A Transparent 2026 Guide

It might still feel like summer around here, but fall is closer than the Orlando heat lets on, and that means the holiday season is right behind it. If your travel plans usually pick up between Thanksgiving and New Year's, now is the time to start thinking about where your dog will be staying while you are away. We say this every year, and every year the same thing happens: the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas fill up first. Families who wait until November to book often find their preferred dates already gone. Getting ahead of it now means your dog has a spot secured, and you have one less thing to worry about as the season gets busy. Why Holiday Boarding Fills Up So Fast The reasons are simple. Everyone travels around the same handful of weeks, which means everyone is trying to book boarding around the same handful of weeks. Add in the families who only board occasionally and tend to think of it later rather than sooner, and our calendar tightens up quickly once October rolls around. Booking early is not just about avoiding disappointment. It also gives you and your dog time to prepare. If this is your dog's first stay with us, an early booking means there is time to schedule a trial day beforehand, so your dog is already comfortable with our team and our space before the big trip. Something to Consider: Our VIP Suites For pet parents who want a little something extra for their dog's stay, our VIP suites are worth a look. These upgraded accommodations offer more space, added comfort, and a quieter setting compared to our standard boarding, which can make a real difference for dogs who prefer a bit more calm or who are staying with us for an extended period. VIP suites are a popular choice for longer holiday trips especially, since your dog is essentially settling into their home away from home for several days or longer. The extra comfort tends to be worth it for both the dog and the peace of mind it gives the owner. Spots are limited, and they tend to go even faster than our standard boarding during peak weeks, so if a VIP suite sounds like the right fit, it is worth locking in sooner rather than later. What to Do Next If you already know your travel dates for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the New Year, go ahead and get your dog's stay on the books now. It takes just a few minutes, and it means one less thing to scramble for as the holidays approach. Reach out to our team to check availability, ask about VIP suites, or get your dog's paperwork updated ahead of their stay. We would love to have your pup with us this season, and we want to make sure there is room when the time comes.

Every pet that comes through our doors at The Ark is someone's whole world. We see that trust every single day, in the way families hand us their leash and their heart at the same time. That trust is exactly why we cannot separate what we do from the animals who have not found their family yet. Orlando has a strong network of shelters and rescue organizations working hard, often with limited resources, to give homeless pets a second chance. We think of ourselves as part of that network, not just a business operating alongside it. Why This Matters to Us Anyone who has ever adopted a rescue dog or cat knows there is a particular kind of gratitude in their eyes, a sense that they know exactly how good they have it. We hear those stories from our own clients all the time. A dog who came from a shelter with a rough start, now living the good life, complete with daycare days and spa visits. Not every animal is lucky enough to get that ending, and that gap is what drives our involvement with local rescue efforts. We believe that being part of the Orlando pet community means showing up for the animals who need it most, not just the ones who already have a comfortable home. How We Show Up Throughout the year, we partner with local shelters and rescue groups on adoption events, fundraising nights, and awareness campaigns. We open our space for meet and greets, donate portions of proceeds from select events, and use our platform to spotlight adoptable pets looking for their people. We also make it a point to support broader pet related charity work in the community, from supply drives to fundraising partnerships, because the need does not stop at any one organization's door. A Community Effort None of this works without our clients. Every time someone shares an adoptable pet's post, shows up to an event, or donates supplies, that ripple reaches further than we could on our own. Our community has shown up for these causes again and again, and we are grateful for it. If you are considering adding a pet to your family, we would encourage you to look at adoption first. And if you already have a rescue pet of your own, we would love to hear their story. Some of the best relationships we have with clients started with a dog who once had nowhere to go and now has a whole team at The Ark rooting for them.  Keep an eye on our events calendar and social pages for upcoming shelter partnerships and rescue focused events. Supporting the animals who need us most is not a side project for us. It is part of who we are.

Fall means something a little different in Florida. While the rest of the country is pulling out sweaters and raking leaves, Orlando is still enjoying warm days, humidity, and plenty of sunshine. That is exactly why fall grooming matters just as much here as it does anywhere else, even if the season does not look the way it does elsewhere.  Why Grooming Doesn't Take a Break in Florida In cooler climates, pet parents sometimes think of fall as a slower grooming season. In Florida, that is simply not the case. Our warm temperatures and high humidity stick around well into the fall months, which means fleas, ticks, and skin irritation risks stay active too. Regular grooming continues to play a major role in keeping your pet comfortable and healthy through the season. Why Bathing Is So Critical Bathing is not just about keeping your pet smelling fresh, though that is a nice bonus. A proper bath does several important things for your pet's health: Removes dirt, pollen, and allergens that build up in the coat, especially important during Florida's long allergy season Helps control loose fur and reduces shedding around your home Supports healthy skin by removing buildup that can lead to irritation or hot spots Gives our groomers a chance to check for early signs of skin issues, lumps, or parasites that might otherwise go unnoticed Keeps your pet comfortable in our continued warm and humid weather Skipping baths for too long, especially in Florida's climate, can allow dirt, oils, and moisture to build up in the coat, which creates the exact conditions that lead to skin irritation and matting. Fall Grooming Tips for Florida Pets Stick to a Regular Schedule — Because our weather does not fully cool down, most pets still benefit from grooming on a consistent schedule through the fall rather than stretching out visits. Watch for Matting — Humidity can cause coats to mat more easily than pet parents expect. Regular brushing between grooming visits helps prevent this. Keep Up with Flea and Tick Prevention — Florida's warm fall means pests are still active. Talk with your vet about maintaining prevention through the season, and let your groomer know if you have noticed any pests. Trim Nails Regularly — With pets still spending plenty of time outdoors enjoying the milder fall temperatures, regular nail trims help keep them comfortable on daily walks and playtime. Don't Skip the Ears — Florida humidity can contribute to ear issues in certain breeds. Routine ear cleaning during grooming visits helps catch problems early. Frequently Asked Questions Does my pet still need grooming in the fall if they are not shedding a winter coat? Yes. Florida pets typically do not experience the same seasonal coat blow that pets in colder climates do, so a consistent grooming schedule still applies through the fall. How often should I bathe my dog in Florida? This depends on your dog's breed, coat type, and lifestyle, but many Florida dogs benefit from a bath every four to six weeks, with some needing more frequent baths depending on activity level and skin sensitivity. Our groomers are happy to recommend a schedule specific to your pet. Can grooming help with allergies? Regular bathing can help reduce allergens on your pet's coat and skin, which may ease some allergy symptoms for both pets and their people. Is it safe to shave my dog's coat for the Florida heat? Not always. Many double-coated breeds actually use their coat to help regulate body temperature, and shaving can interfere with that. Our groomers can recommend the right approach for your pet's specific coat type. What if my pet has sensitive skin? Let our team know ahead of time. We can adjust products and techniques to keep the experience comfortable and gentle for pets with sensitive skin. Book Your Pet's Fall Grooming Visit Florida's fall may not bring cooler weather, but it is still the perfect time to keep your pet's coat, skin, and overall health in great shape. Our grooming and spa team is here to help with everything from a full spa day to a simple bath and nail trim. Reach out to our front desk team or visit us at 1965 W. New Hampshire St. in Orlando's Packing District to schedule your pet's next grooming appointment.

When most people think of The Ark, they picture happy dogs playing the day away. But dogs are only part of our story. Many of the families we care for have a whole household of pets, and we built The Ark to be a true one-stop destination for all of them, not just the dog. More Than a Dog Hotel Over the years, our team has cared for a wonderful range of animals beyond cats and dogs, including mini pigs, hamsters, rabbits, lizards, and birds, along with plenty of other small and exotic companions. If your pet is part of the family, we want to be the place you trust to look after them while you are away. We know that boarding a pet, especially one with more specific needs, can feel like a bigger decision than boarding a dog. That is exactly why our team takes the time to learn about each animal's routine, diet, and comfort needs before they ever stay with us. Dedicated Cat Condos Cats deserve their own space, away from the noise and energy of the dog side of the building. That is why our cat guests stay in dedicated cat condos, located near our front desk team in a calm, quiet area of The Ark. Your cat gets their own comfortable space to relax, along with regular visits, feeding, and attention from our team throughout their stay. Because our cat condos are close to the front desk, your cat is never far from a familiar face checking in on them, which means more comfort for your cat and more peace of mind for you. A Dedicated Space for Caged and Small Pets For hamsters, rabbits, birds, lizards, and other small or caged pets, we maintain a dedicated space separate from both our dog and cat areas. This allows us to keep their environment calm, quiet, and suited to their specific needs, whether that means a particular temperature range, a quieter setting, or a specific feeding schedule. One Stop for the Whole Family Here is something a lot of pet parents do not realize until they need it: many families do not have just one type of pet. A household might include a dog, a cat, and a hamster all under one roof, which usually means juggling multiple boarding facilities, multiple drop-offs, and multiple points of worry when it is time to travel. At The Ark, we can help simplify that. Because we care for dogs, cats, and a wide variety of exotic and small pets, your entire household can often board in one place. One drop-off, one pickup, and one team that already knows your whole family, furry, feathered, or scaled. What to Expect When You Book Before boarding any cat or exotic pet, our team will talk through their normal routine, feeding schedule, habitat needs, and any special care instructions. Our goal is to make their stay as close to their normal life at home as possible, so they settle in comfortably and you can travel without worry.  Book Your Whole Family's Stay If your household includes more than just a dog, we would love to meet the rest of the family. From cozy cat condos to dedicated small pet spaces, The Ark is ready to care for whoever walks, hops, flies, or scurries through our doors. Reach out to our front desk team or visit us at 1965 W. New Hampshire St. in Orlando's Packing District to learn more about boarding for your cat or exotic pet, and let us help make your next trip a one-stop drop-off for the whole family.

Not every dog dreams of a big group free-for-all. Some pups would much rather have a quiet game of fetch with a favorite team member, a slow sniff around the yard, or a cozy nap in a calm space, and that is completely okay. At The Ark, we believe every dog deserves a great day, on their own terms. Not Every Dog Is a Daycare Dog, and That's Fine Traditional group daycare is wonderful for a lot of dogs, especially social, high-energy pups who thrive on nonstop play with a big pack of friends. But it is not the right fit for every dog. Some of the most common reasons a dog may not love free-play daycare include: Age — Senior dogs often prefer a slower pace and may tire quickly or feel overwhelmed in a high-energy group setting. Grouchier personalities — Some dogs simply do not enjoy being crowded by a lot of other dogs, and that is a completely normal personality trait, not a problem to fix. Timid or shy temperaments — Dogs who are more nervous around groups can find large play groups stressful rather than fun. People-oriented pups — Plenty of dogs are simply more bonded to people than to other dogs, and they would rather spend their day with a favorite human than in the middle of a play group. If any of that sounds like your dog, they are not a bad fit for The Ark. They are exactly who our day boarding and private play options were made for.  Private Play, Available During Daycare or Boarding For pups who are older, grouchier, more timid, or simply happier with people than with other dogs, we offer private play sessions. Instead of joining a large group, your dog gets one-on-one time with a member of our care team, doing exactly what makes them happiest, whether that is a gentle walk, a calm game of fetch, some quiet cuddle time, or simply hanging out with a familiar face. Private play can be added during a daycare visit or a boarding stay, which means your dog still gets to come to The Ark, still gets attention, movement, and enrichment, and still gets to be part of the day, just in the way that actually suits them. The Ark Difference Our team takes the time to get to know each dog's personality, not just their breed or age. That means we can help you figure out whether group daycare, day boarding, or private play, or some combination of the three, is the best fit for your individual dog. Your pup does not have to love the same things every other dog loves to have an amazing day with us. Give Your Dog the Day That Fits Them If your dog has never been the free-play type, or if age or temperament has changed what kind of day works best for them, we would love to talk through the right option together. Day boarding and private play mean every dog, no matter their personality, gets a day that feels good to them. Reach out to our front desk team or visit us at 1965 W. New Hampshire St. in Orlando's Packing District to learn more about day boarding and private play, and let's find the perfect fit for your pup.

If you have ever come home to a dog who greeted you with a full-body wag, flopped straight into their bed, and slept for the rest of the night, you already know what a great day of play can do. That is what daycare at The Ark is all about. Your pup gets to run, romp, and make friends in a supervised, safe environment, while you get the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly who is watching over them. Whether you are a first-time daycare parent or you are ready to make it a regular part of your dog's week, here is everything you need to know about our packages, memberships, and a special offer we are running right now. Why Daycare Matters for Your Dog Dogs are social, active, and need more than a quick walk around the block to feel truly satisfied. Daycare gives your pup: A safe, supervised space to burn off energy Socialization with other dogs in a controlled setting Mental stimulation that helps curb boredom-driven behaviors at home A consistent routine, which many dogs thrive on A trusted place to go so you never have to choose between your schedule and your dog's needs Our team groups dogs by size, temperament, and play style, so every pup gets a day that fits them, not a one-size-fits-all free-for-all. Our Daycare Options We know every family's schedule looks different, so we offer a few ways to bring your dog to The Ark: Single Day Visit Perfect for the occasional need, like a busy work day or a last-minute errand run. Multi-Day Flex Packages Prepaid bundles at a discounted rate, ideal for pups who come in a couple times a week. These packages have a 6 month expiration date. Options: 5 days 10 days 20 days Monthly Plan Our most popular option for dogs who thrive on routine. One flat monthly rate means your pup can come play as often as they like. Options: 4 days/month 8 days/month 12 days/month Unlimited Membership Perks Joining The Ark as a member is about more than just daycare. Members enjoy: Priority booking for boarding, especially during busy holiday seasons Discounted rates across grooming and spa services A dedicated care team that gets to know your dog by name and personality Access to our full campus, including our pet bakery for a well-earned treat after a big play day Introducing $149 Unlimited Daycare for Your First Month If you have been thinking about trying daycare, now is the time. New daycare families can get their first month of unlimited daycare for just $149. That means your pup can come play as many days as you would like for a full month, at one simple price. This offer is designed to let you and your dog experience what a real daycare routine feels like, from the socialization to the tired-happy dog waiting for you at pickup, without committing to a long-term plan first. How to Get Started Getting your pup evaluated and enrolled is simple. We will schedule a temperament evaluation to make sure daycare is the right fit and to help our team learn your dog's personality, energy level, and play style. From there, you can book your first day and take advantage of the $149 unlimited first month offer. Ready to see those tail wags for yourself? Reach out to our front desk team or stop by The Ark at 1965 W. New Hampshire St. in Orlando's Packing District to get your pup started on their first daycare adventure. And while you are here, swing next door to Dougie's Dog Bar for a cold drink while your pup naps off a great day of play.

Flea and Tick Season in Florida Isn't Really a Season If you've lived in Orlando for any length of time, you already know our warm, humid climate doesn't give fleas and ticks much reason to slow down. While other parts of the country get a real winter break, Florida pet parents need to stay vigilant almost all year long. Here's what you need to know to keep your dog or cat protected. Why Florida Is Prime Flea and Tick Territory Fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions, and ticks are most active when temperatures stay above 45 degrees. In Central Florida, that describes most of the year. Add in our dense grass, wooded areas, and mild winters, and you've got an environment where fleas and ticks can reproduce and survive with very little interruption. Know What You're Looking For Fleas are small, fast, and reddish-brown, often found around your dog's tail, belly, and neck. Signs of a flea problem include excessive scratching, small red bumps on skin, or tiny black specks in their fur that look like pepper (flea dirt). Ticks are slower moving and easier to spot once attached, often appearing as small, dark bumps on the skin. Common areas to check include around the ears, between the toes, under the collar, and around the tail. Prevention Is Always Easier Than Treatment The most effective approach is year-round prevention rather than reacting after an infestation starts. Talk to your veterinarian about a flea and tick preventative that fits your pet's age, weight, and health history, and stick to the schedule consistently. Missing doses or stopping treatment during cooler months is one of the most common reasons Florida pets end up with a flea or tick problem. Simple Habits That Help Check your dog for ticks after walks, hikes, or time spent in grassy or wooded areas. Keep your yard trimmed, since fleas and ticks thrive in tall grass and leaf litter. Wash pet bedding regularly, especially during warmer months. Vacuum frequently if you have carpet or rugs, since flea eggs and larvae can live in fibers. What to Do If You Find Fleas or Ticks If you spot fleas on your pet, treat your pet and your home at the same time. Washing bedding, vacuuming thoroughly, and using a vet-approved flea treatment together will stop the cycle faster than treating your pet alone. If you find an embedded tick, remove it carefully with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out, then clean the area and monitor your pet for any signs of irritation or illness in the following weeks. When in doubt, your veterinarian can help confirm the tick is fully removed and check for any tick-borne concerns. We're Here to Help Between grooming visits, our team keeps an eye out for early signs of fleas and ticks so small issues don't turn into bigger ones. If you have questions about prevention or want help checking your pet at their next visit, just ask. Book your dog or cat's next grooming or wellness check at The Ark.

We see it all the time, and you probably feel it too… getting your pet places is not always convenient. That’s why The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel has partnered with Leash , a pet-only transportation company built to simplify life. Leash provides the most flexible transportation option for your pet across the entire metro. Even better, booking a ride takes just a few minutes through the Leash app. Safety Protocols For Peace Of Mind Unsure about Leash? That’s completely fair. After all, they are transporting your precious “cargo.” But Leash is backed by 5+ years of experience and more than 10,000 completed rides. Their pick-up and drop-off protocol has been fine tuned to ensure your pet is always safe when they ride with Leash. Here’s what a ride looks like: Download the Leash app and create your account and pet profile Book a ride to or from [Insert Business Name] A Verified Driver arrives based on your pickup instructions Receive photos and updates throughout the journey for peace of mind Who’s Driving My Pet? This is the most important question to ask, and one we take seriously. A Verified Driver is someone who… Passes a background check and Motor Vehicle Record review Has previous pet handling experience Uses pet-specific safety equipment like seatbelt tethers and harnesses When To Use Leash If you are in a time crunch, don’t have reliable transportation, just want to simplify your life, etc., Leash is here for you (and most importantly your pet). So next time your pet needs to get to or from The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel, consider giving Leash a try! And the nice thing is, rides start at only $20. Book your pet’s first ride here, and receive 10% off on us!