Preparing your dog for their luxury stay at K9 Resorts is easy when you know what to expect. Our streamlined process makes boarding for dogs easy and stress-free, making the transition as smooth as possible.
Our dedicated K9 Resorts staff members have learned that well-prepared dogs adjust faster, play more, and kick off their stay with ease. This guide will walk you through the process, from pre-arrival to drop-off, and what to expect for boarding or daycare at K9 Resorts, with expectations for pick-up day.
K9 Resorts is the luxury dog boarding and daycare experience where trusted pet lovers go above and beyond to take care of your best friend. Let’s get started!
Essential Pre-Arrival Dog Boarding Preparation Countdown
10 Days Before Drop-Off
If your dog is a first-time visitor to K9 Resorts, we strongly suggest stopping by ahead of time for daycare or an overnight stay. This allows your pup the opportunity to meet our staff, go through a daycare evaluation to ensure they play nicely with the pack, and get comfortable in their new surroundings. This makes their longer stay with K9 Resorts much happier and less stressful for everyone.
By offering a pre-boarding visit, we can help your dog acclimate to our luxury environment and simplify the drop-off and pick-up experience. We also encourage pet parents to schedule a tour without their dog before boarding. This allows you to see the resort firsthand so you feel confident about your pup’s stay.
The following vaccinations must be up to date and verified with documentation from your veterinarian within at least 10 days before your dog’s boarding stay to allow for proper incubation and immunity development:
- Rabies
- Distemper/Parvo
- Bordatella (the intranasal method is strongly preferred)
- Canine influenza (bivalent preferred, required at most locations)
Ensure that your dog is free of fleas and ticks and up-to-date on preventative medication.
Pro Tip: Schedule your vet appointment 2-3 weeks before boarding to ensure all requirements are met with time to spare.
3 to 5 Days Before Drop-Off at K9 Resorts
Confirm reservation details so you are familiar with arrival and pickup times. Review any emergency contact information, special care instructions, and start packing your dog’s essentials.
Verify the accuracy of your dog’s identification tags to confirm everything is correct.
1 Day Before Your Dog’s Boarding Stay
Try to keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible as you prepare for drop-off the day before.
What to Pack:
- Rubber or plastic toys, if desired (no fabric toys, rawhides, or items that present a choking hazard). In order to maintain a safe and sanitary environment, we do not allow anything with fabric into the facility.
- Medication with detailed instructions
- Your dog’s food is not required. K9 Resorts provides and recommends premium Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach dog food, specially formulated for dogs in a boarding environment, at no extra charge. If you prefer to bring your own food, we can accommodate that for a small additional fee.
- Treats from home if desired.
- Your dog’s leash and collar or harness (note: however you normally walk or leash your dog is what to bring)
What Not to Bring:
- Bedding, blankets, or fabric items (for hygiene reasons).
- K9 Resorts supplies Kuranda beds in luxury suites and comfort mats in compartment accommodations. Select luxury suites also feature our exclusive K9 CloudBed™, premium vegan leather beds with memory foam designed for therapeutic comfort and maximum relaxation. Upgraded beds are available by request.
What to Expect On Drop-Off Day
On drop-off day, keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible for morning potty breaks, meals, and driving to the K9 Resorts dog boarding facility. Ensure that you arrive on time so we can review everything with you.
Drop-off should only take a few minutes since we’ve already collected the information needed to check your dog in quickly and safely.
Our staff will still take the time to:
- Answer any additional questions
- Verify the information on file
- Make sure you feel comfortable before saying a calm, reassuring “see you soon.”
Once you leave, our team immediately begins integrating your dog into their routine.
Tips for a Stress-Free Drop-Off Experience For First-Time Boarding Dogs
- Consider a Pre-Boarding Visit: Schedule a daycare session one to two weeks before your dog’s boarding stay. This helps them become familiar with our facility, staff, and routines, and reinforces that you return to pick them up.
- Practice Short Separations: Practice leaving your dog with friends, family, or for short daycare sessions to build confidence in your absence.
- Maintain Normal Routines: Keep your dog's schedule as normal as possible in the days leading up to boarding. Avoid introducing new foods to avoid upsetting their stomach.
- Managing Your Anxiety Your Energy Affects Your Dog: Dogs pick up on your stress. Stay calm and confident during drop-off, and your dog will mirror your emotions.
- Trust the Process: Our experienced staff has assisted thousands of dogs in adjusting to boarding. K9 Resorts makes things fun so your dog doesn’t feel stressed throughout their stay.
Pick-Up Day Made Easy
Pick-up day is all about making the reunion smooth and joyful for you and your dog.
- Flexible hours: Dogs may be picked up anytime between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm, but specific arrangements can be made with staff at your K9 Resorts location. Note: The check-out time is by 12:30. You are welcome to pick your dog up after that, but a “late check out fee” will be charged.
- Authorized Pickup: If someone else is picking up your dog on check-out day, please add them to your account as an authorized contact. They’ll need photo ID on pick-up day.
- Reacclimate: After their fun-filled stay at K9 Resorts, help your dog transition smoothly to their routine by slowly introducing water, food, and play time. Learn more about pick-up day by visiting our FAQ page.
Frequently Asked Questions for First Time Stays
What does a typical day look like at K9 Resorts?
- Wake up
- Outdoor elimination break
- Housekeeping (room cleaning and refresh)
- Room service breakfast
- Play time: All day group play or one-on-one personal playtime x4 sessions (includes outdoor elimination breaks)
- Room service dinner
- Outdoor elimination break
- Turn down service, tuck in, and lights out
What if I forget something important for my dog?
We have supplies on hand and can accommodate most forgotten items.
Does my dog need to be neutered or spayed to board with you?
No, unless your dog is participating in daycare. If so, they must be spayed or neutered by 10 months of age.
Is someone present overnight with my dog?
Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with video surveillance and protected by a central station alarm and a fire system at all times. In order to maintain a stress-free environment and promote a restful night, we do not have staff exploring the facility overnight. Most dogs are asleep before we lock up, and we tend to wake them upon arrival in the morning. Our staff is here from approximately 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Do you have web cameras available to monitor my dog?
Although we do not offer webcams, our staff is happy to provide updates via phone or email upon request.
Do the eating habits change for some dogs while boarding?
Some dogs are less excited about eating on the first day, while others eat just fine. This may be due to excitement or mild anxiety. We monitor each guest closely and will contact you with any questions or concerns.
Are all accommodations the same at K9 Resorts?
K9 Resorts offers accommodations that fit your dog’s lifestyle and needs. Pet parents may choose from luxury suites, executive rooms, or traditional compartments. We guarantee a high level of care, whether your dog prefers open spaces, a snug space, or something in between.
What does K9 Resorts do for air quality?
At K9 Resorts, we rely on state-of-the-art Aerapy Animal Health UV air cleaning systems to kill germs and microorganisms, helping to prevent the spread of airborne diseases or illnesses.
Fun fact: Aerapy Animal Health’s UV disinfection technology kills more than 99.9% of tested viruses and bacterial pathogens, including kennel cough, canine influenza, canine distemper, and more.
What if I have other questions about K9 Resorts?
Call, visit, or email your local K9 Resorts location or visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for further information. For additional peace of mind, see the “Why Choose Us” page for details about our award-winning pet care services.
Where can I learn more about K9 Resorts in my area?
For specific information about individual locations, use the “Find a Local Resort” feature on our website.
Ready to give your dog the luxury vacation they deserve? Contact your local K9 Resorts to book your reservation and prepare for an award-winning boarding experience.