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Your Dog's First 5-Star Experience at K9 Resorts

Things to Know Before You Book Your First Stay

Ready to give your best friend the ultimate luxury getaway? This guide makes your dog's first K9 Resorts stay stress-free. We'll ensure you and your pup are fully prepared for a comfortable, fun, and memorable experience. Let's make this first-time boarding a success!

Pre-Arrival: Your Dog's Stress-Free Transition

Preparing your dog for a stay at K9 Resorts is the first step toward a relaxing, fun experience for them. Our process is designed to be streamlined and stress-free, ensuring the transition from home to our luxury environment is as smooth as possible. Well-prepared dogs adjust quicker, play happily, and enjoy their time with our dedicated, caring staff. This guide walks you through essential steps, from necessary health checks to packing essentials, to ensure your pup kicks off their stay with ease.

We strongly suggest a short pre-boarding visit, such as a daycare session, especially for first-time guests. This allows your dog to meet our staff, complete a friendly play evaluation, and become comfortable with their new, exciting surroundings. A preliminary visit significantly reduces stress, helps your dog acclimate to our environment, and makes their drop-off and pick-up simpler for everyone. You can also schedule a tour without your dog to feel confident about their stay.

Small dog outside running towards camera with its tongue out
Dog and Owner preparing for drop off

The Countdown to Drop-Off: Health & Packing

For a safe and healthy environment, all guests must have up-to-date vaccinations verified by your veterinarian at least 10 days before drop-off. This includes Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Bordatella, and Canine Influenza. It’s a great idea to schedule your vet appointment a few weeks out to avoid any last-minute delays. Also, confirm your reservation details a few days before arrival and start packing your dog’s essentials, making sure their identification tags are accurate.

When packing, keep it simple! We provide premium comfort and hygiene with Kuranda beds and K9 CloudBeds™, so please do not bring bedding or fabric items. Pack any necessary medication with detailed instructions, your dog's leash/collar, and any desired rubber or plastic toys (no rawhides or fabric). While we supply and recommend premium Blue Buffalo food at no extra cost, you may bring your own food for a small fee. Try to maintain your dog's normal routine the day before their arrival.

Stress-Free Arrival and Joyful Reunion

On drop-off day, keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible, including meals and potty breaks, and plan to arrive on time. The check-in is quick and efficient because we gather most information beforehand. Our staff will briefly confirm details, answer any final questions, and make sure you feel comfortable. It’s important to stay calm and confident during this farewell, as your dog mirrors your emotions. Once you leave, our experienced team immediately begins integrating your pup into their fun-filled routine.

Pick-up day is centered around a smooth, happy reunion. Our flexible hours allow pick-up between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm, with a checkout time of 12:30 pm before a late fee applies. If anyone other than you is picking up your dog, please ensure they are an authorized contact on your account with a photo ID. After their stay, help your dog settle back in by slowly reintroducing water, food, and playtime.

Group of dogs seen through window

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Dog boarding is housing your dog at a facility outside of your home while you are away from your home for any period of time. K9 Resorts specializes in cage free luxury boarding for your dog, to ensure they are pampered while in our care.

  • Traditional boarding for pets many times includes concrete flooring, wire or metal cages or runs with little close interaction with (often inexperienced) staff. K9 Resorts wanted to change the stigma of the harsh "kennel" environment, and provide pets and their owners peace of mind knowing their furry family members were comfortable and well cared for. Our Luxury Suites and Executive Rooms are cage-free options for overnight stays. These are approximately 8'x8' and 5'x7' respectively-sized accommodations that allow for plenty of space for all sized dogs to board comfortable. Each accommodation comes with a Kuranda dog bed, feeding of our premium Blue Buffalo Sensitive house food and all activities included in the price. K9 Resorts also offers comfortable compartment options for dogs that are happier in a smaller space, or for puppies who are used to being crate trained at home. All of these top of the line luxury boarding options are available at every K9 Resorts hotel location.

  • Most pet care facilities do not provide overnight staff. 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.

  • Absolutely. As long as they are 100% people friendly, we can still board them and they will receive personal one on one playtime with our staff.

  • We virtually never experience issues while utilizing our in house diet. It is not normally recommended to switch a dog’s diet suddenly, however at K9 Resorts, we feature a premium all natural, veterinarian developed, sensitive stomach formula specifically created for dogs while in a boarding environment. Therefore, we strongly recommend utilizing our house diet, which is included with your dog’s stay. If your dog has allergies, or a medical condition that requires specific food, you are welcome to provide food from home, which we will gladly serve for a small additional fee

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