Reading the Signs
Pets can't tell us in words whether they had a good experience, but they communicate clearly through their behaviour. After hundreds of conversations with pet owners and hotel staff, we've compiled the most reliable indicators that your pet had an excellent stay.
Positive Signs to Look For
1. Calm, Relaxed Demeanour at Pick-Up
A well-cared-for pet will greet you with joy but without signs of extreme distress or frenetic over-excitement. Moderate enthusiasm is healthy; extreme anxiety or unusual clinginess can indicate stress during the stay.
2. Normal Appetite
If your pet eats normally within a few hours of coming home, that's an excellent sign. Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours post-stay warrants attention.
3. Good Physical Condition
Weight should be stable, coat should be clean and well-groomed, and there should be no new scratches, wounds or signs of skin irritation.
4. Normal Sleep Patterns
Your pet may be tired after their stay — lots of activity and socialisation is genuinely tiring. But they should settle into their normal sleep routine within 24-48 hours.
5. Staff Know Your Pet by Name and Personality
When you pick up, the staff should be able to tell you specific details about your pet's stay — their favourite toy, who they played with, any quirks they noticed. Generic responses are a warning sign.
6. Your Pet Shows Interest in Returning
Some dogs actually pull towards the hotel on subsequent visits. This is perhaps the most powerful indicator of a positive experience.
7. Updates Were Proactive, Not Reactive
Great hotels send you updates without being asked. Photos, videos, little notes — these indicate staff who genuinely care about keeping pet owners at ease.
8. No Post-Stay Behavioural Changes
Minor adjustment behaviour is normal. But significant changes like aggression, house-training regression or severe clinginess lasting more than a week should prompt a conversation with your vet.
9. Clean, Odour-Free Return
Your pet should come back smelling clean (or at least neutral). An unusually strong kennel odour can indicate overcrowding or insufficient cleaning.
10. You Feel Good About the Experience
Trust your instincts as a pet owner. If the handover felt professional, the staff were knowledgeable, and your gut says your pet was well cared for — that matters enormously.
What to Do If You Have Concerns
If several of these positive signs are absent, don't hesitate to speak directly with the hotel manager. A good hotel will take your concerns seriously and investigate. Document everything and, if necessary, leave an honest review to help other pet owners make informed decisions.