1. ENOUGH FOOD FOR THE WHOLE STAY (PLUS A LITTLE EXTRA) This is the one people underestimate the most. Pack your dog's regular food, pre-portioned if you can, with two or three extra meals just in case your trip runs long or a flight gets delayed. Sticking to their normal food matters more than you think. A sudden diet change on top of a new environment is a fast track to an upset stomach, and nobody wants that, least of all your dog. If they eat a specific brand or have a feeding routine, bring it exactly as they get it at home. Label the container with their name and feeding instructions so there is zero guesswork. Pro tip: portion each meal into its own bag or container. It makes feeding simple and accurate, and it means your dog gets the same amount they would at home. 2. ANY MEDICATIONS, CLEARLY LABELED If your dog takes medication, supplements, or anything on a schedule, pack it with clear written instructions. Include the name of the medication, the dosage, the timing, and how they like to take it. Some dogs will swallow a pill in a spoonful of peanut butter without blinking. Others treat pill time like a wrestling match. Tell us which one you have. Always pack a few extra doses beyond your return date. Trips get extended. It is better to have too much than to run short. 3. PROOF OF VACCINATIONS Most quality boarding facilities require up to date vaccination records, and for good reason. When dogs are playing and socializing together, keeping everyone current on their shots protects the whole group. Save yourself the last minute scramble. Confirm your dog's vaccinations are current well before your trip, and have the records ready to send over or bring with you. If anything is close to expiring, get it handled a week or two in advance so there are no surprises at drop off. 4. A COMFORT ITEM FROM HOME A new environment is easier when something smells like home. A favorite blanket, a worn t shirt of yours, or a beloved toy can do wonders for a dog settling into a stay. You do not need to pack their entire toy box. One or two familiar items is plenty. Just know that toys sometimes get loved a little too hard or wander off in the chaos of group play, so leave the irreplaceable, sentimental stuff at home. Bring the comfort item you would not be heartbroken to see come back a little more chewed than it left. 5. YOUR DOG'S ROUTINE AND QUIRKS, WRITTEN DOWN You know your dog better than anyone. The people caring for them want to know what you know. Does your dog get nervous during thunderstorms? Are they a counter surfer? Do they need a slow introduction to new dogs, or are they the first one in the pool? Is there a specific word that means it is time to settle down? Write it all down. The little details are what turn a good stay into a great one. When the team knows your dog likes belly rubs but not having their paws touched, or that they get the zoomies after breakfast, they can give your dog the kind of personalized care that makes them feel at home. 6. UPDATED CONTACT INFO AND A BACKUP PERSON Make sure your boarding facility has the best way to reach you while you are away, especially if you are traveling somewhere with spotty service or a big time difference. Just as important: give them a local emergency contact. Pick someone who can make a decision on your behalf if you are genuinely unreachable and something comes up. It is the kind of thing you hope never matters, and the kind of thing you are glad you set up if it ever does. 7. A PLAN FOR THE GOODBYE (AND THE HELLO) Here is the part nobody talks about. The drop off is often harder on you than it is on your dog. Keep goodbyes short and upbeat. Dogs read our energy, and a long, anxious, drawn out farewell can actually make them more unsure. A confident, breezy "have fun, see you soon" tells your dog that everything is fine. Then hand them off and go. Within minutes, most dogs are off sniffing, playing, and making new friends. And plan the reunion too. Your dog is going to be thrilled to see you, full of stories they cannot tell you and probably a little tired from all the fun. Give them a calm evening to settle back in, and enjoy that happy, worn out post boarding glow. THE EASIEST SUMMER PREP OF ALL: CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE A checklist makes the packing easy. But the single biggest thing you can do for your dog's summer stay is choosing a place you actually trust. At The Ark Pet Spa and Hotel, boarding is not a kennel and it is not an afterthought. It is a real hospitality experience for your pet. Spacious suites, supervised indoor and outdoor play, pet cams so you can check in from wherever your vacation takes you, and a crew that treats your dog like the family member they are. We have been doing this for Orlando families since 2006, and we take the trust you put in us seriously. While you are relaxing on your vacation, your best friend gets a vacation of their own. And if you want to add a little extra fun to their stay, ask about a day pass to Dougie's Dog Bar right next door. Summer is our busiest season, so the smart move is to book early. Lock in their dates before the calendar fills up, run through this checklist a few days before you leave, and head out of town knowing they are in the best possible hands. The Ark Pet Spa and Hotel 1965 W. New Hampshire St., Orlando, FL, in the Packing District 407-777-2710 | arkpethotel.com Ready to book their summer stay? Reach out today and we will take care of the rest.

If you caught us on FOX 35, welcome — we're glad you're here. We're two businesses with one mission: giving Orlando's dogs (and their people) the very best. Here's a little more about who we are, what we do, and a special offer just for you.