You’re finally planning that long-overdue trip. Maybe it’s a family wedding, a weekend getaway, or just a break from the usual chaos. Flights are booked, bags are half-packed, and then it hits you… What about the dog?
Cue the panic. If you’ve never boarded your dog before, or even if you have but your last drop-off left you teary-eyed in the parking lot, you’re not alone.
It’s totally normal to worry. After all, your dog isn’t just a pet, they’re your little shadow, your sofa buddy, your four-legged alarm clock.
So, how do you get your pup ready for a stay away from home without completely stressing out both of you?
Let’s break it down.
Start Preparing a Few Weeks Out
The earlier you begin, the smoother it goes. And by smooth, I don’t mean totally tear-free (on your end, anyway), but less chaotic.
If your dog has never stayed away from home before, now’s a good time to ease them into short separations.
Leave them with a trusted friend for an afternoon. Let them stay home while you run errands instead of tagging along. These little changes help your dog learn that “goodbye” doesn’t mean “gone forever.”
Also, double-check their vaccines. Most boarding facilities require up-to-date rabies, distemper, and bordetella shots. It’s better to handle that early than be scrambling the day before with a howling dog at the vet.
Pack Familiar Things (But Not Your Entire House)
Yes, they’ll miss you. But no, they don’t need you to pack six squeaky toys, two blankets, your hoodie, and a framed photo of the family.
Pick one or two items that smell like home. A soft toy they sleep with or a shirt you’ve worn recently can be comforting.
Some dogs do better with less, too many things from home can make them more anxious if they’re looking for you in all of it.
Don’t forget their regular food. A sudden diet change in a new environment? That’s a recipe for tummy trouble.
Throw in any meds with clear instructions and maybe a note about their routine. Nothing fancy, just the stuff that helps the staff understand your dog better.
Drop-Off Day: Keep It Cool
This part’s tough. Your dog might pick up on your nerves, so do your best to stay upbeat, even if your insides feel like jelly.
Keep drop-off short and sweet. Don’t drag it out with tearful goodbyes or dramatic exits. That only tells your dog, “Something’s wrong here.”
Instead, hand them over confidently, give a quick “see ya later,” and walk out like it’s no big deal. Fake it if you have to.
Some facilities even recommend quick trial stays, a day or overnight, before a longer boarding period. Helps your dog adjust without diving into the deep end.
While They’re There: Trust the Process
Here’s where it gets real. You’ll be tempted to call every hour. Or wonder if they’re sleeping, eating, or plotting their escape.
But most dogs adjust surprisingly fast. The structure, the playtime, the new smells, it keeps them occupied. Some dogs actually have a blast and come back better socialized.
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If your dog has separation anxiety, make sure the staff knows ahead of time. They might have quieter areas or routines that help those pups settle in. Ask about updates or photos if it makes you feel better. Just try not to hover too hard.
What Happens When You Get Them Back
Be prepared. Your dog might be tired. Or overly excited. Or a little clingy. All of that is normal.
They’ve been in a totally different setting. Maybe they made friends. Maybe they barked at a wall for a day. Either way, it can take a couple of days to shake it off and return to their usual groove.
Don’t be surprised if they sleep like a rock for a full day or act a little off. If anything feels really out of the ordinary, like no appetite, limping, or weird behavior, give the boarding facility and your vet a quick call.
Don’t Forget the Little Things: Your Pre-Boarding Checklist
- Up-to-date on vaccines and flea/tick prevention
- Trial stay or play visit if possible
- Packed food, meds, and feeding instructions
- Favorite toy or comfort item
- Staff informed of any quirks, fears, or medical needs
- Confirm drop-off and pick-up times
- Stay calm and make your goodbye short
- Plan a quiet day at home after pickup
A friend once called me a wreck because she had to board her senior golden retriever, Scout, for the first time in six years. Scout had arthritis, hated change, and hadn’t been away from her since puppyhood.
We prepped like mad. She visited the kennel three times before the stay. Packed his orthopedic bed. Wrote a short novel of instructions (okay, not that short). And when she picked him up?
He looked smug. Like he’d been on holiday.
Sometimes our dogs surprise us. Sometimes they need a little extra. Either way, with a little planning and trust in the process, they’ll be just fine.
Final Thoughts from One Dog Parent to Another
Leaving your dog behind is never easy. You’ll worry. That’s normal. But the goal isn’t to make boarding perfect, it’s to make it comfortable enough for your dog to cope, relax, and return home happy and safe.
So, go take that trip. Enjoy the wedding. Visit your family.
Your pup will be waiting for you, tail wagging, ready for the biggest “welcome home” celebration ever.
What’s one thing your dog absolutely needs in their overnight bag?