Preparing Your Dog for Boarding

Our Lodge is a wonderful, comfortable place for your pet to spend a holiday. To assure that your friend receives the best care possible, you must fulfill your side of the partnership by properly preparing for boarding.

10 Days in Advance [back to top]

Proof of Vaccines
Make sure that you have written proof that all of your pet's vaccines are current.

We REQUIRE that the following vaccines have been given withing the past 12 months:

Rabies
Distemper
Parvovirus
Hepatitis

This vaccination is recommended, but not required:
Bordatella

PLEASE NOTE - bordatella vaccines must NOT be given withing 10days of boarding. If you arrive with a fresh nasal bordatella (less than 10 days old), your dog will NOT be allowed to board with us for their safety as well as the safety of all our other guests.

Health Certificate
If your dog is not an Illinois Resident, please note: The State of Illinois requires that all dogs brought into Illinois must be accompanied by an oficial health certificate which must issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry. We MUST have a copy of this certificate for our records prior to boarding.

Medications
Be sure that you have enough medications to last the entire boading stay, if your pet requires them.

Heartworm medication. Will heartworm medication be required while you are gone? PLEASE do not give your pet heartworm medication early because you will be gone. Bring your heartworm medication, and we will be happy to administer it at no additional charge.

Contact us in advance about administering any medications that are not given orally.

1 - 2 Days in Advance [back to top]

Prepare and assemble your check-in information
Assemble the following information, which will be required when you check in:

*Your itinerary, in case we need to contact you.
*Names and phone numbers of at least two emergency contacts.
*Your veterinarian's name, phone number, after-hours number, and address.
*Any pertinent medical information about your pet, such as allergies, seizures, or other special health concerns.

Check-in Form
Fill out the check-in form (click here to access form). You may e-mail us the form, or print it and bring it with you when you check in. Preparing the form in advance will significantly speed up the check-in process. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FORM IS NOT A REQUEST FOR A RESERVATION!

Food
Be sure that you have enough food for the boarding period. This is a good time to read our section on Cuisine, if you have not already done so. (Please contact us for special arrangements for long term stays).

Need more food? Click here to visit PETsMart.com (allow 3-5 days).

Pack

Pack for your friend's holiday, including food, treats if desired, medications, toys, bedding, and so on.

Toys: Feel free to bring a variety of toys and chews to amuse your dog; however, WE DO NOT ACCEPT RAWHIDE, COW HOOVES, PIG EARS, or FRESH RAW CHEW BONES of any type in our facility. We have a wide selection of safe, reasonably priced toys and bones available for purchase in the Lodge gift shop for your convenience.

Bedding: We provide comfortable, "chewproof" raised style dog beds in each suite. However, many dogs have their own bed or find it comforting to have a blanket, rug or old sweatshirt that "smells like home" to sleep on. You may bring these articles. Be aware that dogs may react differently in a boarding situation and chew articles that they do not chew at home. We recommend that you do not bring their "best" blanket, but rather an older item that will not matter if destroyed by your dog. We cannot guarantee the condition in which bedding items will be returned. We also offer very inexpensive bedding for purchase in the Lodge gift shop.

The Day of Arrival [back to top]

Allow Time to Check In
Be sure to allow enough time for check-in. We do not suggest dropping off your pet "on your way to the airport". Our pets, especially dogs, are very sensitive to our moods and feelings. If you are feeling stressed and upset due to worry about rushing to catch a plane, your friend will arrive at the Lodge agitated and concerned. Click here to see our check-in times.

Feeding
DO NOT FEED YOUR DOG within 4 hours of check-in time. This is an exciting experience for your pet. Having eaten recently will cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or worse.

Relax
Your pet is in very capable and loving hands!!

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." -Ben Williams

At the Lucky Dog Lodge, we treat your pet like a member of the family. Our priority is the happiness and safety of each guest. Rest assured that your pet will have an ideal vacation stay, enjoying our luxurious facilities and peaceful rural setting. Your companion is in caring and capable hands.