A vacation, a business trip or a home renovation… When you need to leave your dog at a dog hotel, the secret of a good stay lies in small preparations that are not left to the last day. We have put the checklist below in chronological order, so you can find what to do and when, from weeks before to the day your dog comes home, on a single page. If this is your dog's first stay, our guide to your dog's first hotel stay complements this list.
2–4 Weeks Before: Vaccines, Microchip and Meet-and-Greet
- Check vaccinations: At PatiLee, up-to-date vaccinations and a microchip are mandatory for admission. Review the vaccination schedule with your veterinarian; if a vaccine is due soon, plan for it to be given before the stay. Allowing a few days after a vaccination is good for your dog's comfort; ask your veterinarian about timing.
- Verify the microchip registration: Make sure the chip number is registered in your name and your contact details are current.
- Check parasite treatments: Look at the dates of internal and external parasite treatments, and plan any upcoming treatment with your veterinarian.
- Arrange the meet-and-greet: A meet-and-greet before booking is mandatory and free. We do not offer physical tours of the facility; instead, during the meet-and-greet we show you the suites, play areas and pool on a live 360° camera tour. This is where we talk about your dog's personality, habits and your concerns.
- Confirm the booking: Settle your dates; PatiLee takes no deposit, and a booking is confirmed once the full amount is paid. You can see current rates on our price list. The facility is open Monday to Saturday, 09:00–19:00; there are no check-ins or check-outs on Sundays.
- Consider a short trial: If your dog has never boarded before, a one-day daycare trial before a long trip is the easiest way to see how it adapts.
If you have not chosen a facility yet, our article on 10 questions to ask when choosing dog boarding explains what to look for.
Packing List: What to Bring and What to Leave
Most owners pack more than they need. At PatiLee, food and a leash are enough.
- Food: Enough of your dog's usual food for the entire stay. Adding a few days' extra makes things easier if your return is delayed.
- Leash: A well-fitting collar with an ID tag and a leash. Check that the buckles are secure, and replace a worn collar before the stay.
- Medication (if any): In its original packaging, in sufficient quantity and with written instructions.
There is no need to bring documents. Vaccination and microchip details are entered into the panel during registration, and our team can access that record at any time. You do not need to carry the vaccination card or bring copies. We recommend leaving valuable or irreplaceable items at home.
Food Changes and Medication Instructions
The days right before a stay are the worst time to change food. A new environment is already a small source of stress; add a new food on top and digestive problems can follow. If your dog is due to switch to a new food soon, complete the transition at least a week in advance by mixing the old and new food gradually. If you are not planning a change, stick with the current food.
For dogs on medication, prepare short and clear written instructions: the name of the medicine, the dose, the time, whether it is given with food or on an empty stomach, and what to do if a dose is missed. Write the instructions based on your veterinarian's advice, and ask your veterinarian about anything you are unsure of before the stay. Include the number of meals, portion sizes and any special habits in the same note.
A short habits note makes the team's job much easier: where is your dog used to sleeping at night, how does it get along with other dogs, what is it afraid of (thunder, loud noises), what are its toilet habits? At PatiLee this information is entered into the panel during registration, so everyone caring for your dog sees the same details.
Drop-Off Day: The Goodbye Routine
- Keep the morning normal: Wake up at the usual time, take a short walk and a toilet break. Do not give a heavy meal right before drop-off.
- Stay calm: Dogs read their owner's tension easily. Use a relaxed tone of voice during the drive and at the handover.
- Keep the goodbye short: A few loving words, a calm pat and off you go. Long, emotional goodbyes send your dog the message that "something is wrong."
- Share the latest details: Tell the team when your dog last ate, its last toilet break and anything you noticed that morning.
Packing the bag the night before is the simplest way to keep the morning calm. Allow for travel time and arrive without rushing; hurry and last-minute preparations rub off on your dog too.
Staying Updated While You Are Away
At PatiLee the facility is monitored by cameras; however, owners are not given 24/7 live camera access. You can follow our guests for free through our weekly social media posts. If you would like personal photos (300 TRY) or videos (600 TRY) of your dog, we prepare them on request; VAT is added to these prices. It is normal for your dog to be a little quiet for the first day or two; our team watches the settling-in period closely and contacts you if anything unusual happens. Following the posts instead of calling often while you are away also makes it easier to enjoy your trip or focus on your work.
Pick-Up Day: The First 24 Hours
Check-out time is 10:00, so plan your return accordingly. When you get home, your dog will most likely greet you with excitement and then fall into a long sleep. After a few days full of play and new stimuli, this tiredness is normal.
- Offer water and food gradually: Drinking and eating a lot at once out of excitement can upset the stomach; keep the first meal small.
- Return to the routine: Meals at the usual times, the familiar walking route, a calm evening.
- Observe: Appetite, water intake and toilet habits are the main signs to watch in the first days. If diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy lasts longer than a day, consult your veterinarian.
For a few days after the stay, your dog may stay closer to you than usual or, on the contrary, act a little distant; both usually pass quickly. If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my dog bring its own food?
Yes. Eating its usual food throughout the stay is the easiest way to prevent digestive problems. Simply bring enough for the length of the stay plus a few days' extra.
Do I need to bring toys or a bed?
No; at PatiLee food and a leash are enough. We recommend leaving valuable or irreplaceable items at home. If your dog has a special habit, you can discuss it with our team during the meet-and-greet.
Should I feed my dog before drop-off?
A light meal at the usual time is fine; do not give a heavy meal right before drop-off. For dogs that get carsick, feed a little earlier. If your dog has a special health condition, consult your veterinarian.
How far in advance should I book?
Because a meet-and-greet is mandatory before booking, we recommend starting to plan 2–4 weeks in advance. During busy periods such as public holidays and the summer break, acting earlier makes it easier to get the dates you want. A booking is confirmed once the full amount is paid.