First Visit

What to know before your dog’s first daycare visit or boarding stay.

Bringing your dog somewhere new can feel like a big step. This page covers what to bring, how to book, and what to expect so your dog can settle in comfortably and safely. At Whispering Pines Pet Resort, the goal is not to give every dog the same day. The goal is to give each dog the right stay for their temperament, comfort level, and needs.

Before You Arrive

Please make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date before arrival. We require proof of rabies, distemper, and bordetella for dogs, and rabies and feline distemper for cats.

Reservations are required for both boarding and daycare. During busy travel periods and holiday weekends, daycare availability may be limited and advance reservations may be needed.

If this is your first visit and you are not sure which service is the best fit, our team is happy to help.

Booking Your Visit

Reservations are required for boarding and daycare. You can request your reservation online, and if you are not sure what to select, we can help you choose the right option for your dog.

During busy travel periods and certain holiday windows, daycare availability may be limited and advance reservations will be required.

Drop-Off

Please arrive during posted business hours and within the check-in window for your arrival day. At check-in, please have vaccination records on file or ready to provide, along with any food, medications, supplements, and care instructions your pet needs.

For the comfort of all pets in our care, our hours are strictly enforced.

Lobby hours

  • Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Latest boarding check-in times

  • Monday–Wednesday: arrive by 4:30 PM
  • Thursday–Friday: arrive by 4:00 PM
  • Saturday: arrive by 1:30 PM
  • Sunday: arrive during the morning or afternoon hours above

Boarding dogs need time to settle in, so arrivals must happen by the check-in times above even though the lobby stays open later.

Pick-Up

Please plan pickup during posted business hours. If you have questions about timing for your pickup day, contact us in advance and we will help you plan.

What a First Stay Is Like

New dogs are watched closely while the team learns what helps them settle. A first visit is not meant to be a conveyor-belt process or a one-size-fits-all routine.

Not every dog has the same day here. Meals, rest, outside time, yard time, and group time depend on the dog, the service selected, and what helps that dog do best.

Boarding dogs have indoor/outdoor run access during the day, weather permitting, and are tucked in at night by onsite staff.

Some dogs enjoy group play. Others do better with more space, quieter handling, or a different pace. Dogs that do not thrive in group play can still have a good stay with outside time and individualized handling.

Medication, Health, and Safety

Medication procedures are structured and attentive. Please send medications and supplements in their original containers with the correct label and clear instructions.

For safety, medications must be given according to the veterinarian’s instructions on the prescription label. If the label instructions and owner instructions do not match, we must follow the label.

Our team pays attention to changes in behavior, appetite, energy, and comfort. If something seems off, we take it seriously.

Behavioral fit also matters. Some dogs may need a slower introduction, more individual handling, or a stay that does not include group play. Safety standards are in place to protect pets, staff, and the quality of each dog’s experience.

What To Bring

Please bring:

  • Your dog’s food in a hard-sided container or clearly labeled pre-portioned bags.

  • Any medications or supplements in original containers with correct labels.

  • A blanket from home, if you’d like, as long as it is clean and in good condition.

You do not need to send written feeding instructions unless your dog’s routine is unusual, since we will review feeding details with you at check-in.

If you are unsure what to pack, contact us before your visit and we will be happy to help.

Please leave at home

  • Bowls, unless we specifically ask for them.

  • Oversized items that will not fit comfortably in your pet’s space.

  • Items that are damaged, heavily worn, or difficult to keep sanitary.

What About Cats?

We also board cats in their own quiet, separate area. For cat stays, please bring your cat’s food, any medications in original containers, and any familiar bedding, carrier, or toy you would like in their condo.

Please do not bring scratch pads, bowls, or oversized items for cat stays.

Cats must have current rabies and feline distemper vaccinations before their stay.

If you have questions about what your cat needs before a first stay, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not necessarily. We get to know each dog first and make decisions based on temperament, comfort level, play style, and fit.