Pet hotel · 2 min read
Preparing your pet for their first stay at a pet hotel
A checklist for first-time boarders: what to pack, how to settle an anxious dog or cat, health requirements, and what to tell the hotel at check-in.
By PGH Team · Published
The first stay is harder on the owner than the pet. A little preparation in the week before makes the handover calm and the stay uneventful, which is exactly what you want.
Two weeks before
- Book. Hotels fill up around school holidays, Chinese New Year, Raya, Deepavali and Christmas. PGH confirms bookings on full payment in advance, so sort this early.
- Check parasite prevention. Flea, tick and mite prevention is compulsory on check-in at PGH. If your pet's monthly dose is due during the stay, give it before.
- Vaccinations and records. Bring the vaccination book. If your pet has a condition, get a note from your vet with dosing instructions.
- Consider a groom. A clean, mat-free coat is more comfortable for a stay. Stays over six nights at PGH include a free basic groom, so you can also have it done at the end.
What to pack
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Their usual food, measured for the whole stay plus a day | Sudden diet changes cause upset stomachs. PGH asks every guest to bring their own food. |
| Medication, labelled with dose and timing | Staff will follow written instructions exactly. |
| A blanket or t-shirt that smells of home | Familiar scent settles most pets faster than anything else. |
| One safe toy | A long-lasting chew for dogs, a small toy for cats. Nothing with loose stuffing. |
| Collar with ID | Even inside a secure hotel. |
Leave at home: bowls (provided), litter (provided for cats), treats in bulk, and anything valuable.
What to tell the hotel at check-in
Staff can only work with what they know. Mention:
- Feeding times and amounts, and whether your pet is a slow or fast eater.
- Toilet habits, including anything unusual.
- Fears: thunder, vacuum cleaners, other dogs, being picked up.
- Health history: seizures, allergies, old injuries, a sensitive stomach.
- Whether they can share play-zone time with other dogs.
- Your contact number and a second person who can decide on vet care if you cannot be reached.
Settling an anxious pet
Keep the goodbye short. Lingering tells your pet something is wrong. Hand over the blanket, confirm the pick-up time, and leave. If you want reassurance, ask for a photo update on WhatsApp after the first night.
For dogs, a walk before check-in burns off nervous energy. For cats, bring them in a covered carrier and let staff move them to the room without a fuss.
After the stay
Expect a tired, happy pet and perhaps one slightly loose stool from the excitement. Feed a normal dinner, keep the evening quiet, and they will be back to routine by morning. If anything seems off after 24 hours, call your vet and let the hotel know.
Ready to book? See rooms and rates at the PGH pet hotel.
Questions we get asked
- Should I do a trial night first?
- For anxious pets or very long trips, yes. A single night or a day-care session lets them learn the room, the smells and the staff before a two-week stay.
- Will my pet be sad while I am away?
- Most pets settle within a day once they learn the routine. Dogs that get play-zone time and cats with a quiet room usually eat normally by the second day. Ask for updates if it helps you relax.
- Can I bring my pet's bed?
- A blanket or small bed that smells of home helps. Avoid anything you would be upset to lose, and nothing with stuffing a bored dog might chew and swallow.
Written by
The PGH team
Groomers and hotel staff at Pets Grooming Hotel, Main Place Mall, Subang Jaya. These guides are based on what we see on the grooming table and in the hotel every week. They are general advice, not a substitute for your vet.
