Secure Their Spot: Why Early Reservations for Dog Boarding Are Essential
An owner recently contacted me with a last-minute request to board her puppy. Though the timeline was tight, I did have space on her requested dates so I agreed, provided her dog was up to date on vaccines and had a negative fecal within the last few weeks, which she did. However, on the day of her acclimation stay, the puppy arrived with diarrhea and had to be sent home early. The owner managed to schedule a vet visit and obtain new fecal results, but it was only two days before her trip - insufficient time to treat the parasite she tested positive for. Consequently, the owner had to scramble to reschedule her travel and find alternative arrangements for her puppy.
This situation highlights the importance of planning ahead and booking boarding services for your dog well in advance. Reserving your dog's boarding spot early ensures their comfort and well-being, and also gives you peace of mind. So, let's delve deeper into why proactive planning and early reservations are essential for your furry friend.
Boarding services obviously have limited capacity, especially if you are searching for an in-home boarding or board & train option with a reputable, force-free trainer. A recent informal poll found that the average wait time for these services in the DC & Baltimore metro areas is two to four weeks, and as long as four to six weeks during peak seasons, holidays, and common vacation times when demand is high.
If your dog is boarding for the first time, most facilities will require a trial or acclimation stay of one to two nights, as well as a negative fecal test and proof of vaccinations. Scheduling these well in advance means not having to worry about them while you’re preparing to travel, makes it much more likely you will be able to reserve your preferred dates, and ensures that you have adequate time to complete these steps so that your pet stays in a comfortable and safe environment.
Even if you aren’t sure when you’ll be traveling, or ultimately you decide not to, it’s worth booking a trial stay. If nothing else, your puppy will have had the experience of staying somewhere else for a night, a skill that will be incredibly helpful in the future. Not to mention that you will have gotten a relaxing puppy-free night to yourself (date night anyone?).
Too often we have to turn away puppies that would otherwise be suitable for our boarding services because we are booked, or there is insufficient time to complete a trial stay or test and treat for parasites. The result is owners who have to scramble to find an acceptable option, which can lead to stress and anxiety, and who may have to settle for less ideal boarding options. Reaching out early also allows us to learn about your dog’s preferences, and to establish a relationship with you so that you can focus on your travel without worrying whether your puppy’s needs are being met while you are away.
Given the limited availability of boarding facilities, especially when demand is high, early booking is important. It enables you to select the ideal boarding option that caters to your dog's specific needs and meets your expectations. By starting the booking process in advance, you secure your spot, allowing you to plan your travel without the anxiety of uncertain accommodations for your loyal companion.
If you are preparing for an upcoming trip and need a safe and reliable place for your puppy, don't wait! Visit our Boarding page now to learn more and complete our intake form, the first step toward securing your dog's spot at Puppy Explorer Camp. Plan ahead and your puppy will receive the best care possible during your absence.