Blog How to Spot a 5-Star Dog Hotel and Avoid the Duds

People with dogs sometimes have to travel and leave their pets at home. Even those who rarely travel or typically take the dog along need a backup plan if they must be away for an hour, a night, or a week. A Dog Hotel is one of the best pet care options, ensuring your dog’s needs are met while giving you peace of mind as an owner.

The number of options makes choosing the right one challenging. A priority is keeping your dog happy and safe while you are away. Not all dogs belong in a dog hotel.

Those who do better with a pet sitter-

• Display reactivity or aggression to people or dogs they do not know
• Scared or timid around a lot of unfamiliar people
• Prone to isolation distress or separation anxiety
• Uncomfortable in new environments
• A compromised immune system or not up-to-date with vaccinations (dogs or young puppies with certain medical conditions)

Dogs best suited for a dog hotel-

• Get along well with people and other dogs
• Unafraid of meeting new people and dogs, and well-socialized
• Neutered or spayed
• Comfortable in new environments
• Have a healthy immune system and be up-to-date on vaccinations

Dog hotels are popular partly because their rooms are generally cheaper than pet sitters’. If a pup shows signs of anxiety, only natural methods are used.

What Makes a 5-Star Dog Hotel?

A 5-star dog hotel is more than just a place for your pet to stay; it’s a luxury pet resort that offers an exceptional experience for both dogs and their owners. These top-tier facilities go above and beyond to ensure every dog feels like a VIP. Here’s what sets a 5-star dog hotel apart:

• Luxurious Accommodations: Expect spacious, well-appointed rooms that give your dog a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. These rooms often have cozy bedding, climate control, and even entertainment options to keep your pet happy.
• Attentive Service: The staff at a 5-star dog hotel is trained to provide exceptional service and attention to detail. They ensure that every dog receives the care and attention it deserves, making it feel like a genuine family member.
• Amenities: From spas and pools to exercise areas and playrooms, 5-star dog hotels offer various amenities to keep dogs entertained and active.
• Hospitality: A warm and welcoming environment is a hallmark of a 5-star dog hotel. The hospitality industry standards are upheld, ensuring dogs and their owners feel at ease.
• Safety and Security: Strict safety and security protocols ensure the well-being of every dog. These include secure play areas, regular health checks, and emergency procedures.

Research and Reviews

When selecting a dog hotel, doing your homework is crucial. Reading reviews from other pet owners can provide valuable insights into the quality of service and care a hotel offers. Here’s how to go about it:

• Cleanliness and Hygiene: A clean and well-maintained facility is essential for dogs’ health and well-being. Look for reviews that mention the hotel’s cleanliness.
• Staff Qualifications: Ensure the hotel has trained and experienced staff who are trained to care for dogs. Reviews often highlight the professionalism and expertise of the staff.
• Amenities: Consider what amenities are necessary for you and your dog, such as exercise areas, spas, or pools. Reviews can give you a sense of what to expect.
• Overall Reputation: Check online review sites like Yelp or Google to see what other pet owners say about their experiences. Positive reviews and high ratings are good indicators of a reputable dog hotel.

Tips for Pet Owners Choosing a Dog Hotel

Some high-end pet resorts include features owners find to be luxury. For example, they may provide facials, nail painting, and chandeliers. Examining the basic package some dog hotels offer, sadly, results in dogs being housed and given exercise breaks.

Ideally, a high-end dog hotel allows dogs to run in fresh air and offers amenities. Having bags packed, your hotel booked, and your passport ready leaves finding a trustworthy luxury dog hotel. It is a multi-faceted process.

Take Tours in Advance

Some dog hotels may appear to be more convenient than others. You want a dog hotel that prioritizes a dog’s well-being and comfort, and as an owner, you should look for red and green flags during your search. A professional, reputable dog hotel has no problems with owners visiting the facility, meeting the staff, and asking questions.

The hotel should allow seeing where dogs play and where food is prepared. Turn tail if not allowed to visit the facility. A well-run dog hotel with nothing to hide eagerly shows you everything. Be leery of a dog hotel that does not require immunization records, appears disinterested in dogs, or seems overbooked.

Because a dog hotel presents some potential stress due to rotating staff through the day and night, smells and sounds of other dogs, possible interaction with other dogs, and the change in environment, a dog hotel or spa that offers dog daycare, like Very Important Paws, is an excellent choice.

The first-time visit allows a dog to become familiar with the staff and other dogs, then leave at the end of the day. Dogs anticipate pleasant things in that environment and suffer less stress during an overnight visit.

Checklist of Features and Other Amenities to Look for

A dog hotel should look and smell clean. Unpleasant odors are not a good sign; choose another hotel. Lousy lighting and ventilation can endanger your pets. Look for both when shopping for a dog hotel. The temperature should not be too cold or warm to prevent the furry friend from coming down with an illness or cold. These features not only ensure the well-being of your pet but also provide peace of mind for the owner.

A quality staff member appears compassionate and not rude. They need the proper knowledge and training to take care of pets properly. Pets have suffered injuries when handled by staff with no training. There should be an outdoor area for dogs to run. It should be secure, clean, and safe.

If a dog hotel cares for different animals, ask if cats and dogs are housed in the same area. Housing dogs and cats and exposing them to each other in one area may not be good. Avoid facilities housing cats and dogs together.

Regarding cost, ‘you get what you pay for.’ Cost is a factor, but it should not be the top priority. Shop around for a well-maintained facility with a trained and loving staff. Factor these features into your decision before choosing the best dog hotel for your pets.

Staff and Training

The staff at a dog hotel plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for your pet. Here’s what to look for when evaluating the staff:

• Qualifications: Look for staff with qualifications in animal care or related fields. This ensures they have the knowledge to care for your dog correctly.
• Experience: Consider the staff’s expertise in caring for dogs. Experienced staff are better equipped to handle various situations and provide high-quality care.
• Training: Staff must receive ongoing training and education to stay updated on the best practices in pet care.
• Staff-to-Dog Ratio: A low staff-to-dog ratio ensures dogs receive the attention and care they deserve. This ratio impacts the quality of supervision and interaction your dog will receive.

Ask About Daily Activities

A thriving dog hotel is a dog summer camp. Dogs should interact with other dogs (unless they prefer to be left alone), interact with employees face-to-face, and have frequent playtime. Regular, scheduled feeding with a portion appropriate for your dog’s weight and size should be provided during the stay.

Detailed itineraries may include:

• Water-based activities
• Hand-picked playtime groups
• Training exercises

These activities keep your dog engaged and reassure the owner that their pet is receiving high-quality care.

Many facilities, such as Very Important Paws, have sprinklers, hoses, toys, and a swimming pool for dogs to cool off on hot days. These are significant draws for owners of English Springer Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers that love water.

To ensure dogs get adequate exercise and enjoy their stay, dog hotels organize playtime sessions with groups of dogs based on energy levels, age, and compatibility. Dog hotels like VIP have staff who teach basic obedience skills to puppies and dogs needing to brush up on skills.

Pet Care and Interaction

A 5-star dog hotel should offer a variety of activities and interactions to keep dogs engaged and entertained. Here’s what to consider:

• Exercise: Regular exercise and playtime are essential for a dog’s physical and mental well-being. Look for hotels that provide ample opportunities for your dog to run, play, and explore.
• Socialization: Socialization opportunities, such as playgroups or dog parks, are essential for dogs that enjoy interacting with other guests. These activities help keep your dog happy and well-adjusted.
• Alone Time: Some dogs need alone time to relax and unwind. Look for hotels offering quiet areas or private rooms where your dog can have peace and quiet.
• Food: Nutritious food options are a must. Ensure the hotel offers healthy meals that cater to your dog’s dietary needs.
• Other Amenities: Additional amenities like spas, pools, and grooming services can enhance your dog’s stay. These features provide extra comfort and enjoyment, making the hotel experience even more special.

Considering these factors, you can ensure your dog enjoys a safe, comfortable, and engaging stay at a 5-star dog hotel.

Ask About Immunization Requirements

Proof of vaccination records prevents outbreaks of communicable life-threatening diseases like distemper, rabies, and parvovirus, among others. When a boarding facility asks for proof of vaccination, feel empowered to ask about:

• How the facility accommodates dogs with health conditions
• A veterinarian on staff
• Measures to ensure the health of the dogs

These measures ensure the safety and well-being of the dogs, providing peace of mind for the owner.

A dog with arthritis may require joint supplements at mealtime and frequent playtime breaks. If no veterinarian is on staff, the facility should work with local veterinary services if an emergency arises. Sanitation practices may include quarantining dogs with concerning symptoms, spraying communal play and walk areas, and regular dog crate cleaning.

A Test Run for the Dog

Some dog hotels offer a test run to assess whether a dog struggles with separation anxiety, the ability to play with others, and its temperament. The test run determines whether a dog suits the life at the facility and will thrive while you are away. A test run can help owners feel more comfortable leaving their pet at the hotel.

Green flags a dog enjoyed a dog hotel staycation include-

• Tired from a day of healthy interaction and playtime
• Linger to say goodbye to a caregiver
• No signs of stress like a stiff body, drooling, or excessive panting
• Free of scratches, cuts, and bruises
• Paws are free of feces and urine

Conclusion

Here is advice for choosing a dog hotel. The features to consider are:

• Cleanliness and safety
• Supervision and staff
• Comfort and accommodations
• Socialization and exercise
• Medication and feeding
• Additional services
• Policies and cost

A reputable dog hotel proudly shares its vaccination policies, pest control measures, and cleaning routine. To prevent the spread of illness, all pups should be up-to-date on vaccines against Bordetella, DHPP, and rabies.

High-end dog hotels, like Very Important Paws, offer services beyond basic care, such as personalized playtime, training, and grooming. These services may cost additional, but they enhance the stay and keep dogs engaged and happy.

Understanding the costs upfront helps you budget for the pet’s stay. Ask what is included in the boarding fee and additional charges. Familiarize yourself with deposit requirements and the cancellation policy.

Ease the dog into the experience with a trial visit or stay. Taking a favorite blanket or toy helps comfort the dog in your absence. A personal visit is recommended to observe the overall atmosphere, security, and cleanliness.

After research and a visit, trust your instincts. Choose a facility that makes you the most comfortable and meets our standards.

Contact Very Important Paws today in Palm Beach for all your dog boarding, hotel, daycare, grooming, and training needs.