How to Prepare Your Dog for a Boarding Kennel

If you are about to leave home for an extended period such as to go on vacation you need to 
know how to prepare your dog for a boarding kennel. Some people are unable to face the 
prospects of boarding their loving pet and therefore, they stay home. Others either impose on 
their friends or hire “pet sitters” to come into their homes. And finally, a vast number of 
people choose to board their pets in kennels.

Before committing your dog to a particular kennel, you should visit the facility for a personal 
inspection. Does it appear to be clean, does it smell clean, is it well lit and ventilated? How 
is the temperature? Are the cages and runs of adequate size? A phone call to the American 
Boarding Kennels Association (719-667-1600) will determine if the kennel under consideration 
meets accepted standards and is accredited. They should also be able to advise you on how to 
prepare your dog for a boarding kennel

After you’ve made your final kennel selection, it’s time to prepare your dog for its visit. 
First and foremost, make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. A kennel will reject your 
dog if his rabies vaccination isn’t current. Furthermore, even though you’ve selected a 
sparklingly clean boarding facility, your dog is subject to any number of communicable 
illnesses always present in a boarding population. A current shot record is good insurance 
against some of these diseases.

If at all possible, you should consider stopping by the kennel with your dog for a brief visit. 
He can meet the staff and become somewhat familiar with the surroundings. An overnight stay 
will do wonders to prepare the dog for his longer visit.

Always provide as much information as possible to the kennel staff. Obviously they will need to 
know about any medications they’ll have to administer, food allergies, whether or not the dog 
socializes well with other animals and what, if any, particular fears or phobias he might have. 
If you happen to be boarding more than one dog, you might want to request that they be housed 
in the same pen or allowed to exercise at the same time in the same run.

If your dog requires a special diet, the kennel may request that you provide them with a supply 
of his food. This will usually depend on the extent of the dog’s special requirements and will 
be settled in advance of the dog’s visit. Make sure the kennel has the name and phone number of 
your veterinarian and a phone number where they can reach you in case of an emergency.

Most dogs will benefit from bringing familiar items with them. A special toy, their blanket, or 
even one of your slippers will comfort them and stave off feelings of being abandoned. By all 
means, don’t wash the item; familiar smells are half the battle, so don’t destroy them.

When packing and preparing for your trip, try to go about it as calmly and casually as 
possible. Hectic packing and rushing about will alert him that something is amiss and by the 
time you’re ready to transport him to the kennel, he’ll already be under stress. Gather his 
kennel items and have them in the car prior to loading him. Now that you know how to prepare 
your dog for a boarding kennel the process will be much less stressful for both of you.

When dropping him off at the kennel, try to remain as nonchalant and as calm as possible. Don’t 
be overly affectionate or do anything that might cause Rover to attach too much significance to 
his plight. The objective is to minimize, rather than exaggerate. Keep it low key - no long 
goodbyes, no tears and no emotion. After handing Rover’s lead to a kennel staffer, allow the 
staffer to distract the dog and quietly slip out.

If you’re a frequent traveler, your dog will get used to being boarded and in most cases will 
look forward to the experience, especially if he gets an opportunity to mix with other dogs at 
the kennel. He’ll get to know the staff and look forward to seeing them.

Once both dog and owner get used to the idea of boarding and become completely comfortable with 
the experience, being separated will become much less stressful. While away, the owner will be 
at peace, confident that his faithful friend is safe and being well cared for. And, your dog 
will be able to lay back and enjoy his vacation as well. Knowing how to prepare your dog for a 
boarding kennel brings peace of mind and a happier experience for both of you.