Going on vacation is an exciting adventure for humans, but it can also be a wonderful time for your dog! Preparing your pup for their stay at BARK U, a premier dog boarding and daycare facility, can be a breeze with a little organization. We want your dog to have a blast while you’re away, and we’re here to help every step of the way!
Stress-Free Boarding Experience at BARK U
At BARK U, we believe that boarding should be a fun and enjoyable experience for your dog. With engaging playgroups, interactive activities, and plenty of love from our staff, your pup will have the time of their life! To ensure everything goes smoothly, here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your dog or puppy’s stay with us.
Before Your First Stay at BARK U:
- Confirm Your Reservation: Double-check that your dates and times are just right! We can’t wait to welcome your pup!
- Vaccination Check: Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. This helps us keep everyone safe and healthy!
What to Pack for Your Pup’s Adventure:
- Meals:
- We want your pup to enjoy every meal while staying with us, ensuring they stay energized and ready for play! Please bring their meals pre-portioned in individual baggies—this guarantees they receive exactly what they need and allows us to focus on their fun and care. If you prefer, we also offer house food for an additional cost ($5/meal for portions under two cups, or $8/meal for portions over two cups). This can be conveniently added to your reservation during booking or at check-in. Reusable bags are welcome, and we’ll ensure they’re returned at the end of your pet’s stay.
- Wet Food/Frozen Food:
- For those bringing wet or frozen food (such as Farmers Dog or Ollies), there’s no need to pre-portion it into AM/PM meals—simply provide the packaging, and we’ll handle the rest!
- For pups that tend to be picky eaters (especially when they are away from home!), we recommend packing their favorite yummies to mix in with their kibble. Do not pre-mix these in with their food; we will do that at dinner time! Topper examples include:
- Unopened canned wet food
- Plain, cooked chicken or turkey in pre-portioned, labeled bags. Don’t worry, we can refrigerate!
- Low-sodium broths in unopened containers
- Pre-packaged toppers come in a variety of flavors and are commercially available
- Medications: If your dog takes any regular medications, we’re happy to administer them! Please bring medication in its original container properly labeled. Do NOT put supplements or powders in pre-portioned meal bags. These will be taken out and will be store separately away from the food.
- Yummy Treats and Chews: We love spoiling your pup with treats! Feel free to bring their favorite goodies. For long-lasting chews, we recommend Antlers, Hooves, Bully Sticks, and Bones. Remember, we have plenty of toys and treats available too!
- Cuddle Item:
- Puppy Lounge: Puppy’s may have their crate bedding or a towel from home.
- Cozy Lodging: Feel free to bring 1 cuddle item to make their stay cozier.
- Premium Lodging: Dogs are welcome to have 2 cuddle items
- Penthouse Lodging: Dogs enjoy unlimited cuddle items.
**Don’t forget to review our approved Cuddle Items list for the best options.
What Not to Pack:
Leave scoops, bowls, large dog beds, and soft toys at home! Scoops and bowls can easily get mixed into ours, and soft toys can be shredded, and we want everyone to go home with all the things they arrived with in one piece! Large beds simply don’t fit into the rooms with the dogs.
On the Day of Check-in
- Check Your List: Make sure you’ve uploaded all vaccine records and packed everything your pup needs for their stay.
- Know Our Hours: Check our lodging pick-up/drop-off times so you arrive when we’re ready to welcome you!
- Bring Your Dog: Be sure not to miss this step ☺
- Review Information: Share any allergies or medical conditions with our reception team. We’ll confirm feeding, medication dosages and timings too!
- Add Extra Fun: Explore additional services like our athletic enrichment, snuggle package, meal enrichment plan, and yummy desserts! If these items are not included in your dog’s stay, be sure to add them to make the experience unforgettable!
- Relax and Enjoy: Head out knowing your pup is in great hands having a blast with us!
- Stay Updated: Receive adorable photo updates every few days! You can also call to check on your dog anytime during office hours.
Our dedicated staff is always here to answer any questions and support you in making or adjusting bookings. We hope this guide makes organizing your pet’s stay easy and effective, ensuring a joyful boarding experience for both you and your dog at BARK U!
If you’re ready for your dog to join the BARK U pack register here and request a temperament assessment. To learn more about our exciting services, visit us online or call us at 215-486-2200 today!