Getting Your Dog Ready For Boarding
- Jean
- Aug 31
- 4 min read
Sending your dog to board can feel stressful — for you and sometimes for your pup. With the right preparation, though, boarding becomes a smooth, safe, and even enjoyable experience. Below is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide that walks you through everything: pre-boarding planning, what to pack, drop-off best practices, what to share with your sitter or facility, and helpful tips for easing separation anxiety.
🌟 Why Preparation Matters
Well-prepared dogs settle faster, follow routines better, and are less likely to experience stress-related issues. Preparation also makes life easier for the boarding staff and reduces the chance of problems while you’re away.
📝 Pre-Boarding Preparation
1. Lets Talk About Your Pets Stay!
Have a clear conversation about:
Weight limits and any behavioral policies
Vaccination & parasite prevention requirements
Feeding preferences (dry, raw, wet), brand, and portion sizes
Typical daily routine (walks, playtime, naps)
Emergency procedures and who will be contacted
2. Confirm Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention
Make sure vaccinations are current (commonly: rabies, distemper, Bordetella, and sometimes leptospirosis). Also confirm flea/tick prevention and intestinal parasite checks with your vet. Bring vaccination records or upload them to the facility beforehand.
3. Trial Visits & Short Stays
If your dog hasn’t boarded before, schedule a short trial stay or a drop-in visit. This helps them meet the staff, get used to the space, and lowers anxiety at full drop-off.
4. Gradually Adjust Routines
Start shifting your dog’s feeding, walking, or sleep schedule to match the boarding provider’s routine a few days before departure. Predictability reduces stress.
5. Exercise Before Boarding
A tired dog is a calm dog. On the day of drop-off, give your dog a good walk or play session so they have restful energy for arrival.
🎒 Packing Essentials — What to Bring
Create a labeled bag for your dog with all the must-haves. Include the following:
Food & Treats: Enough for the whole stay + a small extra supply (clearly labeled in original container if possible).
Medications: In original containers with clear dosing instructions and times. Include administration method (pill, liquid, crushed, with food).
Comfort Item: A favorite blanket, bed, or worn t-shirt to provide familiar scents.
Collar/Leash & ID: A sturdy leash, a well-fitting collar, and up-to-date ID tags. Consider including a backup collar.
Vaccination Records & Vet Info: Hard copy and/or emailed PDF with the facility before arrival.
Instruction Sheet: Feeding schedule, meds, emergency contacts, behavior notes, and anything else staff should know (see template below).
Grooming Items (if requested): A brush or small towel — check the facility’s rules.
Crate (if requested): Only bring if the facility asks for your dog’s personal crate. Many boarding providers supply crates.
Calming Aids (optional): If you and your vet use pheromone collars, calming supplements, or thundershirts, please bring them. Also, note any instructions. Consult your vet before adding supplements.
✅ Drop-Off Day — Tips & Best Practices
Stay Calm and Matter-of-Fact
Dogs pick up your energy. A calm, confident drop-off reassures your dog that everything is fine.
Keep Goodbye Brief
Long, emotional goodbyes can increase anxiety. Do a loving yet brief send-off and leave confidently.
Walk & Play Before Drop-Off
Give a final walk or play session to burn off energy — makes the transition easier.
Double-Check Instructions
Confirm medication times, food portions, and emergency contacts in writing before you go.
📋 What to Share with US?
Instruction Sheet Template
You can copy-paste and personalize this template to hand to your sitter or facility:
Dog Info & Instructions (copy for 3 Dog Whisperers):
Name:
Age / Breed / Sex:
Weight:
Feeding: (food type, amount, times)
Treats: (type & restrictions)
Medications: (name, dose, time(s), method)
Medical Conditions: (allergies, chronic conditions)
Vet Name & Phone:
Emergency Contact(s) (name & phone):
Behavior Notes: (reactive to dogs/people, separation anxiety, noise sensitivity)
Likes/Dislikes & Comforts: (favorite games, toys, who/what calms them)
Special Instructions: (crate preference, bedtime routine, leash preference)
Authorization: (consent to seek vet care if needed — include signed permission if required)
🩺 Health & Safety Considerations
Microchip: Ensure the chip is registered and contact info is current.
Vet Release & Emergency Permission: Many facilities require written consent to seek veterinary care if you cannot be reached.
Allergies & Medical History: Be upfront — it keeps your dog safe.
No New Foods on Boarding Day: Stick to familiar foods to avoid digestive upset.
🧠 Behavioral Prep & Training Tips
Crate Familiarity: If your dog will be crated, do gradual crate training at home well before boarding.
Short Separation Practice: Leave for short periods to help your dog get used to being apart. Gradually increase the time.
Socialization Practice: If your dog will be around other dogs, practice calm greetings and loose-leash walks.
Teach Simple Cues: “Come,” “Sit,” and “Leave it” increase safety and ease for 3 Dog Whisperers.
💤 Setting Expectations — What Boarding Days Often Look Like At 3 Dog Whisperers
Morning potty/walk, breakfast
Mid-morning play or supervised social time (or rest for quieter dogs)
Midday nap / quiet time
Afternoon enrichment, play time, fetch, mini dog pool swim
Evening meal & calm-down time
🧾 Post-Boarding & Pick-Up
Check Your Dog Over: Look for signs of stress, paw or fur issues, or anything unusual.
Ask for a Brief Report: 3 Dog Whisperers will provide a short summary: behavior, appetite, energy level.
Give Your Dog a Calm Reintroduction: A slow walk home and a quiet evening helps them readjust.
🆘 If Your Dog Has Anxiety — Extra Tips
Trial Stays help a lot — start small.
Comfort Items & Familiar Scents reduce stress.
Short Video Calls/Text Updates: We will send extra photos and videos to ease your mind.
Consult Your Vet: For severe anxiety, speak to your vet about behavior strategies (noting prescription meds only when appropriate).
📦 Quick Boarding Readiness Checklist (Printable)
Vaccination records up to date
Food packed & labeled (plus extras)
Medications packed with instructions
Comfort item (blanket/toy) packed
Collar, leash, and up-to-date ID tag
Instruction sheet completed & provided
Microchip info confirmed and current
Emergency contact & vet info shared
Drop-off/pick-up times confirmed with provider
Trial stay scheduled (if first time)
🔚 Final Thoughts
Boarding doesn’t need to be stressful. With thoughtful preparation and good communication, your dog will be comfortable, safe, and even happy while you’re away. The key is clarity: give our boarding team everything we need — food, meds, routines, contact info — and prepare your dog with small, calm steps. That combination sets everyone up for success.
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