Leaving your pet behind while you travel can be one of the hardest parts of any trip. Many pet owners worry about how their dog is doing while they’re away. At Petropolis, staying connected with pet parents is an important part of the dog boarding experience. We offer several options, like text updates, report cards, phone calls, and webcams, to make owners feel confident that their dog is safe, comfortable, and enjoying their time away from home. Petropolis believes pet boarding should provide peace of mind for both pets and their owners, that’s why communication and transparency are built into the care experience.
Why Owners Are Hesitant to Board Their Dogs
For many pet owners, dogs are family members. Leaving them in someone else's care, even for just an overnight stay, can leave owners stressed and uncertain. When a dog boarding facility shares regular updates, it transforms the experience from simply “dropping off your pet” to staying connected throughout their stay. Updates during boarding help pet owners:
- Feel reassured that their pet is safe and comfortable
- Ensure that their pet is getting ample playtime as well as relaxation time
- Stay informed about their pet’s daily routine
- See that their dog is being accommodated (for dogs with behavioral or health concerns)
- Enjoy their trip without worrying about their pet’s wellbeing
Why Petropolis Clients Rest Easy During Boarding
We understand how powerful it is to feel in the loop on your dog's care. Petropolis offers multiple options to monitor your dog's boarding stay, including "pupdates" (report cards), text updates with photos, phone calls, and live webcams. These functions are easily accessible by phone, our website, our app, and through our customer portal.
Text Updates
All dog boarding clients have the option to use our text update add-on. If you opt in, you will receive regular updates to your phone about your dog's activities. This includes photos of your dog during their boarding adventure to give you peace of mind while you're away.
"Pupdates"
Report cards, or "pupdates", contain 10-15 pictures and reporting on how well your dog ate, slept, played, and any additional notes on medications or accommodations. These pupdates are easily accessible through our customer portal or the Petropolis app, and previous pupdates are saved there so you can peruse them at your convenience.
Webcams
If you board at our Chesterfield location, our Medium Rooms have the option to add-on live webcam access for only $15. If you opt in, you will receive a link that allows you to monitor your dog in their room (as long as they're not outside playing!). While this option is not available when boarding at our St. Charles location, we do offer a live feed of our outdoor dog daycare. If you want to watch your dog while they play and make new friends, you can do so on our website.
Phone Calls
While this isn't a feature we highlight, pet owners are always welcome to give us a call. One of our team members would be happy to give you a verbal update on how your dog is doing. We understand that some dog owners just want to casually check in, so don't be afraid to reach out.
How Petropolis Handles Unexpected Situations
Though rare, emergency situations do arise, even in the hands of expert pet care professionals. Whether it be a health concern, a weather phenomenon in St. Louis, or a behavioral issue, Petropolis will contact you as soon as an issue surfaces. Our team members perform regular wellness checks on our boarded dogs to ensure they are in peak health during their stay. Petropolis staff members are also extensively trained in all kinds of emergency protocols, and we will work with you to create the best care plan for your dog, including seeking veterinary care on your behalf if need be.
Communication With Clients Reflects Pet Empowerment
Petropolis follows the "Pet Empowerment Philosophy", a philosophy that says boarding shouldn't just be about keeping your dog safe, it should be about enrichment, socialization, and fun. We respect your dog's unique personality and needs, and we treat all pets under our care with the same compassion we would give a human being. Empowering pets means empowering pet owners as well. Transparent communication is perfectly in line with our mission to enrich pet care experiences, empower pets, and educate pet owners.
Final Thoughts
Boarding your pets doesn’t have to mean feeling disconnected from them. At Petropolis, communication with pet parents is an integral part of the boarding experience. Updates, photos, and attentive care help ensure that pets enjoy their stay while owners feel confident their dog is in good hands. When you choose Petropolis for pet boarding, you can rest easy knowing your pet you’ll stay connected to their experience along the way.
