How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Stay at a Dog Hotel in Montreal
A first night of dog boarding goes best with a little preparation. These are the steps the Paw Crew at Sam’s Lodge, the dog hotel at Doggieville MTL in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest, recommends to every new pet parent.
The Paw CrewOctober 6, 20267 min read
01Start with the evaluation visit
Every new guest at Doggieville MTL begins with an evaluation. It is a one-time $80 fee, and it lets the Paw Crew meet your dog, see how they play with others and note their routine, food and medical needs before their first overnight stay at Sam’s Lodge.
The evaluation also gives your dog a short first visit to the building. When they come back for boarding, the smells, the floors and the faces are already familiar.
02Tour the resort before you book
Seeing the suites in person is the fastest way to feel at ease. Facility tours are by appointment, Tuesday to Friday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. You will see the private suites, the indoor park, Yoda’s Splash pool and Chloe’s Spaw, all under one roof in our 1919 brick building by the Lachine Canal.
Bring your questions. We are happy to walk you through a typical day, from morning play to bedtime.
03Get vaccines and records ready
Ask your vet for an up-to-date copy of your dog’s vaccination record and keep a digital copy on your phone. Our team confirms the exact requirements with you when you sign up.
- Vaccination record from your veterinarian
- Your vet’s name and phone number
- Any medication in its original labelled container, with written dosage
- Notes on allergies, fears or habits we should know about
04What to pack, and what to leave at home
A small, familiar bag goes a long way. A sudden change of food is a common cause of an upset stomach, so bring exactly what your dog eats at home.
- Your dog’s usual food, portioned per meal if possible
- Treats they already know
- A T-shirt or blanket that smells like you
- Leash and collar with an ID tag
Leave at home anything you would be sad to lose, such as irreplaceable toys.
05Keep drop-off short and calm
Dogs read our emotions. A long goodbye can make them think something is wrong. Arrive on time, hand over the leash with a cheerful word and let the Paw Crew take it from there. Most dogs are sniffing and exploring within minutes.
06How you will know they are happy
At Doggieville MTL, staff are on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The building has more than 50 cameras and UV air filtration, and the team is First Aid certified. If anything changes with your dog’s health or mood, we call you.
Dog boarding FAQ
Written by
The Paw Crew
The Paw Crew is the team that cares for every dog at Doggieville MTL: boarding, daycare, grooming and pool staff who are First Aid certified and spend every day with dogs of all sizes and ages.
Meet the team behind Doggieville MTL
