The holiday season is a time for travel, family gatherings, and well-deserved relaxation—but for pet parents, it can also mean figuring out where your dog will stay while you're away. If you're looking for a safe, fun, and loving place for your pup, Dogtopia’s boarding services are a fantastic option. Whether you're away overnight or for a longer stretch, Dogtopia offers a stress-free environment where your dog will be treated like family. With our spacious play areas, caring staff, and plenty of activities, your dog will have a blast while you enjoy your holiday.
Here's what our dog experts suggest when it comes to preparing your pup for boarding.
Tip 1: Familiarize your dog using daycare
One of the best ways to prepare your dog for boarding at doggy daycare is to ease them into the environment with a few daycare sessions before their stay. We recommend bringing your pup in for at least three days of daycare before their boarding visit. This will help them get accustomed to our open-play environment, meet some new doggy friends, and learn that you will always come back to pick them up.
The extra benefit of daycare is that it gives the Dogtopia team a chance to get to know your dog and their unique personality. This helps the staff better understand your pup’s behaviors, preferences, and any special needs they may have, ensuring they get the best care while you're away.
Tip 2: Familiarize yourself with our protocols
Before your dog’s stay at doggy daycare, it’s important to familiarize yourself with our policies to ensure a smooth drop-off and pick-up experience. First, make sure you’re aware of the open and close times of your local Dogtopia in Portland. We ask that you arrive with your dog before 3 p.m. on their first day of boarding. However, dogs may be dropped off as early as we open. For safety reasons, we ask that all dogs be on a leash when you arrive in our lobby.
Another key requirement is ensuring that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. Dogtopia requires vaccinations for rabies, DHHP/DHLPP (also known as “distemper/parvo”), and Bordetella to ensure the health and safety of all dogs. It’s a good idea to check in advance and make sure your dog’s records are current, so you won’t run into any issues at drop-off. Lastly, make sure to provide emergency contact information—this ensures the staff can reach you (or someone you trust) in case of an emergency.
Tip 3: Make sure your dog has what they need
Packing for your dog’s stay at Dogtopia is an important step in making sure they’re comfortable and content for during their time away from you. We encourage you to bring your dog’s regular food to maintain their normal diet and avoid any digestion issues. In the event you forget, we do have in-house food for your convenience. Additionally, pack any medications your dog may take, along with clear instructions for the team on how and when to administer them.
If your dog has a special blanket or bedding, be sure to bring those along as well. Familiar smells and textures can make a big difference in helping your dog feel more at ease in the new environment, helping to create that feeling of home away from home.
Tip 4: Download the app
One of the best parts of choosing Dogtopia Daycare in Portland for your dog’s stay is the convenience of staying connected through our mobile app. With the Dogtopia app, you can easily book their overnight stays, as well as daycare and spa services. Once you have your profile set up, you can request appointments, review your upcoming schedule, and check your appointment history. You can also keep up to date with the latest news and access our webcams to watch your pup play with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever). This is a great way to get peace of mind while you're away, knowing that your pup is enjoying themselves in a safe and fun environment.
Book Your Dog’s Boarding
We will ensure that your pup feels happy, safe, and fulfilled, even when you can't be with them. Dogtopia will be their home away from home, where every day will feel like the Most Exciting Day Ever. Our top priority is to keep your furry family member safe and happy.
To book your dog’s Meet & Greet before boarding, please contact your local Dogtopia of Portland location.