Prepare Your Pup for Boarding

Leaving your dog in a boarding facility while you’re on a long trip can be a tough experience. Spending time away from your dog and leaving him someplace new can be traumatizing for you both. But there are ways to lessen the damage so you both can enjoy vacation worry-free.

Practice kenneling your dog before you go. Do not let a two-week trip to Thailand be your dog’s first experience in a boarding facility — he might think you’ve abandoned him. Instead, book a day or two stay at the facility ahead of time so he can get used to the new place. He’ll also know he’s not stuck there forever when you come back to pick him up!

You’ll want to get him around other dogs, too. A boarding facility can be a stressful and loud place. Make sure your pup is used to barking dogs before you go. Take him to the park to play so he gets along with others. That way, he might be allowed to play with others while you’re away.

Do not change his diet before you go. It’s important to maintain a consistent diet for your dog before boarding him. Many of them develop stress diarrhea while boarding, and switching up his food could exacerbate the problem. Stick to his usual food and treats and send them with him to boarding.

Finally, determine your dog’s favorite toys and bedding and take it to boarding with him. You might also consider lending him your favorite shirt, that hasn’t been washed, so he can still smell your presence nearby while you’re away.

Whatever you do, be calm when dropping him off. If you cry or act worried when saying goodbye he’s going to think something is wrong, and won’t feel comfortable until you return.