How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding

If you're like most dog owners, chances are you haven't left your furry best friend behind. But if you're planning some time away from home—whether a few days or weeks—it's essential to know how to prepare them for boarding, so they have the best experience possible. Here are tips on ensuring your dog is ready for any trip.

Bring all the supplies.

You must bring all his supplies when you arrive at the facility with your dog. Here is a list of items to consider bringing:

• Crate or carrier (if applicable)

• Leash, collar, 

• Food, and water bowls

• Toys (tug toys are great for relieving excess energy!) 

• Blanket or towel for your dog to lay on if he gets cold in the kennel area. You may also want one just in case he has an accident during transport.

• Treats are always a good idea. They help distract him from any anxiety he may be experiencing while going through check-in procedures at the facility. 

Don't forget medications.

You will also want to bring a list of your dog's medications and their dosages. This may include pills, liquid medicine, or topical treatments. Include any particular food or treats your dog might need while away from home. Ask the vet at their last checkup if you have any questions about what medications your dog should take while boarding.

Bring a copy of your dog's vaccination records.

It's essential to have a copy of your dog's vaccination records on hand if the boarding facility requests them. Before you leave the house, grab a copy of the documents and bring them with you so they're easy to access when necessary.

No worries if you don't have a copy of your pup's vaccination history handy.  Many veterinary clinics offer digital copies for free or a small fee—ask how much it will cost to get one first, so there are no eye-openers when it comes time to pay up.

Let your dog have some play time before you leave.

You can do one or two things to help your dog transition into a new place. First, let them play with other dogs and people before you leave.

This will be especially important if they're going to be in a room with other dogs while they aren't supervised because it will get them used to being around other animals.

Letting them spend time with their favorite person is also helpful—don't feel like this has to be all serious business.

If your dog loves tug-of-war or playing fetch as much as mine (he'd rather play than eat), make sure that there's plenty of time for doing exactly what he wants before leaving him alone for several days at training camp.

If possible, bring along some toys from home that smell familiar and are unique to your pup.

When you're boarding your dog, it's essential to leave an updated itinerary and contact information with the kennel. In addition, it's a good idea to leave a copy at home with someone who can respond if there are any concerns.

• Ensure you have your dog's vet's phone number if anything goes wrong while away.

• Include some information about the person who will pick up your puppy at the kennel so they can verify his identity and yours.

• If possible, include photos of him so that staff members know what he looks like when he arrives (and when he leaves)

Conclusion

It may be a lot to think about, but it's worth ensuring you do everything possible to make your dog's stay in boarding or daycare a good one. Remember that dogs are social animals, so they need people around them. A little planning can help ensure your best friend has a great experience while you are away.