Going on vacation should be a relaxing experience, but for pet owners, extended time away from their pet can bring added stress. It can be difficult to leave your pet behind, but sometimes it is necessary. It’s best to be prepared so that when it’s time to leave your dog, you know they will be taken care of. While you can leave your pet with a relative or hire a pet sitter, another option is to board your pet at a kennel or pet lodge. If you choose to board your pet, these handy tips can help ensure you and your pet have a successful overnight experience away from home.
1. Find the right kennel or boarding service
There are lots of different boarding options. You need to do your research to find the one that’s right for you and your dog. Not sure where to start? Ask your friends or take to Yelp or Facebook for recommendations. Then make sure the facility is a good fit for the temperament of your dog. Call the facility and ask about their services and what a typical day would look like. A reputable facility should have a regular schedule that they can share. Arrange a tour if possible. This will give you a chance to see exactly where your dog will be staying and chat with the staff about your pet’s specific needs to make sure they can accommodate them appropriately.
2. Prepare your dog
Check with the boarding facility well before you drop off your dog to make sure your dog has all the necessary vaccinations for their stay. Most pet lodges will require Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella. Some may require additional vaccines or proof of flea and tick prevention and heartworm prevention, so it’s important to check with the facility ahead of time if your dog does need additional shots or treatments.
3. Pack the essentials and few comforts of home
In addition to food and medication, we encourage pet parents to bring items such as bedding and toys from home to help their dogs feel happy and relaxed during their stay. To ensure accurate feeding, you may want to pre-measure your dog’s meals into individual servings. Don’t skimp on the details or instructions. Be sure to mention any behavioral quirks and leave multiple methods for contact in case of an emergency and your wishes in case of emergencies
4. Have a quick and happy good-bye
You may be sad or anxious about leaving your pet, but it’s best to keep it short and light so you don’t pass your anxieties onto your dog. Coddling or prolonging the good-bye can make your dog nervous and could trigger separation anxiety, setting your pet up for a stressful boarding experience. Do your best to show excitement to help your dog associate being dropped off with something good not bad.
5. Return happy and refreshed
Picking up your pet from the kennel can be an exciting and emotional reunion, but don’t forget to ask how the stay went. You’ll want to know how things went before choosing to leave your pet there again. Once you get home with your dog, spend a little extra time with your pet showering them with attention before jumping back into your normal routine.
Talk With Us About Boarding Your Dog
We encourage you to visit our boarding page to learn more about our boarding options. Schedule a tour to see the facility and meet some of the staff. Check out our reviews on Facebook and see why dog parents trust us.
