Learn How PetsHotel Services Work for Pets

What PetsHotel Services Include

PetsHotel is a boarding and daycare facility operated by PetSmart that offers overnight lodging and daytime supervision for dogs and cats. Understanding what services are available can help pet owners determine whether this option fits their needs when they travel or need temporary pet care.

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The overnight boarding service provides a place for pets to stay when owners are away. Pets receive meals, fresh water, and monitoring throughout their stay. Different room types are available, ranging from standard accommodations to deluxe suites. Standard rooms typically include a bed and basic amenities, while deluxe options may feature additional space, premium bedding, and sometimes climate control features. Cats and dogs are usually housed in separate areas to reduce stress and maintain appropriate care standards.

Daycare services allow pets to spend time at the facility during business hours without overnight lodging. During daycare, pets interact with staff and may have opportunities for supervised play with other animals, depending on the pet's temperament and the facility's assessment. Pets return home with their owners at the end of the business day.

Additional services at many PetsHotel locations include grooming, training sessions, and playtime activities. Some facilities offer webcam monitoring, allowing owners to view their pets during the day through a secure online connection. Feeding schedules can often be customized to match a pet's home routine, and staff may administer medications if needed.

Practical takeaway: Before booking, contact your local PetsHotel to ask about specific services available at that location, current pricing, and any special amenities offered, as offerings can vary by facility.

Understanding PetsHotel's Check-In and Check-Out Process

The check-in and check-out procedures are designed to gather necessary information about each pet and ensure a smooth transition into the facility. Knowing what to expect can help pet owners prepare properly and reduce stress for both themselves and their pets.

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When checking in a pet for boarding or daycare, owners typically arrive during designated hours and complete paperwork with staff. This paperwork includes basic pet information such as the animal's name, age, breed, and any medical conditions. Owners provide contact information and identify an emergency contact person in case they cannot be reached.

Staff members conduct a health screening to ensure the pet is well enough for the boarding or daycare environment. This screening may include checking the pet's temperature, observing behavior, and asking about recent illnesses or injuries. Many facilities require proof of current vaccinations, particularly rabies and bordetella (kennel cough), for dogs. Current FVRCP vaccination records are typically required for cats. These requirements exist to protect all animals at the facility from contagious diseases.

During check-in, owners provide information about their pet's behavior, preferences, dietary needs, and any special instructions. Staff ask questions about whether the pet is comfortable around other animals, if there are any behavioral concerns, and how the pet typically responds to new environments. Owners should bring enough of their pet's regular food for the stay, unless the facility provides it. Medications, if needed, are documented and stored securely.

At check-out, staff provide updates on how the pet's stay went, including information about eating, behavior, and any activities the pet participated in. Owners pay fees at this time and may receive a summary report about their pet's time at the facility.

Practical takeaway: Prepare for check-in by gathering vaccination records, writing down your pet's behavioral quirks and dietary preferences, and bringing enough of their regular food to cover the stay. Arrive with plenty of time before the facility's closing time to complete paperwork without rushing.

Vaccination and Health Requirements

PetsHotel facilities have specific health and vaccination requirements that all pets must meet before boarding or attending daycare. These policies exist to maintain a safe, healthy environment for all animals at the facility. Understanding these requirements in advance helps owners prepare and avoid last-minute scheduling problems.

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For dogs, the most commonly required vaccinations are rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), and bordetella (kennel cough vaccine). Rabies vaccination is required by law in most states and is documented with an official certificate. The DHPP vaccine protects against four serious diseases and is typically given as a series of shots during puppyhood, followed by booster shots. Bordetella vaccination is a separate vaccine that protects against kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory condition spread among animals in close quarters. Most facilities require these vaccinations to have been given within a specific timeframe, often within the past year, though some may require more recent administration.

For cats, the core vaccines typically required are FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) and rabies. These vaccines protect against serious feline diseases that spread easily in multi-cat environments. Like dogs, cats should have current documentation of these vaccinations.

Beyond vaccinations, facilities often require a statement that the pet has not been exposed to contagious diseases within a recent timeframe, often 14 days before the scheduled stay. Pets with symptoms of illness—such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or discharge from eyes or nose—are typically not accepted for boarding or daycare. Some facilities perform additional health screening during check-in, including temperature checks and observation of the pet's physical condition.

Flea and tick prevention is another common requirement. Pets should be current on flea and tick treatments before arrival. Some facilities require proof of heartworm testing for dogs, particularly in regions where heartworm disease is common.

Practical takeaway: Schedule a veterinary visit at least two weeks before your planned PetsHotel stay to ensure all vaccinations are current and documented. Contact your specific PetsHotel location to learn its exact vaccination timeline requirements, as these may differ from general standards.

Pricing and Payment Information

PetsHotel pricing varies based on several factors, including the pet's size, the type of room or service selected, and geographic location. Understanding the pricing structure can help pet owners budget for pet care services and compare options with other boarding facilities in their area.

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Overnight boarding costs typically range from $35 to $100 or more per night, depending on room type and location. Standard rooms are generally less expensive than deluxe accommodations. Deluxe rooms may cost $20 to $40 more per night and often include features like premium bedding, larger spaces, or additional amenities. Size matters in pricing—small dogs or cats may cost less than large dogs. Some facilities charge different rates for cats and dogs, with cats sometimes priced lower.

Daycare pricing is usually structured as a daily rate, often ranging from $20 to $60 per day depending on location and facility. Multi-day packages or monthly memberships may offer discounts compared to per-day pricing. Some locations offer reduced rates for multiple pets from the same household.

Additional services such as grooming, special playtime packages, or training sessions incur separate fees. Grooming services can range from $25 to $100 or more depending on the pet's size and the type of grooming performed. Webcam monitoring, if offered, may have a small daily fee or may be included with certain room types.

Payment is typically due at check-out, though some facilities may accept payment at check-in or allow advance payment. Most PetsHotel locations accept credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes other payment methods. It is worth asking whether your facility accepts insurance payments or offers any discount programs through memberships or loyalty programs.

Practical takeaway: Call or visit your local PetsHotel's website to view current pricing for the specific services you need, and ask whether any package deals or discounts are available. Compare rates with other facilities in your area to understand the local market and make an informed choice.

Preparing Your Pet for Their First Stay

Preparing a pet mentally and physically for a PetsHotel stay can reduce anxiety and help ensure a positive experience. Many pets handle boarding better when owners take steps to acclimate them to the new environment and routine beforehand.

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Before the scheduled stay, consider visiting the PetsHotel location with your pet if possible. A brief tour can help your pet become familiar with the space, smells, and sounds of the facility. Meeting staff members in a low-pressure setting can help your pet associate the location with positive experiences. Some facilities