How a Pet Hotel Works: Everything Pet Parents Should Know
Pet hotels are specially designed facilities that provide
overnight boarding and
daycare services for pets, most commonly dogs and cats. These hotels aim to offer comfort, safety, and entertainment for pets while giving peace of mind to their human companions.
What Services Do Pet Hotels Offer?
Most modern pet hotels, like PetSmart’s PetsHotel, include a wide range of services catered to the well-being and care of dogs and cats:
- Overnight boarding in rooms, suites, or private cottages.
- Doggie daycare featuring supervised play and interaction.
- Regular feeding and administration of medications if needed.
- Daily exercise and playtime to keep pets active and happy.
- Individual care and attention from trained specialists.
- Sanitized, indoor environments for safety and hygiene.
- Veterinarian on-call 24/7.
- Pawgress Reports to document daily pet activities.
Safety and Cleanliness
Ensuring a secure environment is a top priority. Pet hotels provide:
- 24-hour staffing with trained pet care specialists.
- Security systems like cameras and keypad entry doors.
- Individual identifiers such as ID collars for all pets.
- Strict health protocols including vaccination, flea, and tick controls.
Pet Accommodations and Amenities
Accommodations vary based on a pet’s size, temperament, and owner preferences. Options include:
- Standard atrium rooms and luxury suites for dogs.
- Private “Kitty Cottages” for feline guests, with separate ventilation systems.
- Elevated cots and TVs playing animal-themed programming for dogs.
Additional amenities include:
- “Bone booth” phone services for pet parent calls.
- Treat time with dog-safe ice cream.
- Bedtime stories and special snacks.
- Group or individual play sessions.
- Grooming and salon services.
- Training camps and holiday-themed activities.
Requirements and Check-In
To ensure a healthy environment, pet hotels enforce strict criteria:
- Dogs and cats must be at least 4 months old.
- Vaccinations required include rabies, DAPP, and Bordetella.
- Pets are checked for flea and tick control.
During check-in, staff members will:
- Review vaccination records.
- Discuss special dietary or medical needs.
- Collect care instructions and emergency contacts.
Boarding Capacity and Facility Layout
Pet hotels like PetsHotel can accommodate over 200 animals. Rooms and play areas are designed to:
- Allow multi-pet families to stay together if compatible.
- Provide several rooms, suites, and kitty cottages to reduce stress and increase comfort.
- Use multiple playrooms for supervised exercise.
Pricing
Pricing for pet hotels is generally based on the type of accommodation and chosen amenities:
- Dog rooms start at $15 per night.
- Luxury suites may cost $41+ per night.
- Cat boarding ranges from $12–$14 per night.
- Day Camp: $20–$25 per session.
- Add-ons (treats, playtime, etc.): $3–$16.
Preparing for Your Pet’s Stay
To ensure a smooth experience, pet owners are encouraged to:
- Bring their pet’s own food, toys, and bedding.
- Book early for holidays or peak times.
- Take a tour of the hotel before checking in their pet.
Conclusion
A pet hotel offers more than just a place for your furry friend to sleep. With a focus on
safety, comfort, and engagement, pet hotels deliver personalized care so pets feel at home even when they’re away.
