Our Top 5 Tips for Boarding Your Dog This Season
Although the prospect can seem stressful, there are times when we need to board our pups for a few days at a safe dog boarding facility. We understand that this might make dog owners a bit nervous, so we wanted to provide some expert advice and tips to help make the experience more comfortable and seamless for both dog owners and their dogs.
Book your dog for a vet visit before boarding to make sure that they are in good health and up to date on all important vaccinations, including Bordatella (the vaccine to prevent kennel cough).
Do thorough research and visit the boarding facilities that you are considering before making your final choice. The best facilities will be properly licensed, clean and organized and have staff experienced with working with dogs of all types and temperaments.
It can sometimes be helpful to have your dog do a trial stay at the boarding facility. This can be beneficial for anxious dogs as well as pet parents that may feel better after seeing how their dog does during their overnight stay.
Once you’ve picked a boarding facility, it’s time to pack all of the essentials your dog will need during their stay. Some facilities will have a list of items for you to bring or not bring for your dog, so make sure to follow the rules of the facility. Some items we think are important are treats, medications, dog food and bowls, their leash and collar with ID tags. It’s also nice to pack them some of their favorite items from home, like a favorite blanket or toy.
At drop off, it’s important to share any specific information about your dog’s needs that might be helpful, including what your dog’s quirky habits are, what their personality is like, and if they have any health issues. This is also a good time to provide the facility staff with emergency contact and veterinarian information.
Let us know if these tips are helpful and if there are any questions that we can answer. We always love to hear from our readers!