your absence and will be easier to control if they get out of hand. A well-exercised dog is often more receptive to strangers and new environments.
- Pack a small doggy suitcase with a few of your dog’s favorite toys. You may even add in their food and water bowls plus their favorite chew toys.
- Alert the staff of any special diets, favorite foods or treats, and normal diet.
