Get Ready For Your Pet’s Vacation!

(Updated 6-2026)
It’s never too early to start planning your pet’s next “holiday” with Holiday Barn. Preparation for your pet’s vacation starts long before you walk into our lobby with leash in hand. If you anticipate sending your 4-legged friend on vacation in the upcoming months, here are some things to keep in mind.

Make Sure Your Pet is Up to Date on their Vaccinations

First and foremost, check your pet’s records to be sure that all of their immunizations are current.

For dogs we require:

• Respiratory Bordetella
• Distemper*
• Hepatitis or Adenovirus
• Parvo
• Lepto*
• Para-Influenza
• Rabies
• h3n2 flu virus vaccination

* We respect the unique medical needs of each pet and will accept modifications to vaccination requirements if documented and signed by your veterinarian as long as they are aware of your pet’s lifestyle.

For cats we require:

• Rabies
• Feline Distemper
• Feline Leukemia Virus*

* We cannot accept cats that are FIV or Felv positive.

Please upload your pet’s shot records through the Propet portal when you request your reservation. You may also email the records to ga.res@holidaybarn.com (for Glen Allen), or jw.res@holidaybarn.com (for Midlothian); or text them to the main number at each resort, 804-672-2200 for Glen Allen, or 804-794-5400 for Midlothian.  Documentation is expected 48 hours prior to check-in. We cannot keep your pet if we do not have proof of immunizations from your veterinarian.

PLEASE NOTE:   FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL GUESTS, A FIVE‑DAY WAITING PERIOD IS MANDATORY FOLLOWING ANY VETERINARY APPOINTMENT. VACCINATIONS MUST ALSO BE ADMINISTERED NO FEWER THAN FIVE DAYS BEFORE ARRIVAL TO ENSURE MAXIMUM PROTECTION.

Take a Tour of Our Boarding Facility

We welcome you to come by and take a tour, see our beautiful resort, meet our pack, and explore all the fun things your pet can do when vacationing at Holiday Barn. The best time for tours is between the hours of 11:00AM – 3:00PM. Our Customer Experience pack (your “tour guides”) are happy to answer any questions you may have so you can feel completely confident about your pet’s care while you’re away.  Of course, you will still miss them, but you’ll feel better knowing they are in great hands.

Try a Mini Vacation if this is their First Visit

Has your pet ever stayed in a pet resort or kennel before? If not, you may want to consider bringing your dog to Camp Holiday Barn Dog Day Care for a few times before your trip, or maybe bring them for an “overnighter” prior to a long trip so that they can become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of the resort. Each time you return to pick them up, they become more comfortable with the routine, and less likely to suffer any separation anxiety.

Avoid “No Vacancy” By Contacting Us in Advance

Normally we will fill to capacity only around the holidays or busy vacation season.  Make sure you complete a reservation request on our website well ahead of time so that you can be sure we can accommodate your pet. Certain pets may benefit from a more tailored accommodation, for example, an elderly dog may rest more easily in one of our suites. We want to make sure we have the room available that is best suited for them.

Activities For Your Pet While They’re on Vacation

To enhance your pet’s vacation, we offer lots of activities for them to enjoy during their stay. It’s often hard to decide during check-in, so give it some thought beforehand. How does your pet get their exercise at home? It’s best to try and match the activity with the dog or cat’s lifestyle while they stay with us. Follow this link and scroll down to see all the fun things they can do.

What to Pack for Vacation

Now the big day is here and it’s time to check-in at Holiday Barn. How exciting! What do you need to bring?

• Vaccination Records

Just to be sure, please bring your pet’s most recent vaccination records. Even though this information will be requested by phone when you make your reservation, it never hurts to have a copy with you when you check in to avoid any miscommunication.

• Your Pet’s Favorite Food

We supply and are happy to feed your dog Iam’s Mini chunks or Puppy food, and IAMS cat and kitty food for your cat, but to avoid upset stomach or diarrhea as can occur with a change in diet, we recommend you bring the food your pet is currently eating. Bring only the amount of food your pet will need during his stay. We ask that you divide their meals up into individual baggies, one serving per baggie, so there is no question as to how much they are to be fed at each meal. Does your pet have a favorite treat? We would be delighted to make sure they have them while on vacation.

• Toys Optional

Although not encouraged, if you feel your pet will be more comfortable during their stay by bringing a toy from home, feel free to bring no more than 1 or 2 toys. Please label everything you bring with your pet’s name so that it does not get misplaced. We cannot accept raw-hide bones, rope bones, or any other type of chew toy which could cause a choking hazard.

• Medications

If your pet is currently on any oral or topical medications, we will be glad to administer them for a small fee. Unfortunately, we are not equipped to give injections. Please bring the medications in their original containers so we have all the information regarding the medication itself, the dosage, and prescribing veterinarian.

• Bedding for Suites and Cottages

If your dog is staying in the Suites, they will be provided a raised Kuranda bed. You are welcome to bring bedding from home, and we can also supply them with a soft fleecy blanket for sleeping or cuddling.

Our Cottages are also furnished with a Kuranda bed. We can give them a fleecy blanket to curl-up in so their bedding from home stays fresh and clean. The blankets are washed and disinfected daily.

And for pups staying in our Kennel Rooms, we make sure they’re just as comfortable. They will get a clean, cozy fleecy blanket for snuggling and sleeping – again, washed and disinfected every day.

For your cat, we offer fleecy faux lambswool blankets which we launder every night, or you may bring your cat’s favorite blanket or bedding from home.

• Contact and Emergency Information

Make sure we have your most current cell numbers and phone numbers where you will be staying. Also, it’s a good idea to have a contact here at home that your pet knows and trusts. Of course, we will require your vet’s phone number as well.

• Schedule a Spa Visit

We hope you take advantage of sending your dog to our Doggie Spa on their last day of vacation. If so, be sure to bring any special shampoos, if needed. Otherwise, we have lots of yummy smelling shampoos and treatments for your dog…so they’ll be ready for some GREAT snuggles at home!

Now it’s time to go and leave your furry friend in the hands of capable professionals. Remember – just like us – pets usually appreciate a vacation too. It’s an exciting time for a pet… kind of like a kid going to summer camp. No tears, Mom. You don’t want your pet to pick up on any negative emotions. Just give them a pat or a kiss on the head and tell them to go have fun!

Now, YOU, go RELAX and enjoy your trip!