The holidays are a joyful time filled with family, fun, and travel — and at Playful Pups Retreat, we’re here to ensure your dog enjoys a wonderful vacation of their own while you’re away. Our team takes pride in making every pup’s stay as comfortable, safe, and enjoyable as possible.
To help you prepare for your dog’s overnight boarding stay during the busy holiday season, we’ve put together a simple guide to make check-in smooth and stress-free for both you and your furry family member.
- Prepare Vaccination Records in Advance
To keep all our guests safe, we require current vaccination records to be submitted at least two weeks prior to your pup’s stay. This ensures our team has time to review and confirm that everything is up to date. Records can be sent via email or directly uploaded through your online portal.
💡 Tip: Avoid last-minute stress by checking your dog’s vaccination due dates early, especially around the holidays when vet offices get busy.
- Ensure Your Dog’s License Is Current
Per Pennsylvania Dog Law Enforcement Bureau, all dogs must be properly licensed through the state. Please make sure your dog’s license is current before drop-off. This is an important state requirement and part of our commitment to responsible pet care.
- Bring Your Dog’s Regular Food
Keeping your dog on their usual diet helps prevent tummy troubles during their stay. Please bring:
- Their normal food, pre-packaged in individual bags for each meal with the exact portion you feed at home.
- Any special meal additions your pup enjoys, such as pumpkin, yogurt, green beans, or other favorites.
- If your dog eats fresh or frozen meals, we have refrigerators and freezers available for storage.
Maintaining familiar feeding routines helps your pup feel at home — and keeps their belly happy!
- Pack a Few Comfort Items
You’re welcome to send two or three toys or chew bones to help your dog feel cozy and relaxed. While we do our best to keep track of all belongings, please avoid sending anything irreplaceable or of sentimental value, as items may occasionally go missing.
We’ll provide your dog with:
- A comfy raised cot
- Cozy blankets
- Fresh, clean bowls
Your pup’s comfort and safety are our top priorities.
- Check-In Day: What to Expect
When you arrive for your dog’s overnight stay, our friendly reception team will greet you and guide you through a smooth check-in process. One of our trained team members will:
- Take your pup for a potty break and help them get settled into their lodging suite.
- Review your dog’s health status, medications, and any new concerns.
- Confirm scheduled activities, such as play sessions, enrichment time, or special add-ons.
If you’d like to treat your pup to a little extra pampering, we can easily add:
- A bath or “poochie pedicure”
- Special holiday add-ons like our Thanksgiving Feast or Christmas stocking filled with toys and treats
Our goal is to make every stay memorable — and during the holidays, we like to sprinkle in a little extra Christmas magic!
- Preparing for Pick-Up Day
Before you head out, we’ll review your pick-up time and confirm any final details. If your dog is scheduled for a bath or grooming service before heading home, we’ll make sure they’re fresh, clean, and ready to greet you with happy tail wags.
- Get More Lodging Tips and Resources
For detailed information on how to prepare for your dog’s overnight boarding stay — from what to pack to how to choose the best care environment — download our helpful guide:
👉 A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Pet Care Facility for Your Dog
It’s a free, in-depth resource designed to help you make the most informed and confident decision for your pup’s lodging experience.
A Final Thought
We know how much your dog means to you, and we’re honored that you trust us to care for them during the holidays. Our entire Playful Pups Retreat team is dedicated to making your pup’s stay safe, comfortable, and filled with joy.
If you haven’t yet reserved your dog’s holiday lodging stay, please don’t wait — space fills quickly this time of year. Contact our team today to learn more about our overnight lodging, dog daycare, and training programs, and let us help make your pup’s holiday stay truly special.
Written by Laurie Yost, owner Playful Pups Retreat
Laurie is the proud owner and founder of Playful Pups Retreat, celebrating 15 years of excellence in pet care. A lifelong dog lover, Laurie holds the highest PACCC certification (CPACO) and is trained in Pet First Aid and Fear Free practices. She is also the founder of Pitties Love Peace, a non-profit rescue helping dogs find safety and love. Above all, Laurie’s heart belongs to her own pack of dogs—and to the thousands of pups who have become part of the Playful Pups family over the years.