How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding: A Complete Checklist

Leaving your dog at a boarding facility for the first time can feel stressful for both of you. But with the right preparation, you can help your dog have a safe, comfortable boarding experience. This guide walks you through everything you need to prepare dog for boarding, from health requirements to what to pack.

Understanding Dog Boarding Requirements

Before you can board your dog, you'll need to meet certain requirements. Most facilities have similar rules to keep all dogs safe and healthy.

Vaccination Records

All boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations. Your dog will typically need:

Rabies vaccine
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
Bordetella (kennel cough)
Canine influenza (recommended by many facilities)

Contact your veterinarian at least two weeks before boarding to ensure all vaccines are current. Some vaccines need time to become effective.

Health Certificate

Some facilities require a recent health certificate from your vet, especially for longer stays. This confirms your dog is healthy enough for boarding and free from contagious conditions.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Most boarding kennels require current flea and tick prevention. Apply treatments according to your product's schedule before the boarding date.

Visiting the Facility Before Boarding

A pre-boarding visit helps both you and your dog feel more comfortable. This is your chance to see where your dog will stay and ask important questions.

What to Look for During Your Visit

Walk through the facility and observe:

Cleanliness of kennels and common areas
Size and layout of individual dog spaces
Indoor and outdoor play areas
Ventilation and temperature control
Staff interactions with current boarding dogs

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, consider other boarding options.

Questions to Ask the Staff

Don't hesitate to ask detailed questions about your dog's care:

What is the daily routine and schedule?
How much individual attention will my dog receive?
What happens if my dog gets sick or injured?
Can my dog have special accommodations for anxiety or medical needs?
What is the staff-to-dog ratio?

Take notes on their answers. Professional facilities welcome questions and provide clear, detailed responses.

Trial Day or Shorter Stay

Consider scheduling a trial daycare visit before a longer boarding stay. This helps your dog become familiar with the environment, staff, and other dogs without the stress of an overnight separation.

Creating Your Dog Boarding Preparation Checklist

Organization makes the boarding process smoother. Start preparing at least one week before your dog's first boarding visit.

Essential Items to Pack

Food and Feeding Supplies:

Enough of your dog's regular food for the entire stay (plus extra)
Feeding instructions with portion sizes and times
Food bowl if your dog is particular about eating

Comfort Items:

A blanket or shirt with your scent
A favourite toy (nothing too valuable)
Bedding if allowed by the facility

Health and Safety:

Current vaccination records (copies)
List of medications with dosing instructions
Emergency contact information
Your veterinarian's contact details

Identification:

Collar with ID tags
Backup tags on leash or attached to belongings

Label everything with your dog's name using permanent marker or tags.

Information Sheet for Staff

Create a simple information sheet that includes:

Your dog's name and any nicknames they respond to
Behavioral quirks or fears
Food allergies or sensitivities
Commands they know
How they signal they need to go outside
Any medical conditions or anxiety triggers

This helps staff provide better care tailored to your dog's needs.

Preparing Your Dog Physically and Mentally

Dog boarding preparation isn't just about paperwork and packing. Your dog needs physical and emotional preparation too.

Exercise and Routine

Maintain your dog's normal routine in the days leading up to boarding. Avoid introducing major changes that could add stress.

On boarding day, give your dog a good walk or play session beforehand. A tired dog often adjusts more easily to new environments.

Grooming Before Boarding

Schedule a grooming appointment a few days before boarding. A clean, brushed dog is more comfortable, and it's easier for staff to spot any skin issues or injuries.

Check and trim nails if needed. This prevents scratching during play with other dogs.

Practice Separation

If your dog isn't used to being away from you, practice short separations in the weeks before boarding:

Leave them with a trusted friend for a few hours
Use doggy daycare once or twice
Practice calm departures and arrivals at home

These small steps help reduce separation anxiety.

Managing Your Dog's Anxiety About Boarding

Even well-adjusted dogs can feel anxious about new places. Watch for signs your dog needs extra support.

Recognizing Anxiety Signs

Common anxiety behaviours include:

Excessive panting or drooling
Pacing or restlessness
Whining or barking
Loss of appetite
Tucked tail or pinned-back ears

If your dog shows severe anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about anxiety support.

Calming Strategies

Help your dog feel secure with these approaches:

Before Drop-off:

Stay calm yourself (dogs pick up on your emotions)
Keep your goodbye brief and matter-of-fact
Don't make a big emotional scene

Calming Products:

Anxiety wraps or thundershirts
Calming supplements (consult your vet first)
Pheromone sprays for bedding
CBD products designed for dogs (where legal and vet-approved)

Familiarization:

Bring your dog to the facility's parking lot a few times before the actual boarding date. Let them sniff around the entrance. This makes the location less foreign.

What to Do on Boarding Day

The drop-off process sets the tone for your dog's stay. Keep things positive and stress-free.

Timing Your Arrival

Arrive during the facility's less busy hours if possible. Morning drop-offs are often calmer than afternoon times.

Allow extra time for paperwork and settling your dog in. Don't rush the process.

The Drop-off Process

When you arrive:

Stay calm and upbeat
Let staff take the lead on greeting your dog
Hand over all supplies and paperwork
Keep your goodbye brief
Don't sneak out, but don't linger either

Most dogs settle down within 30 minutes after their owner leaves. Staff are experienced with anxious dogs and know how to help them adjust.

Checking In During the Stay

Ask about the facility's policy on check-in updates. Some offer:

Daily text or email updates
Photo sharing
Scheduled phone calls
Live webcam access

Knowing your dog is doing well helps reduce your own anxiety while you're away.

Special Considerations for First-Time Boarders

If this is your dog's first boarding experience, a few extra steps can help ensure success.

Age Considerations

Puppies: Most facilities require puppies to be at least 4-6 months old with completed vaccination series. Younger puppies may do better with in-home pet sitters.

Senior Dogs: Older dogs may need special accommodations like softer bedding, easier access to outdoor areas, or medication management for senior dog health conditions.

Dogs With Medical Needs

If your dog takes medication or has a medical condition:

Provide detailed written instructions
Pack medications in original bottles with labels
Discuss your dog's condition with staff directly
Ensure the facility is equipped to handle your dog's needs
Verify they have a plan for medical emergencies

Some facilities specialise in medical boarding for dogs with complex needs.

Temperament and Socialization

Be honest about your dog's temperament. Tell staff if your dog:

Is uncomfortable around certain types of dogs
Has resource guarding tendencies
Prefers solo time over group play
Has fear triggers

This information helps staff keep your dog safe and comfortable. Many facilities offer private suites or solo play sessions for dogs who don't enjoy group activities.

After Boarding: What to Expect

Your dog may need a day or two to readjust after you pick them up.

Normal Post-Boarding Behaviors

Many dogs experience:

Extra tiredness (they've been mentally and physically stimulated)
Temporary appetite changes
Clinginess or extra affection
Increased thirst
More sleep than usual

These behaviours typically resolve within 24-48 hours.

When to Contact Your Vet

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

Coughing that persists beyond a day (could indicate kennel cough)
Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
Vomiting
Lethargy beyond normal tiredness
Signs of injury
Behavior changes that don't resolve

Most boarding stays end without health issues, but it's important to monitor your dog after pickup.

Providing Post-Boarding Comfort

Help your dog readjust by:

Maintaining normal routines immediately
Providing quiet time at home
Offering familiar meals
Going on familiar walks
Giving extra affection if your dog seeks it

Avoid scheduling stressful activities like vet visits or grooming immediately after boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book dog boarding?

Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance for regular periods, and 2-3 months ahead for holidays. Popular facilities fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and major holidays.

What if my dog refuses to eat at the boarding facility?

Some dogs eat less when boarding due to stress or excitement. Most facilities monitor eating habits and will contact you if your dog refuses multiple meals. Bringing your dog's regular food helps maintain appetite. If your dog is prone to stress-related appetite loss, discuss this with staff beforehand.

Can I bring my dog's medications to the boarding facility?

Yes, most facilities can administer medications. Provide clear written instructions, medications in labelled original bottles, and enough supply for the entire stay plus extra. Some facilities charge a small fee for medication administration. Discuss complex medication schedules with staff before booking.

Should I board multiple dogs together or separately?

If your dogs are bonded and comfortable together, many facilities offer shared suites at a reduced rate. However, if your dogs resource guard, compete for attention, or have very different energy levels, separate accommodations might reduce stress. Discuss your dogs' relationship with the facility staff.

What vaccinations does my dog need for boarding?

Standard requirements include Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), and Bordetella. Many facilities also require or recommend Canine Influenza vaccine. Check your specific facility's requirements at least 3-4 weeks before boarding to ensure all vaccines are current.

How do I know if my dog is too anxious for boarding?

Signs your dog may struggle with boarding include severe separation anxiety, aggression toward other dogs, extreme fearfulness in new environments, or medical conditions worsened by stress. Consider alternatives like in-home pet sitters for dogs with severe anxiety. Consult your veterinarian about anxiety management strategies.