Leaving your pet at a boarding facility for the first time is a big deal. You want to know they'll be safe, comfortable, and well cared for while you're away. The good news: with a little preparation, most pets settle in quickly and do just fine. Here's how to set your dog or cat up for a great first stay.

Not all boarding facilities are equal. Before you book, visit in person or at minimum call and ask questions. A good facility will welcome your questions — a bad one will dodge them.

Key things to ask:

• Is the facility climate-controlled? (In El Paso, this is non-negotiable in summer.)
• What's the staff-to-pet ratio?
• Are dogs walked or exercised daily?
• Can they administer medications if needed?
• What's the vaccination requirement?
• What happens in a medical emergency?

A locally owned facility with a smaller capacity tends to offer more individual attention than a large chain. At My Pet Motel, we have 25 indoor dog runs and 8 Kitty Condos — we know our guests by name.

Most reputable boarding facilities in El Paso require current vaccinations before accepting a pet. For dogs, that typically means:

• Rabies — required by law and by every boarding facility
• DA2PPV (DHPP) — distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough) — especially important in a boarding environment

For cats:

• Rabies
• FVRCP — feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia
• Microchip — required at many facilities for identification

Don't wait until the week before drop-off to check. Some vaccines require a waiting period before they're considered effective. Schedule your vet visit at least 2 weeks before boarding.

If your pet is behind on vaccines, many boarding facilities — including My Pet Motel — offer on-site vaccinations so you can get everything handled in one visit.

If your pet has never been boarded before, consider a one-night trial stay before a longer trip. This lets your pet get familiar with the environment, the staff, and the routine without the pressure of a week-long absence. It also gives you peace of mind before a big trip.

A familiar scent can help your pet feel more at home. Consider bringing:

• Their regular food (if you prefer something other than what the facility provides)
• A worn t-shirt or blanket with your scent
• Their favorite toy

Keep it to one or two items — most facilities have limited space per run or condo. Check with the facility first about what's allowed.

Food note: At My Pet Motel, we provide Purina Pro Plan at no extra charge. If you prefer your own brand, bring it in a sealed plastic container (not the original bag) and we'll feed it on your schedule.

Dogs pick up on your anxiety. If you're stressed at drop-off, your dog will be too. Practice calm, matter-of-fact goodbyes — a quick pat, a cheerful "see you soon," and then go. Lingering and making a big production of leaving actually makes separation harder for most dogs.

For cats, the car ride is often the most stressful part. Use a familiar carrier, cover it with a light blanket, and keep the drive calm and quiet.

Give the facility your cell number, a backup contact, and your vet's information. If your pet has any medical conditions, allergies, or behavioral quirks, write them down clearly. A good facility will keep this on file and refer to it throughout the stay.

Most pets are happy to see you but may seem a little tired or subdued after boarding — that's normal. They've been in a new environment, around new smells and sounds, and they've been socializing (or at least aware of) other animals. A good night's sleep at home usually resets everything.

If your pet seems unusually lethargic, isn't eating, or shows signs of illness after boarding, call your vet. Kennel cough is the most common post-boarding illness — it's treatable and usually mild, but worth catching early.

My Pet Motel is open 7 days a week, 8am–8pm, right here in El Paso at 10050 McCombs Street. We're locally owned, climate-controlled, and we treat every pet like a guest — not a number.

New to boarding? Our dog boarding El Paso and puppy boarding El Paso guides walk you through exactly what to expect.

August spots fill up fast — reserve your pet's first stay now and we'll make sure drop-off day goes smoothly.

Call us at (915) 751-8817 — we're happy to answer any questions before you book.