Top 10 Tips for Stress-Free Dog Boarding Experiences

No one enjoys leaving their pet behind when travelling, worried if they’re having fun or in safe hands. That’s where boarding facilities can come into play! If you aren’t looking to have someone in your house to dog-sit while you’re gone, boarding facilities like Prestonwood Kennels can become a happy haven for your dog instead. Let’s talk about some top tips for a stress-free dog boarding experience.

Finding the Right Kennel

Do your research to find the right place for your furry friend. Ask friends for recommendations, make sure all of the proper healthy and safety standards are followed, find a place with the right licensing and staffing, etc.

Learn the Rules

Each boarding facility has its own policies and procedures, and whichever one you choose you’re agreeing to follow. Learn those rules and be ready to work with them.

Get Familiar

Once you pick a boarding facility, plan a pre-visit with your pet! This allows them to get acclimated to the sights, smells, and sounds of the kennel before their stay.

Train and Socialize

Make sure that your dog is ready to be around a variety of other dogs and people. Keeping them well-trained and socialized is the best way to make sure that they can handle this stay.

Update Vaccinations

Double-check that your pup is fully up to date on their vaccines. This is a strict rule for most boarding places, and it protects your dog and everyone else’s.

Pack the Essentials

Now we get to the actual stay! Prepare your dog for their visit by packing the essentials: their food (if the facility allows that), a favorite blanket or toy, any meds they may need, and whatever else they may need. These familiar favorites will help reduce your dog’s anxiety.

Read More: Fun Dog Boarding Activities at Prestonwood Kennels

Provide Emergency Contacts

Part of your essentials should be your emergency contact details. You need to be available in case of emergency, but also provide backup contacts as well as your regular vet’s info.

Keep Goodbyes Easy

You know how dogs can sense your energy? Yeah, that’s even more important to keep in mind when dropping them off for their boarding stay. Keep your goodbyes short and sweet without letting your pup pick up on any negative emotions.

Prepare for Afterwards

Now for the after: you should be aware that the first time your dog stays at a new boarding kennel, they may be a little off when you get them back home. Give them time to reacclimate without pressuring them, get them back into their home routine, give plenty of affection, and keep an eye out for any worrisome behaviors.

Follow Your Instincts

The bottom line is that you should follow your instincts when finding a boarding home for your fluffy family member. Your gut will tell you what’s best, as will your dog’s.

Boarding doesn’t need to be a scary experience for your dog, and following these tips is a great way to provide stress-free boarding experiences for your best friend while you’re away!