In-home pet sitting isn’t always right for every dog. Sometimes, it would be in their best interest to go to a dog boarding facility while 
you are away from home. If you find that this is the best option for your dog, here are 5 tips for getting your dog ready for their stay.
1. Prior to taking your vacation, have your dog spend a day or a half day of doggy day care at the boarding facility you plan on keeping them at. This way, they will get to experience the new environment and you will be back after a very short period of time so they realize that mommy and daddy do come back for them when they are at this new place.
2. Find out the boarding facilities hours before you travel. Are they open on Sunday night or will you have to wait until Monday morning to pick up your dog?
3. Bring your dog’s bed (even if they charge extra for you to bring their own toys and beds). Not only will your dog have something comfortable to sleep on, it will be their own bed which will give them familiarity while they are in a strange place.
4. Write your dogs name on everything! Leashes, toys, collars, bowls, everything! You don’t want to risk your dog’s belongings getting lost or mixed up with another dog’s.
5. For safe travels to and from the dog boarding facility, be sure to get your dog a harness or doggy seat-belt! It’s tempting to let your dog lounge around in the back seat and hang her head out of the window but it is dangerous for you dog. Be on the safe side and get the proper equipment for riding in the car!
These are just a few of the things that you should add to your checklist when taking your dog to a boarding facility. To be sure you are 100% prepared with everything your dog needs during his stay, be sure to call the kennel you plan on using and go over everything you’ll need with them!
Bobby Saint says
January 17, 2018 at 2:53 amI like that you provided some tips for boarding your dog such as making sure to put his name in all of his belongings. It is recommended that you properly label all of your pet’s toys and food trays to ensure that they wouldn’t be lost or swapped with another. Also, it’s best to bring your pet his own bed to give him some sense of familiarity while staying at the boarding facility. if I were to board my pet while I’m away, I would make sure to keep this in mind. Thanks.
andreas stecker says
May 31, 2018 at 8:22 pmThat is a smart tip to have your dog spend a day or so in the facility before going on vacation. Then I bet the dog will be a little more comfortable. I want to go on vacation, but I also don’t want to leave my little animal kiddos.