PetSmart PetsHotel Guide: Pricing and Offers
PetsHotel is PetSmart’s in-store boarding for dogs and cats, with indoor, temperature-controlled rooms and staff on site. It’s only at stores with a PetsHotel, and every stay includes playtime and your pet’s own food.
This guide covers what a stay is like and how to prepare. For nightly rates, see our PetSmart boarding prices guide.
| Quick fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Pets accepted | Dogs and cats, at least 4 months old |
| Dog rooms | Standard room or Private Suite |
| Cat rooms | Kitty Cottages in a separate cat area |
| Pickup | Before noon to avoid a possible late fee |
| Booking | Online or 1-888-389-7387 |
Room Types
Every room is indoors and temperature controlled. The choice comes down to how much space and quiet your pet needs.
| Room | Best for |
|---|---|
| Standard dog room | Most dogs, and two dogs from one home sharing |
| Private Suite | Noise-sensitive dogs, seniors and long trips |
| Kitty Cottage | Cats, with connecting doors for two cats from one home |
Private Suites add more space, a white noise machine and a Superb Sleeper bed. Kitty Cottages sit in an area PetSmart describes as sound-proof and smell-proof from the dogs.
Rough Costs at a Glance
PetSmart quotes the exact rate for your store when you book. These are typical ranges we use across our guides.
| Room | Typical nightly rate |
|---|---|
| Standard dog room | About $25 to $45 |
| Private Suite | About $40 to $65 |
| Kitty Cottage | About $20 to $35 |
Holidays and summer weeks often cost more and sell out first. The full breakdown, including multi-night examples, is in our boarding prices guide.
What a Stay Looks Like
Every stay follows a similar routine, built around your pet’s normal schedule. Here’s what happens from drop-off to pickup.
A safety-certified associate starts with a Hands-On Assessment, noting any health or behavior concerns. They’ll go over feeding, medication and anything special about your pet.
Dogs get Doggie Day Camp playtime at no extra charge, and cats get one-on-one playtime. Shy or senior dogs can have quiet one-on-one time instead of group play.
At checkout you’ll get a Pawgress Report about your pet’s stay. You can also call the PetsHotel any time for an update.
What’s Included
| Included | Costs extra |
|---|---|
| Your pet’s own food on your schedule | PetSmart’s in-house food |
| Giving medication from labeled packaging | Injections, which PetSmart doesn’t give |
| Playtime and relief walks for dogs | Add-ons like Active Pup and Training Camp |
| Litter and one-on-one time for cats | Pickups after noon, unless you add a bath |
Over-the-counter medicine needs a vet’s written dosage instructions. Call ahead if your pet takes anything unusual.
Health and Cleanliness
PetSmart says rooms, bowls, toys and play equipment are sanitized daily, with extra cleaning through the day. Every PetsHotel uses an Aerapy air purification system with UV light.
Associates are trained to watch for signs of stress and illness. If a pet seems unwell, they can get it veterinary care right away.
During higher-risk times, PetSmart adds extra pre-screening so pets with signs of illness are caught before mixing with others.
Optional Add-Ons
Add-ons are extras on top of the nightly rate. They matter most on longer stays, when pets have more hours to fill.
| Dog add-on | What you get |
|---|---|
| Active Pup | Extra Day Camp or one-on-one play, an in-room treat and a photo |
| Bedtime Bliss | A bedtime story to help your dog settle, plus a photo |
| Enrichment Chew | A WOOF or KONG chew filled with a treat |
| Training Camp | A 30-minute one-on-one session, $45 for one, $149 for four or $239 for eight |
Cats have their own extras, like a catnip scratcher to take home, a Kitty Snack KONG and a TLC treat upgrade at cuddle time. Bedtime Bliss is available for cats too.
Training Camp is the one add-on that sends your dog home with a new skill. Our dog training prices guide covers classes outside a stay.
Requirements Before Check-In
PetsHotel asks for written proof of vaccines from a vet. Shots must be given at least 1 hour before arrival, though PetSmart prefers 10 to 14 days ahead.
| Pet | Required vaccines |
|---|---|
| Dogs | Rabies, DAPP or DHPP, and Bordetella within 12 months |
| Cats | Rabies and FVRCP |
- Pets must be at least 4 months old
- Pets with fleas or ticks are turned away or treated at your cost
- The adult dropping off must be over 18
- Breed restrictions apply at some locations
Need shots first? Our vaccination clinic guide covers low-cost options, and many stores have a Banfield hospital.
Forms to Bring
Printing and signing these at home speeds up drop-off. All are on PetSmart’s PetsHotel requirements page.
- PetsHotel and Doggie Day Camp Services Agreement
- Medication Form, if your pet takes anything
- Authorization for Release of Vaccinations, for your vet to send records
What to Pack
Pack your pet’s regular food, since a sudden switch can upset stomachs. Divide it into labeled portions to make feeding simple for staff.
Something that smells like home helps anxious pets settle. A worn T-shirt works just as well as a favorite bed.
Getting Your Pet Ready
A smooth first stay starts weeks before the trip. Dogs that have never boarded do better with a trial run.
- Book a Doggie Day Camp day a few weeks ahead
- Update vaccines at least 10 days before check-in
- Start flea and tick prevention if your pet isn’t on it
- Give a long walk or play session before drop-off
- Keep the goodbye short and calm
Our Doggie Day Camp guide explains how a trial day works.
Drop-off day checklist
- Printed vaccine records and signed forms
- Food portioned and labeled by meal
- Medication with written instructions
- A comfort item from home
- Your phone number and an emergency contact
Senior and Anxious Pets
Healthy senior pets can stay in any room. PetSmart will add extra bedding and relief walks on request.
A Private Suite with white noise helps dogs that react to sounds. For cats, bring a blanket from home and ask for quiet cottage placement.
If your pet has a medical condition, ask your vet whether boarding is a good idea. Some pets do better with an in-home sitter.
Long Stays
For trips longer than a week, pack extra food and a second comfort item in case one gets dirty. Ask staff how they rotate playtime on longer visits.
Add-ons like Active Pup help fill the extra hours. Calling every few days for an update gives you peace of mind without disrupting the routine.
Seasonal Specials
PetsHotel runs seasonal offers that change through the year. In fall 2026, the Fall PetsHotel Special added a bandana, toy, spritz, photo, treat and over $350 in coupons through November 1.
A separate offer gave 10,000 Treats points with the Fall Special and a same-day dry dog food purchase of $20 or more. Ask your store what’s running when you book.
Pickup and Late Fees
Plan to collect your pet before noon. PetSmart says pickups after 12:00 PM may carry an extra fee.
The fee is waived when you add a salon bath or groom before pickup. Your pet goes home clean, and you avoid the charge.
Check your store’s hours before booking a flight home. Our store hours guide and holiday hours guide help with timing.
When Your Pet Comes Home
Many pets come home tired and thirsty after an exciting stay. Offer water in small amounts at first so they don’t gulp too much.
A slightly upset stomach for a day is common after the excitement of boarding. Keep meals normal and avoid rich treats.
Watch for a honking cough, runny nose or low energy over the next week. These can be signs of kennel cough, so call your vet if they appear.
Signs Boarding May Not Suit Your Pet
- Refuses to eat for more than a day when away from home
- Panics or injures itself when confined
- Has a medical condition that needs frequent care
- Comes home very stressed after a trial day
For these pets, an in-home sitter or a trusted friend is often kinder. Talk to your vet if you’re unsure.
Booking Tips
Holiday weeks and summer dates fill first. Book early for Thanksgiving, Christmas and school breaks.
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Book holidays weeks ahead | Rooms sell out before peak dates |
| Ask about the 10% discount | Seniors, military and first responders qualify |
| Use Afterpay if needed | Split the bill into four interest-free payments |
| Earn Treats points | Services count toward rewards |
Our Treats Rewards guide explains how points add up on boarding stays.
PetsHotel vs Other Options
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| PetsHotel | Dogs and cats who do fine away from home |
| Doggie Day Camp | Daytime care with no overnight stay |
| In-home pet sitter | Anxious pets or those with medical needs |
| Friend or family | Short trips and easygoing pets |
PetsHotel Questions
Can two pets share a room?
Dogs from the same home can share a standard room. Two cats from one home can use connected Kitty Cottages.
Can I visit my pet during the stay?
Call the PetsHotel for updates any time. Ask your store about its visiting policy.
Does every PetSmart have a PetsHotel?
No, only select stores. Use the store locator or call 1-888-389-7387 to check.
Can I bring my pet’s own bed?
Yes, PetSmart lets you bring a favorite bed, blanket or toy. Avoid anything valuable or easy to chew apart.
Will staff give my pet’s medication?
Yes, if it’s in its original labeled packaging and listed on the Medication Form. PetSmart doesn’t give injections.
What if my pet gets sick during the stay?
Associates are trained to spot signs of illness and can seek veterinary care right away. Leave your vet’s details and a reachable phone number at check-in.
Can puppies board at PetsHotel?
Yes, once they’re at least 4 months old and have the required vaccines. Younger puppies need another arrangement.
Can my dog get groomed before pickup?
Yes, and adding a bath waives the late pickup fee. See our grooming prices guide.
