Summer is one of the most exciting times of year for pups—longer days, more outdoor adventures, and plenty of playtime with friends! But with rising temperatures and booming seasonal sounds like thunderstorms and fireworks, it’s also a time when extra care is needed to keep our four-legged guests both cool and comfortable.
At Playful Pups Retreat, we take that responsibility to heart. Whether your dog is here for daycare, lodging, or training, we’ve thoughtfully designed our programs and facility features to ensure a safe, relaxing, and enriching experience—even on the hottest or noisiest of days. From splash zones and cooling gear to calming music and Fear Free care practices, everything we do is centered around your dog’s well-being.
Here is a list of 10 different ways our team goes above and beyond to beat the heat and ease anxiety, helping every pup in our care enjoy a summer filled with fun, comfort, and tail wags.
- Climate-Controlled Facilities – Both of our locations are fully air-conditioned to ensure a comfortable indoor environment, no matter how high the temps rise outside.
- Splash Pad & Splash Pools – Our Hershey Road location features an 800 sq ft Splashpad designed just for dogs! We also provide splash pools designed for dogs at both locations so pups can splash, wade, and cool off during outdoor play.
- Misting Machines – Outdoor misting fans help drop the surrounding air temperature by up to 20 degrees—keeping the play yards refreshingly cool.
- Cooling Gear – During playtime, we use cooling mats and collars from BAYDOG in addition to special cooling bandanas to help pups regulate their body temperature.
- Frozen Treat Options – Pet parents can add on a tasty Swell frozen gelato treat or a refreshing busy bowl packed with cool, delicious goodness to enhance their pup’s day.
- Care for Heat-Sensitive Breeds – Our team pays extra attention to short-nosed (brachycephalic) and heat-sensitive breeds, adjusting their activity levels and offering more rest breaks to keep them safe and comfortable.
- Fear Free Certified Care – With over 15 Fear Free Certified team members—including our entire management team—we’re trained to recognize signs of stress and anxiety in dogs and respond with proven techniques that promote calm and comfort.
- Soothing Sounds & Scents – We play calming canine music 24/7 for all our lodging and daycare dogs, and we use ThunderWorks calming pheromone spray in addition to essential oil sprays designed to ease anxiety.
- Comforts of Home – To help ease noise-related stress, we offer “TV Time” during the day—bringing familiar sights and sounds that mimic the comforts of home and help mask outside noises. We also have ThunderShirts on hand to provide calming pressure and extra reassurance to noise-sensitive pups.
- Cool, Comfortable Play Yards – Our team regularly sprays down the turf and play equipment throughout the day to keep surfaces cool and safe for paws. Many of our outdoor areas also feature covered sections that provide plenty of shade, giving dogs a break from the sun.
At Playful Pups Retreat, your dog’s safety, comfort, and happiness are always our top priorities—especially during the hot and hectic summer season. From cooling amenities and climate-controlled play spaces to stress-reducing practices grounded in Fear Free care, every detail is thoughtfully designed to help your pup thrive.
Whether they’re splashing on the pad, relaxing with a frozen treat, or enjoying TV time in our cozy suites, your dog is in loving, expert hands. If you’d like to learn more about our daycare, overnight lodging, or training programs, reach out to our team today. We’d love to welcome you and your pup into the Playful Pups Retreat family this summer!
Written by Anna Shank, Marketing Specialist at Playful Pups Retreat
Anna has been the driving force behind Playful Pups Retreat’s marketing efforts for the last year, having joined the team as their first full-time Marketing Specialist in May. At home, she enjoys the company of her two dogs—Frankie, a playful and food-obsessed pug, and Ricky, a Black Lab rescue who loves cuddles and laying in the sun. Anna’s passion for pets and marketing come together in her work at Playful Pups Retreat, where she loves sharing the stories and services that make the facility special.