Preparing for Your Dog’s First Boarding Stay

Summer camp is a rite of passage. There are new friends to meet, exciting adventures to have, and maybe just a tiny bit of homesickness on the first night.

It turns out, the same can be true for dogs.

If you’re planning your pup’s first boarding stay before your summer vacation, it’s normal to have questions. With a little preparation, your dog’s first boarding experience can be safe, comfortable, and even fun!

Most Dogs Adjust to Boarding Faster Than Their Owners Expect

I know what you’re thinking, and no, your dog won’t think you’ve abandoned them.

If we had a treat for every time someone asked this, we’d be stocked for life!

Dogs don’t measure time the way people do. While they may spend the first few minutes wondering where you went, they quickly become interested in everything happening around them:

• New smells to investigate
• Friendly staff offering belly rubs
• Walks and playtime
• Regular meals
• New four-legged friends

Before long, most dogs settle in surprisingly well.

Pro Tip: Keep goodbyes short and cheerful. As tempting as it is to deliver a Hollywood-worthy farewell, dogs are experts at reading our emotions. If you stay relaxed and confident, they’re much more likely to think, “Well… this seems okay!”

A Practice Boarding Stay Makes Longer Trips Easier

A practice stay before your vacation can make a big difference.

Think of it as a practice sleepover before summer camp officially begins.

A short visit helps your dog become familiar with the sights, sounds, smells, and people at their temporary home. It also gives the boarding team a chance to learn your dog’s personality and preferences.

By the time your vacation arrives, your pup may trot through the door like they’re visiting old friends.

Pro Tip: While a one-night stay may seem like the best introduction to boarding, most pups do better with a two- or three-night visit. The extra time allows them to settle into the new routine, build trust with their caregivers, and realize they’re in a safe place which makes future boarding stays much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Packing the Right Things Helps Your Dog Feel at Home

Thankfully, packing for your dog’s first boarding stay is much easier than packing for your kids.

Bring:

• Their regular food
• Any medications with clear instructions
• Emergency contact information
• A favorite blanket or bed (if allowed)
• One or two well-loved toys

Familiar items that smell like home can help your dog settle in.

Don’t forget: Reputable boarding facilities will also require proof of current vaccinations before your dog’s stay.

Boarding Facilities Are Prepared for Dogs of Every Personality

Whether your dog is outgoing, shy, older, or has medical needs, experienced boarding professionals have likely cared for a dog just like yours.

We’ve met them all:

• The social butterfly who wants to greet everyone
• The senior who prefers leisurely strolls and afternoon naps
• The shy pup who needs a little extra time to warm up
• The dog who somehow knows exactly when it’s medication time

The more honest you are about your dog’s personality, routines, and medical needs, the better we can care for them. Those details aren’t something to apologize for, they’re one of the best ways to help your dog have a comfortable, successful stay.

Keeping Your Dog’s Routine Consistent Helps Reduce Stress

Now is not the time for a lifestyle makeover.

Dogs thrive on routine. Keeping meal times, walks, bedtime, and daily habits as consistent as possible before boarding helps them feel more secure when they arrive.

Pro Tip: A little exercise before check-in can help your pup settle into their temporary home much more easily.

Boarding Can Be a Positive Experience

Your dog’s first boarding stay doesn’t have to be stressful for either of you..

At College for Pets, our lodging experience is top notch, providing your pal plenty of playtime, cuddles, treats, regularly scheduled meal times plus brain games, soothing music and more! 

We strive to create a true vacation experience, so pup parents feel like this one did:

“Our Pup is pooped! He spent a week boarding with the White Mountain College for Pets and had a blast! We really enjoyed the Pupdate we got on his 2nd day there and he had a bath and a nail trim as well which we know is hard for our anxious boy.”

Book your pet lodging stay with us today!
https://collegeforpets.com/pet-boarding/