First-Time Dog Boarding at BFFE: 4 Steps to Get Started
New to BFFE? Four simple steps. No guesswork. No one-size-fits-all dog care.
Planning your dog’s first overnight stay? We’ve made getting started simple.
At Best Friends Fur Ever, we offer four distinct care programs because every dog has different needs. Whether your pup loves group play, prefers individual attention, or needs extra support, we’ll help you find the right fit.
Follow the four steps below, or just download our Boarding Checklist for everything you need in one place.
Let’s get your pup ready for their first stay!
Step 1: Choose Your Starting Point. Call or Click.
There are two ways to get started. Pick your preference.
Option A: Let’s Talk.
Not sure which care program fits your dog? Contact our team, and we’ll give you a call.
We’ll ask about your dog’s personality, routines, and individual needs, explain our boarding programs, and walk you through the requirements.
Option B: Skip the Phone Call.
Prefer to handle things online? We get it.
Head straight to Gingr, our Pet Parent portal, and create your account.
You can enter your dog’s information, upload vaccination records, and request your boarding dates without making a phone call.
Either way works. We’re here if you need us.
Step 2: Complete Your Gingr Pet Parent Profile.
Gingr is where we keep the important details about your dog and manage reservations.
You’ll be asked to provide:
- Your dog’s basic information and care preferences.
- Feeding instructions, medications, and relevant health information.
- Emergency contacts.
- Current vaccination records.
Already have a Gingr account? Just log in and make sure everything is up to date.
Create or Access Your Gingr Account
Step 3: Check Those Vaccines. (Seriously, Do This Early.)
Before your dog can join us, they must meet BFFE’s vaccination requirements.
| Required vaccine | What to know |
|---|---|
| Rabies | Required for dogs 16 weeks and older |
| Distemper (DHPP/DAPP/DHLPP) | Required; some boosters have a waiting period |
| Bordetella | Required; at least 7 days before attending |
| Leptospirosis | Initial series requires two doses, followed by a 7-day wait |
| Canine Influenza (CIV) | Initial series requires two doses, followed by a 7-day wait |
Here’s what catches people off guard: Some vaccines require multiple appointments weeks apart. Getting vaccinated the day before your reservation may not be enough.
Check with your veterinarian early, upload your records to Gingr, and let our team know if you have questions.
Step 4: Does Your Dog Need a Temperament Test? Maybe Not.
This is where BFFE does things a little differently.
We don’t believe every dog needs to pass a group-play assessment to enjoy a great boarding experience.
Your dog’s care program determines what happens next.
| Your dog’s care program | What’s required? |
|---|---|
| Social Play | Group-play assessment required |
| Play My Way | No group-play temperament test required |
| Assisted Canine Care (ACC) | Individual care needs and eligibility review |
| Assisted Canine Care+ (ACC+) | Medical stability and eligibility review; Cockeysville only |
Our team will help determine the appropriate program and any additional requirements before your first stay.
Because dog care shouldn’t be pass or fail. It should be the right fit.
That’s It. Let’s Get Your Dog Ready.
Once your information is complete, vaccination requirements are met, and any necessary assessment or eligibility review is handled, our team can help finalize your boarding arrangements.
And remember: our caregivers are onsite 24/7, 365 days a year at both our Joppa and Cockeysville resorts.
Ready to get started?
Still Deciding Who Should Care for Your Dog?
Before you book, read our guide to dog boarding vs. pet sitters and family care. We break down the questions every pet parent should ask before trusting someone with their dog overnight.
