Pet Boarding FAQs
Whether your pet stayed with us for boarding, daycare, grooming, surgery, or a dental procedure, it’s common for pet owners to notice a few changes once their pets return home.
Many of these behaviors are completely normal and temporary, but we wanted to answer some of the most common questions we receive so you know what to expect.
“Oscar is acting like he's starving! Did he get fed while he was there?”
Absolutely! Pets staying with us overnight are fed either the food provided from home or our high-quality food if none was brought. Some pets may eat a little less than normal while away from home due to excitement, changes in routine, or a new environment. Because of this, it’s common for them to seem extra hungry once they return home.
For daycare and grooming guests, pets are not typically fed unless they are puppies or have specific medical needs. After a full day of activity, many dogs head home with a big appetite!
Pets who have had surgery or dental procedures are also fasted the morning of their procedure for safety reasons, so it’s very normal for pets discharged same day to be ready for a meal afterward.
"Bailey drank a whole bowl of water when she got home. Was she allowed to drink water while she was there?"
Yes — all pets have access to water during their stay with us.
Some pets may drink a little less water than usual while away from home due to excitement, changes in routine, or being in a new environment. Because of this, it’s common for them to drink more water once they return home and feel relaxed in their familiar surroundings.
"Fido was really tired and slept the entire evening after I brought him home. He seemed worn out!"
A tired pup usually means they had a fun and active stay!
Between playtime, walks, social interaction, and all the excitement of being in a busy environment, many pets are more active here than they are at home. Because of this, it’s very common for them to come home ready for a long nap and a good night’s sleep. Most pets return to their normal energy level within 24 hours.
“Maggie’s stool is loose. Has she been having diarrhea while there?”
Mild loose stool after boarding, daycare, or travel is fairly common in pets, even when they were completely normal during their stay. Excitement, changes in routine, stress, increased activity, or extra treats can all contribute to temporary digestive upset.
If your pet develops diarrhea while staying with us, our team monitors them closely and contacts you if treatment or further care is needed. One advantage of boarding at a veterinary hospital is that medical attention is readily available if concerns arise.
We also take cleanliness and parasite prevention very seriously. Boarding areas are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and we maintain strict parasite screening requirements to help protect all pets in our care.
While mild stool changes can happen occasionally, please contact us if diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours, becomes severe, or if your pet seems lethargic, stops eating, or begins vomiting.
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