

Your plans are made, your tickets are purchased, and the countdown has begun for your vacation! Now comes the tricky part – preparing your dog for their boarding stay. We know you don’t want to leave your furry little friend, but you also need to be able to get away for a bit without worrying if their ok. That’s why a good boarding kennel can be a great choice, especially when you and your pup are both prepared. Check out our tips for how to prepare your dog for a boarding stay!
Tip 1 – Get Updated
The first tip for a good boarding stay is making sure that your dog is updated on everything: vaccines, medical records, need-to-know info on meds and food regimens, etc. Most kennels require updated vaccinations and medical records for the safety of both your dog and the others in their care. You’ll also want to make sure your contact info and your dog’s tags are up to date.
Tip 2 – Get Familiar
Another great way to prepare your dog for a boarding stay is to make sure your dog gets a sneak peek at their vacation spot. Touring the kennel with your dog is a way to get them acclimated to the sounds, sights, and smells before they stay overnight. This can help them get comfortable more easily in the space. This also lets you meet the people caring for them, to give you some peace of mind, too!
Tip 3 – Pack Smart
Dogs at boarding can sometimes get anxious or lonely, so you want to pack accordingly to help ease this. Most boarding kennels will allow you to pack personal items for your pup, so including things like a favorite toy or a blanket, or even a worn clothing item of yours. These bring comfort to your dog by allowing them to keep a little bit of home with them while you’re away. You can also pack some of their favorite treats, their current dog food, and anything else that’ll allow them to stick with their daily routine.
Tip 4 – Keep It Light
When it’s time for drop off, keep the goodbyes happy and quick. Dogs feed off their human’s energy, so if you draw out a long, sappy so long, then your dog will be nervous and off-kilter to start off their boarding stay. Keep it light and let your dog go into their vacation happily, so you can do the same!
A boarding stay can be such a fun time for your dog if you set them up for success. Facilities like Prestonwood Kennels (we know, it’s a shameless plug…but we’re pretty great) help you feel comfortable leaving your pup in someone else’s care while you’re away. With cozy stay features and caring staff, our boarding facility makes your dog’s stay a true 5-star vacation experience. Keep these prep tips in mind the next time you board your dog, and we hope to see you soon as your top pick!