Is It Okay to Leave Your Dog at a Pet Hotel?
For many pet owners, traveling or being away from home brings up one common concern: who will care for the dog? Thankfully, modern pet hotels such as PetSmart PetsHotel provide a dependable option designed to ensure pets' safety, health, and happiness while allowing owners peace of mind.
What Is a Pet Hotel?
A pet hotel, particularly PetSmart’s PetsHotel, is more than just a boarding kennel. It offers overnight and daytime care tailored for dogs and cats alike. These facilities are located inside over 70 PetSmart stores across 24 states and are designed with animal comfort, entertainment, and safety at the forefront.
Safety and Supervision Measures
The PetsHotel facilities are committed to comprehensive care through various safety and monitoring strategies:
- 24/7 staffing by trained pet care specialists
- Veterinarian on-call 24/7
- Each pet wears a unique ID collar for accurate identification
- Video surveillance throughout the facility
- Secure keypad double-door entry system
Accommodation Options and Amenities
There’s a selection of boarding choices that range in space and luxury so pet parents can select what’s best for their dog’s temperament and needs:
- Atrium rooms for standard stays
- Suites of various sizes with premium add-ons
- Bedtime stories and music therapy
- TVs playing animal-friendly programming
- Elevated cots for comfortable sleep
- Calls from pet parents via the “bone booth”
Playtime and Socialization
One of the highlights of staying at PetsHotel for dogs is their ability to be active and social:
- Doggie Day Camp lets dogs play, socialize, and stay active under supervision
- Supervised individual or group playtimes
- Holiday-themed celebrations and photos
- Dog-safe soft serve treats and Kong toys
Health and Cleanliness Standards
Clean facilities mean healthy pets. All PetsHotel branches are indoor-only environments to minimize escape risks and exposure to the elements. Strict health requirements include:
- Vaccination checks (rabies, Bordetella, and DAPP)
- Minimum age of 4 months
- Flea and tick prevention mandatory
- Regular sanitization protocols
Accommodating Special Needs
Every pet’s needs are unique. That’s why staff review medical documents, special diets, and care instructions during check-in. They also administer medication per the owners’ labeled packages and are trained to respond to medical emergencies promptly.
Personal Touches and Comfort Items
To make the stay as comfortable and home-like as possible, owners are encouraged to bring:
- Favorite toys
- Own food for consistency
- Comfort items like blankets or clothing
Pricing and Booking
Prices are designed to accommodate various budgets:
- Standard rooms: start at $15/night
- Luxury suites: start at $41/night
- Doggie Day Camp: $20–$25 per session
- Cat boarding: $12–$14/night
- Add-on services: $3 to $16
Advance booking is highly advised, particularly during holidays. Flexible payment options, including installment plans for extended stays, are available.
Facility Tours and Parental Assurance
Pet parents can schedule a tour before booking to understand the environment and meet the staff. During their pet’s stay, they receive Pawgress Reports, detailed updates on daily activities, health, and behavior.
Can Multiple Dogs Stay Together?
If you have more than one dog, they can share larger rooms or suites, provided they are compatible and meet health criteria. This helps reduce stress from separation and makes the experience more enjoyable.
Should You Leave Your Dog at a Pet Hotel?
Based on the features and services offered by facilities like PetSmart PetsHotel, the answer is a confident yes. These establishments offer a well-rounded experience that caters to your dog’s physical, emotional, and health needs while ensuring they are safe and loved while you’re away. With trained staff, strict cleanliness policies, and plenty of stimulating activities, pet hotels can be a worry-free, caring alternative when you can't be home.
