How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding

Dog boarding is rising in popularity and for good reason. It’s one of the most convenient services available to busy dog owners who want to make sure that their precious babies are safe while they are away. With that said, you need to know what boarding is and how to prepare your dog for boarding.

What is boarding for dogs?

You might have a lot of questions about dog boarding. Is dog boarding safe? Is it bad to board your dog? How long can you board a dog?

These questions and more like them will be answered here. However, let’s start with the basics. What is boarding for dogs?

It’s basically a service that ideally allows owners to entrust their dogs to professional facilities with a certified staff of trainers and caretakers. There, the dogs will stay either overnight or for several days, depending on how long the owners will be away.

During their stay, the dogs will be cared for and all their needs will be attended to. This includes healthy meals, exercise via outdoor walks or indoor equipment, and potty trips. The best dog boarding facilities will also maintain schedules to ensure that any training that the dogs received will be maintained.

How to prepare your dog for boarding

You don’t just drop off your dog at the boarding facility with no preparations. There are things you need to get ready so that your dog will have the best experience while boarding. Among the most important are the following:

Prepare yourself for the separation

There’s no question that you love your dog, so it’s only natural that you will feel some anxiety when separated from them. This is completely fine! That’s why it’s important to prepare ahead of time.

The first step is to stay calm and relaxed during the days before the day of boarding. Dogs can pick up on any worries or anxiety that you might be feeling.

Next, when you do drop off your furry friend, make it as quick and fuss-free as possible. Short goodbyes will ensure a much smoother transition for your dog.

Update their vaccinations

If your dog’s vaccinations are not up to date yet, it’s time to get on that. This is a must to protect not only your dog but other dogs at the facility.

Give or update their ID tags

Your dog will be safe at the boarding facility, but it always pays to be sure. Getting an ID tag for your dog so you can check on their location on your phone will also give you peace of mind.

Prepare their favorite toy

Many of what your dog will need will be provided when you drop them off. This includes toys that the dogs at the facility can play with. Sending along their favorite toy will just help them feel more comfortable in a new environment. This will also ensure that your dog will have a toy that is only meant for them

Give your dog socialization training if needed

Dog boarding often involves placing your dog in close proximity to other dogs. Certified trainers will keep everything safe and controlled, but your pup will enjoy the experience more if they are used to being around other dogs. If you think your dog needs it, socialization training would be worth doing.

Call ahead for discussions on dietary restrictions or requirements

Even though the food will be prepared by you, it’s still important to inform the Boarding staff of any dietary restrictions or specific instructions that they will need to follow for your dog. It’s better to play it safe when it comes to your best friend’s health, after all.

What to bring when you board your dog

Food

Be sure to bring enough food for your dog that will last for the duration of their Boarding. You can coordinate with the staff to determine the feeding times and the amount you need to prepare.

Paperwork

Proper documentation will help keep your dog safe and let the boarding facility’s staff know of any special needs that your dog might need. These include:

Proof of vaccination
Medical records
Identification

If you’re asked for these documents, it would be best to have them prepared to avoid delays.

Medication

Some dogs can require special attention and this can include the need for medication. If this is the case with your dog, you can send the medication along with instructions.

Extra leash

Dog boarding facilities will typically have leashes for dogs, but it never hurts to be extra prepared. An extra leash that’s perfect for your dog’s size would make walking them much easier.

Scent reminder

Your scent brings your dog comfort. So, packing a shirt that has your scent for your dog to cuddle with can make their stay at the boarding facility more enjoyable.

What to look for when boarding your dog

Not all dog boarding facilities are the same. You need to be extra careful when choosing a facility for your fuzzy darling to stay at. To help you make the right choice, keep the following in mind:

Clean and professional facilities

The best dog boarding facilities prioritize cleanliness and an organized environment for their charges. You want to leave your dog at a place where hygiene is given due attention.

Certified staff

Knowing that your dog is under the care of qualified people who have the certification for the job gives you peace of mind.

Vaccination and health policies

Health is a very important part of running a dog boarding facility. As such, you need to know that all of the dogs that your furry friend will be interacting with have been vaccinated. You should also feel reassured that their health will be guaranteed.

Indoor and outdoor activities

Dogs shouldn’t be kept inside all the time while they are boarding. Outdoor potty walks should be part of the service too. At the same time, if dogs are kept inside, there should also be scheduled activities like playtimes and exercise.

How much does boarding a dog cost?

Prices often differ depending on the dog boarding facility. However, average rates can go from $60 to $75 per night. These prices can also vary based on any extra service that you might such as grooming for your dog.

How long can you board a dog?

For many dog boarding facilities, dogs can stay overnight for a minimum of 8 hours. However, some offer extended stays for three or more days. If there is a need to have consecutive stays with interruptions between them, this can be arranged ahead of time.

Should I feel bad about boarding my dog?

Absolutely not! Entrusting your dog to a reliable, safe, and professional dog boarding facility can be a bit like dropping off your child at daycare or scheduling a playdate. It’s good for you and good for your fur baby. It’s a win-win! If your dog is staying for more than one day, you could also make arrangements to talk to your dog via video calls and the like. This can help ease your mind while away from your beloved pup.

Is dog boarding safe?

When you choose the right dog boarding facility, your dog will be in good hands. This is doubly true when you have certified dog trainers and an experienced staff taking care of your dog. You’ll get your furry pal back healthy, happy, and super excited to see you again!

Where can I board my dog?

There are plenty of companies both big and small that are offering dog boarding services. K9 Mania Dog Training is currently doing so at their Deer Park, Long Island dog training facility. Staffed with highly trained, experienced, and certified trainers, you can rest assured that your dog will be in capable hands.

As a professional dog training facility, security is guaranteed. All of the equipment necessary to keep your dog happy and healthy is provided. It’s also spacious enough to accommodate both indoor and outdoor activities.

Best of all, health and hygiene are at the top of the list of priorities at K9 Mania’s dog boarding facility. Grooming services are available, as well. You can get your dog back with sleek fur, smooth nails, and smelling like a rose!

Prices for boarding are also reasonable for one of the top dog boarding and training companies in the industry. At $75 for the overnight stay or $60 per night for three nights as part of the Vacation Plan, you’re getting a great deal!

How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding

What is boarding for dogs?