Cat & Dog Boarding in Forest, VA

Leaving your pet behind can be the hardest part of any trip. Whether you’re away for work, vacation, or family obligations, it helps to know they’re in a safe, caring environment.

At Gentle Care Animal Hospital, our boarding services provide a clean, comfortable space where pets receive attentive care and consistent routines. Because boarding takes place within our hospital, our team is nearby if your pet needs medical attention or extra support during their stay.

Preparing Your Pet for Boarding

A little preparation can make your pet’s stay more comfortable and stress-free.

Before boarding, we recommend:

Ensuring vaccinations are up to date
Bringing any medications your pet may need

If your pet is new to boarding, a short “practice stay” can help them adjust to the environment and routine before a longer visit.

During their stay, pets are fed twice daily, and we provide bedding, bowls, and other essentials. If you’d like to schedule grooming, just let us know when booking so we can coordinate with our team.

Pet Boarding Services

Dog Boarding

Dogs stay in secure kennels or spacious indoor runs and are leash-walked several times a day for exercise and bathroom breaks.

Cat Boarding

Cats relax in a separate, quieter area away from dogs, with roomy enclosures and daily individual attention.

Medical Boarding

Pets who need medications or monitoring can stay with us, ensuring they receive proper care throughout their visit.

FAQs

Boarding at a veterinary hospital provides an added level of safety. If a pet develops a health concern during their stay, veterinary professionals are already on-site and can respond quickly. Medical records are also readily available if treatment becomes necessary.

To help protect the health of all pets staying in our facility, we recommend dogs be up to date on DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines, along with a recent negative fecal test. Cats should be current on FVRCP and Rabies, and have a negative fecal test within the past year.

Dogs are typically leash-walked four to five times each day in our fenced outdoor area. These walks provide both bathroom breaks and opportunities for fresh air and exercise during their stay.

No. Cats stay in a separate area away from the dog kennel to maintain a quieter and more relaxed environment. This helps reduce stress and allows feline guests to settle in comfortably.

Yes. Many pet owners schedule grooming services during their pet’s boarding stay so they can return home clean and refreshed. If you would like grooming or a bath for your pet, simply request the service when booking your reservation.