5 Tips For a Stress-Free Holiday Boarding Experience
If your holiday plans don’t include your pet, don’t feel guilty—let Firehouse Pet Resort be their home away from home! Our state-of-the-art, stress-free facility and caring team help every dog and cat feel like the guest of honor—because everyone, even pets, deserves a vacation.
As pet parents ourselves, we know how worrisome it can be to leave your pet in someone else’s care. Here are five easy ways to help your pet enjoy a stress-free experience and help yourself to greater peace of mind.
#1: Ensure your pet’s vaccines are up to date
Pet health and safety are our priority. That’s why we require all pet guests to be up to date on veterinary care, including check-ups, vaccines, and parasite prevention. If you’re unsure about your pet’s veterinary care or vaccine status, contact your regular animal hospital or preferred Firehouse Animal Health Centers location.
#2: Help us get to know your pet
Treating every pet like family begins with getting to know them like family.
If your pet is new to Firehouse Pet Resort, we’ll schedule a casual evaluation before their first stay. This simple meet-and-greet helps us ensure the Resort is a good fit—and more importantly, gives us a chance to learn what your pet loves (and what they don’t). It’s not just a friendly intro—it’s the first step in creating a stress-free experience and personalized care, tailored just for them.
For example:
- Does your pet need to eat four small meals a day? We’ll create a custom feeding schedule.
- Does your pup prefer the company of furry friends? We’ll discuss playtime options that allow them to run and romp with dogs of a similar size and temperament.
#3: Book a playcare or pre-boarding visit
Scheduling a half or full-day trial stay before your pet’s boarding reservation can help them acclimate to a new environment and reduce separation anxiety. This is especially important before your pet’s first time, but can also be a great transition for previous guests if it’s been a while since their last stay.
New to the Resort? Enjoy a complimentary playcare (daycare) visit before your first booking. Call our team for details.
#4: Know what to pack (and what to leave at home)
Packing for your pet’s stay should be simple and stress-free. At Firehouse Pet Resort, we provide cozy bedding, bowls, and plenty of toys—so you’re welcome to pack light. That said, a few familiar items from home can make your pet’s stay even more comfortable.
Feel free to bring:
- Medications or supplements (with instructions)
- Your pet’s regular food, if you choose not to use our in-house Purina meal plan
- Preferred treats
- A comfort item or favorite toy
No need to bring:
- A bed or favorite blanket (We’ve got enough to share)
- Food and water bowls
- Extra toys (We have plenty of toys and enrichment to go around!)
#5: Relax: Your pet is in good hands!
At Firehouse Pet Resort, every detail of your pet’s stay is designed with their comfort and well-being in mind. From check-in/drop-off to pickup, our knowledgeable pet-loving team is here to ensure a smooth, low-stress experience for both you and your pet. So go ahead and enjoy your holiday plans—we’ve got your best friend covered!
Beat the holiday rush: Book your pet’s stay now
Our holiday reservations are filling quickly. If your pet needs a place to stay this season, don’t delay—contact our friendly team to schedule your pre-booking evaluation, playcare trial stay, and holiday reservation. We can’t wait to meet your pet!