A tan pit bull lays on a dog bed chewing a bully stick in a dog boarding facility.

What does my dog need for boarding?

by BasicBoarding

Not sure what to pack for your pup? We’ve got you covered! Read on for a list of what your dog needs for boarding, or check out our complete Dog Boarding Checklist (complete with vaccine requirements, contact info, and more!)

What Your Dog Needs For Boarding

Food

We suggest packing the same food your dog usually eats at home. It’s also best to pack their food in pre-measured portions. That way, you know your pet has enough food for their stay and our team can easily feed them the correct amount at each meal.

Medication

If your dog requires medication, make sure to pack it in its original packaging. This way, our team will have the prescription and dosage information at their fingertips.

Toys

Don’t forget your pup’s favorite toys! Avoid anything you know your dog will tear up, rope toys, and rawhide (opt for a safer natural chew, like an antler!). Pack one or two toys to keep your dog occupied when they’re in their room for the night.

Bedding

Some boarding facilities provide bedding (like ours!), but it’s still a good idea to pack a bed, blanket, or pillow that smells like home. Even one of your t-shirts will do! A familiar object with your scent on it will help your pup get comfortable in their room.

Still have questions before your dog’s stay? Give us a call at (636)537-2322. We’ll gladly answer any questions you may have about your pet’s reservation.

A black, white, and tan puppy sits on a teal pet cot in a dog boarding facility.

How much does dog boarding cost?

by BasicBoarding

No two dogs are the same. That’s why we create custom packages for each of our boarding clients. When you book your boarding reservation, one of our New Client Specialists will help you build the perfect package for your pet and discuss the cost of their dog boarding reservation. During their stay, we’ll make adjustments to keep them happy and comfortable.

Read on to learn about our pricing structure, or click here to request a reservation.

Cost of Dog Boarding at Petropolis

Room Options

Both our Chesterfield and St. Charles locations feature standard and upgraded dog boarding room options. Our standard rooms start as low as $33 per night and are plenty large enough for siblings to room together.

Our upgraded rooms are perfect for more anxious pups or families who’d like to board together. Ask your New Client Specialist about upgrading for your pet’s stay.

Activity Packages

Whether you have a rambunctious puppy or a snuggly senior dog, we have an activity package that’s right for them! Our group play packages start at $26 per day for supervised outdoor sessions in our one-of-a-kind play yards. Plus, both locations feature covered play areas with fans and heaters for inclement weather.

For dogs who’d rather play with our staff, we also offer one-on-one sessions. These start at $15 per day and are perfect for more shy dogs or seniors who’d rather cuddle than ruff-house.

Special Care

We know some dogs need extra attention and care, so we’re more than happy to accommodate most medical needs. We also make accomodations for seniors (like non-slip flooring) and puppies (like extra potty walks to keep their house training on track). Talk to your New Client Specialist about any extra TLC your dog may need during their stay.

Book Now!

Call (636)537-2322 or click here to book your dog’s boarding reservation!

A golden retriever sits looking at the camera while in a safe dog daycare group.

Are dog daycares safe? How can you tell?

by BasicDaycare

Not all dog daycares are created equal. And as a pet parent, it can be scary taking your pup to a new facility not knowing if their dog daycare is safe.

When looking for a safe dog daycare for your pup, remember these must-haves.

A safe dog daycare offers…

Supervised play.

Play groups should never be left unsupervised, and daycare staff should take extra care to avoid resource guarding situations. This means being careful with any treats or toys in the yard and getting to know each dog’s quirks prior to placing them in a group. At Petropolis, toys are off-limits to many of our play groups. Instead, we keep dogs enriched with games and unique play features.

Plenty of time to rest.

24-hour daycare sounds fun, but in reality, it can be exhausting. Like kids, dogs need plenty of time to rest throughout the day. If they’re not given private time to relax, they get grumpy and bored. Our daycare dogs get an hour-long break every day around lunchtime to unwind in private rooms. We’ve found that this is just the right amount of time for dogs to get a bite to eat, have a nap, and recharge before afternoon play.

Highly-trained staff.

Don’t trust your furry best friend with anyone. Make sure the daycare staff know how to manage groups of dogs. They should be trained in how to redirect rough play, break up fights, and recognize the signs of an anxious dog. And because even the safest dog daycare isn’t immune to accidents, someone in the facility should know canine first aid. 

Curated play groups.

Not all dogs play well together, especially if they’re different sizes. We divide our play groups based on size, age, play style, and energy level. This keeps everyone safe and happy, from our most rambunctious puppies to our more reserved older dogs. Random or very large groups of dogs are risky, so it’s best to divide play into these smaller, curated groups to keep dog daycare safe.

Climate-controlled environment.

Missouri’s weather is unpredictable year-round! Indoor dog daycares offer protection from the elements, but they’re often louder. Barking and echoing can stress dogs out, especially over long periods of time. Outdoor dog daycares are quieter, but they’re at the mercy of the weather. At Petropolis, we have covered play yards, heaters, and misting fans to keep dogs comfy in all kinds of weather.

Keep these things in mind and never be afraid to ask questions when looking for a safe dog daycare. Your pup will thank you!

A chocolate lab puppy at dog daycare laying on a grey floor looking up at the camera.

Will my dog like dog daycare?

by BasicDaycare

There’s no way to know for certain if your dog will like daycare. We do everything we can to keep dogs happy and comfortable during daycare. But for some dogs, it’s just not their thing!

Here are a few personality traits and behaviors that could be signs your dog will like daycare:

Even if your pup doesn’t exhibit these personality traits, they may still enjoy daycare. At Petropolis, we’ve met plenty of older, more subdued pups who love the extra attention and outdoor time that daycare provides.

If you suspect your pup may enjoy daycare, call to speak to one of our New Client Specialists. They’ll ask about your dog’s demeanor, their history, and their health to determine if daycare will be a good fit.

After they visit, how will I know if my dog liked daycare?

Every dog goes through the same evaluation process on their first day. This process helps us get to know them, but it also helps them adjust to the daycare environment. 

During your dog’s first day, you’ll receive a Pupdate from our Canine Evaluator with photos and notes. When you pick your dog up at the end of the day, the Canine Evaluator will discuss your pup’s experience and how they adjusted to daycare. 

We love all dogs, but we also understand that not all dogs love us. That’s why we communicate openly and honestly with pet parents and never force a dog into daycare if they’re uncomfortable.

And if your dog did love their first day, we’ll tell you! There’s nothing we love more than helping dogs adjust and learn to love daycare.

dog daycare cost

How much does dog daycare cost?

by BasicDaycareDogs

Dog Daycare Prices

The cost of dog daycare at Petropolis covers either a full or half day of supervised outdoor play in our one-of-a-kind play yards. A half day of play costs $32.95, and a full day costs $42.95. 

Full Day or Half Day?

This depends on what your dog needs! Many of our younger, more rambunctious pups are happy to play the entire day away. Then, by the time they go home, they’re ready to snuggle up on the couch for the night.

Many of our older pups, however, prefer to nap through the afternoon. For these dogs, we may suggest a half day or move your dog to a low-energy play group where they can chill out.

No matter which package your pup prefers, we believe in the importance of rest. Just like children, dogs need to take breaks. Taking a break halfway through the day prevents our daycare pups from becoming overstimulated or too tired.

Loyalty Perks

Our daycare regulars get access to extended hours, valet pick-up and drop-off, and discounted day rates! Ask about a 10, 20, or 30-day punch card to take advantage of these perks.

no breed restrictions

Why We Have NO Breed Restrictions

by BasicBoardingDaycareDogsGroomingTraining

We at Petropolis are proud to have no breed restrictions for any of our services. 

We believe all dogs are good dogs. It’s our job as their owners and handlers to set them up for success. 

Why we don’t believe in breed restrictions

Many of the behaviors that can get a dog labeled as ‘aggressive’ at other facilities are actually fear responses. No dog is aggressive, but they can be reactive in the face of scary, unknown, or stressful situations.

Even so, no breed is inherently reactive. Dogs very rarely bite “out of the blue.” It’s our job to keep dogs out of uncomfortable situations and learn the warning signs of a stressed dog.

Luckily, our highly-trained staff can recognize the signs of a fight or a bite long before either occur. They constantly monitor our playgroups and step in if dogs start to play too rough. 

How we evaluate new dogs

We evaluate every single dog who walks through our door the same way, regardless of breed. Each dog spends their first day with our Canine Evaluators, who get to know them and help them adjust to our facility. 

Then, each dog is slowly introduced to the appropriate play group. We separate our groups based on size, energy level, and play style to keep everyone happy and having fun. We also offer one-on-one play options for dogs who’d prefer to spend time with our staff instead of other dogs.

If a dog is particularly reactive, we may suggest training, behavioral help, or just more time to adjust, but we will never turn a dog away based on breed alone. 

pavilion

All Season Pavilion

by Basic

Whether your dog is staying at Petropolis overnight or just for a couple of hours, our All-Season Pavilion will be ready for them to enjoy! Our pavilion play yards allow each dog to experience safe, enjoyable, play time under the supervision of our trained staff. Your pup will socialize with dogs of similar size, temperament and play style, ensuring positive experiences and engaging play time. Petropolis is one of the only pet resorts in St. Louis, MO. with year-round outdoor play.

Our All-Season Pavilion is available to our daycare and lodging clients at our Chesterfield location. The pavilion is used and open to our clients during regular business hours. We are conveniently located within 20 miles of the greater St. Louis area.

Outdoor Play for Exercise and Socialization

Social activity and human interaction are keys to canine well-being – especially while away from home. Our All-Season Pavilion is just another one of the activities we offer to keep your dog happy and active during their time with us. The pavilion contains these features:

  • Four, clean yards under the pavilion for safe play
  • Each yard under the pavilion also has access to turf yards for extra play space
  • Four flex yards between the pavilion and Canine Cove
  • State-of-the-art draining, heating and cooling systems
pup-3

Canine Cove, Dog Water Park

by Basic

Whether your dog is staying at Petropolis overnight, or just for a couple of hours, our Canine Cove dog water park will be ready for them to enjoy! Our splash pad allows each dog to experience a stimulating, enjoyable water experience while being supervised by our trained and pet-loving team. Your pup will splash with dogs of similar size, temperament and play style, ensuring a positive social experience and engaging play time. Petropolis is truly the only pet resort in St. Louis, MO with this unique feature, allowing dogs a safe place to participate in water play.

Want your pet to start enjoying water play today? Your dog can enjoy the features of Canine Cove as soon as their first day! Your first day of doggy daycare is FREE!

The Only Water Park for Dogs in St. Louis

Canine Cove Features

Social activity and human interaction are keys to canine well-being, especially while away from home. Our Canine Cove is just another one of the activities we offer to keep your dog happy and active during their time with us. The water park contains over 30 appealing features for each pet to explore, including:

  • Three, 6-foot-tall misting water arches
  • A 10-foot-tall umbrella with a curtain of water
  • A giant, 4-foot-tall fire hydrant that bubbles water
  • A water chaser controlled by staff for dogs to chase
  • 18 foaming, misting and steady flow water jets
  • Unique features including a crown weave and hitching post

Safe, Stimulating Water Play

At Petropolis, our doggy daycare and activity packages, during boarding provide a safe and convenient way for your dog to socialize with dogs of similar size and temperament. With Canine Cove, it also provides a safe and engaging way for your pet to have fun in the water. Through interactive features, our engaging team and a positive environment your dog will be able to enjoy summer in the water, just like you.

Canine Cove is great for introducing puppies to water. Our trained team members engage with puppies in the water with positive reinforcement such as treats and verbal praise. Other dogs in the playgroup also naturally encourage puppies to get in the water.

Canine Cove Operations

Canine Cove is available to our daycare clients and lodging guests with activity packages that include Canine Cove water play. When booking your pet’s reservation, be sure to make sure water play is included in their stay. Our water park is filled and ready for play from May to October.

During the winter months, our team utilizes the water park space as a ball pit. The open space and numerous balls allow for a fun area for pets to engage in exercise.

Petropolis

Updated Procedures Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

by Basic

We at Petropolis are happy to be open and nearly fully operational at this time. We are still taking preventative measures to protect our staff and clients from the spread of COVID-19.

  • We are still operating via curbside pickup and drop-off only. Just give us a call when you arrive and a staff member will meet you at your vehicle.
  • Our team is regularly disinfecting commonly-used areas throughout the day, and we are ramping up our regular cleaning and disinfecting routines.
  • We have asked our team members to stay home if they are sick or have come into contact with someone who is sick, and we ask that our clients do the same.
  • All dogs entering the building will receive a disinfecting bath. The virus can travel on pets’ fur and belongings, so upon arrival all dogs receive a quick disinfecting bath with a peroxide-based shampoo. We will also be disinfecting their belongings (leash, harness, etc.) upon entry.
  • All staff are screened upon arrival, and they are required to wear masks and practice social distancing while at work. Because the sight of people in masks can be stressful to some pets, we will be actively working to acclimate the dogs in our care.

We hope that you will join us in practicing caution as businesses and public spaces open back up. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at (636)537-2322.