Getting Ready for Your Furry Friend's Stay: Tips for Preparing Your Dog for Boarding with Harfields Pet Retreat

Harfields Pet Retreat is the perfect place to leave your furry friend while you're away on holiday. However, leaving your dog while you go on holiday can be stressful for you and your fur baby. This is especially true if it is the first time you have left them. 

At Harfields Pet Retreat, we want to make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible for you and your dog. 

This blog will provide tips and advice on preparing your dog for boarding with us.

- Viewings and Visits with Your Dog are Welcomed and Recommended -

At Harfields Pet Retreat, we encourage you to bring your dog for a viewing of our facilities before booking a stay. This allows your dog to become familiar with the surroundings and get to know our team of professionals. A visit will also let you see that we are all dog lovers and have small dogs ourselves, so we know the unique needs and challenges of a little dog.

A visit also allows you to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have. Additionally, we welcome and recommend bringing your dog for a visit before their stay, as it helps them to become familiar with the environment and feel more comfortable when you leave them with us.

- One-Night Stays are Encouraged -

We understand that leaving your dog for a longer period can be stressful, which is why we encourage a shorter stay first. 

We recommend your dog stay with us for a night or two before their main boarding stay. This short stay helps to acclimate your dog to the new environment and to our team. In addition, this stay at our boarding kennels lets your dog understand that you will be returning for them and helps them feel less anxious about being away from home.

The more short stays your dog has with us before a longer holiday, the better, both for your dog and for you, as it will allow you to relax knowing that your dog is not only safe and secure whilst you are non your holiday but that they are also in a place where they will be comfortable, and happy with lots of attention and human interaction.

- Blankets and Beds from Home are Accepted -

We understand that dogs have unique preferences when it comes to comfort, which is why we encourage you to bring a blanket from home. 

All dogs have favourite toys and bedding, and whilst your dog may be denied their favourite spot on the sofa for a week or two, they can still bring their favourite bedding, blankets, or toys.

Bringing your dog's bedding from home helps to make our luxury suites even more comfortable for your furry friend, making it seem familiar and easier for them to settle in. 

We also recommend bringing your dog's favourite toys or items, as this helps to make the environment feel more like a home from home for your furry friend.

- Let us have Detailed Information about Your Dog's Needs -

All dogs have unique personalities. We find that the smaller the dog, the bigger the personality! 

To ensure that your dog receives the best possible care during their stay, we ask that you provide us with detailed information about their needs. This includes information on their dietary requirements, what treats they like, any medication they are taking, their exercise needs, and any behavioural issues we should be aware of. By providing us with this information, we can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and attention while they are staying with us.

It goes without saying that all our dog guests have all of their basic needs, such as food, medication and exercise, attended to. But what really makes the difference for your furry friend is ensuring that all of their additional quirks and personality traits are taken into consideration. So let us know what treats they like. Do they enjoy playing fetch, or do they prefer a bit of tug of war? Maybe they just like having some attention and pampering. Are they nervous of men etc. As much information as you can give us on what makes your small dog unique the happier they will be during their stay with us.

- Say Goodbye to Your Dog with Confidence -

We understand that saying goodbye to your furry friend can be an emotional experience. However, remaining calm and confident is important when leaving your dog with us. Dogs are sensitive to our emotions and can pick up on any anxiety or stress we may be feeling. By remaining calm and confident, you can help ensure your dog feels safe and secure in their new environment. 



So if you are going to shed a tear or two (don't worry, you won't be the first), it's best to wait until your dog is safely settled in their suite and you’re back in your car.

- Conclusion -

By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your furry friend has a happy and comfortable stay with us. Additionally, you can go on your holiday with the peace of mind that your furry friend is not just safe and secure but also happy and relaxed.

- About Harfields Pet Retreat - 

Harfields Pet Retreat was founded by Molly and Tom, who, after many years of being unable to find suitable accommodation for their toy poodles while they went on holiday, felt that there was a need for a boarding kennel that catered specifically for small-medium dogs.



When your dog stays with us, they are treated as a guest and are housed in heated luxury suites and have a television for company. In addition, the suites are soundproofed so your little dog can get the peace and relaxation they need and cannot hear other dogs, which can be a cause of stress.

Additionally, your dog will have lots of human interaction, play and exercise while staying at Harfields Pet Retreat.

If you're interested in boarding your furry friend with us, please call us to learn more about our services and schedule a viewing. We look forward to welcoming your furry friend to Harfields Pet Retreat!