Tips To Ensure Your Dog Is Ready For Their Boarding Stay

As dog owners, we wish we could take our furry friends everywhere, but it’s not always possible. While the separation can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog, boarding them can give you the peace of mind that your pup will be given the care and attention they need by our caring and highly trained staff.

Preparing to board your dog for the first time is the best way to ensure that both you and your pup are ready to have an enjoyable boarding experience. If you are worried about boarding your dog while you’re getting ready for your extended time away, consider these tips to get your dog set up for success and to help you relax as well.

Make Sure Your Dog’s IDs Are Up To Date

Double check that your pet’s identification information is up to date before you leave them at a boarding facility. Your pup’s collar should have an ID tag with your phone number, at least. If your dog is microchipped, verify that the information is still correct.

It’s also important to verify the emergency contact information that the boarding facility has on file is up to date as well. Having additional emergency contacts on file helps to make sure your dog is covered in an event where you cannot be reached.

Make Sure Your Dog Is Up To Date On Vaccinations

Many pet boarding facilities require dogs to be updated with their vaccinations. It might seem like a lot of work for you, but it’s for the safety of your dog and the other dogs at the facility. We don’t want your dog, or any dog in our care to get sick while they’re with us.

To prevent this from happening, be sure to take a trip to your pup’s veterinarian at least 2 weeks prior to the boarding date. Ask your veterinarian to update your pup on all vaccinations and speak with your vet about any concerns you may have about leaving your pup. Make sure they supply you with copies of your dogs updated vaccinations when you leave.

Adjust Sleeping Habits

If your dog sleeps with you in your bed each night, you can likely expect them to be upset with sleeping alone at the boarding facility. Do your best to get your pup adjusted to sleeping by themselves if you believe this could be a hurdle for them!

Be Mindful of What You’re Feeding Your Dog

Some pet owners might want to give their dog extra treats or table scraps because they feel guilty about having to leave them soon. Although you might feel like this is a way to show extra love, keep in mind that your pup might have some anxiety when first arriving. Which in turn, could upset their little stomachs, so it’s best to keep a healthy and consistent diet. This will help to avoid any additional tummy aches for your dog.  Be sure to let the facility know about any specific feeding instructions as well.

Make Your Goodbye Quick and “Pawsitive”

We know that leaving your pup is hard, we feel the same with our dogs too. As the boarding date gets closer and closer, you may start to feel anxious. This is a normal feeling to have but unfortunately, your pup will be able to pick up on these emotions. The best thing to do is remain as calm and collected as possible, during the days leading up to dropping them off and at drop off. It’s best to hand them over to the boarding staff and quietly slip away. Remember to always raise any concerns you might have to staff so they can help make the stay as stress free as possible for both you and your pet.

The Reunion

When you pick up your dog after a long absence, it’s easy to be overly excited or emotional. However, this can incite separation anxiety when you’re away next time, as your dog will be waiting for the dramatic reunion. Keep the reunion nonchalant so they will become accustomed to being left in various places such as boarding facilities and with veterinarians.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out  to the professionals at Puppy Play and Stay prior to your dog’s boarding visit with us! We look forward to seeing you and your pup in the future.