10 Tips To Eliminate Stress While Boarding

1. Leave your pet in the car while checking in.

It is easiest on your pet and you to leave your pet in the car during the check in process. Bring in all necessary paperwork and belongings and let the kennel attendant know all pertinent information including feeding schedule and medication schedule if necessary. Once that is completed then go back to your car to get your pet. It is much easier to fill out paperwork or sign any forms without your pet struggling to investigate all the new smells in the office.

2. Keep your drop off "low key."

When saying good by to your pet, it is best to keep it short and sweet. If you appear anxious, your pet will pick up on your anxiety and feel stress too. A quick pat on the head, and then out the door is the best approach.

3. Visit the kennel first.

It's a good idea to visit the kennel first, without your pet, to be sure that you feel comfortable with the facilities and the staff. If you are comfortable with where you pet will be staying while away from home, you will be less anxious on the day you drop him or her off. The more relaxed you are, the less stress your pet will feel when you leave.

4. Bring your dog in for a day of play first.

If the kennel offers it, bring your dog in for a day of daycare first. Your dog will have a great time playing with other dog friendly dogs and will look forward to returning.

5. Keep the overnight stay short.

If your pet has never been away overnight, plan a special one night stay before your vacation. This will help get you and your pet accustomed to his or her being away from home. When you do leave for your planned vacation, you will be comfortable knowing that your pet is in good hands and in a familiar place.

6. Bring your pet's own food.

If the kennel allows it, plan to bring your pet's regular food. A diet change can be stressful for a pet, resulting in poor digestion and loose stool. Keeping your pet on his or her regular diet can go along way to alleviating stress when away from home.

7. Bring something familiar from home.

If the kennel allows it, bring something familiar from home such as a favorite toy, blanket, or even one of your unwashed T-shirts that still has your scent on it.

8. Take advantage of extras that the kennel offers.

If the kennel offers daycare for boarding dogs, take advantage of it. It will allow your dog the chance to socialize and play with other dog friendly dogs and make their stay very enjoyable. In fact, you'll be surprised how eager your dog will be to go back to the kennel the next time you go away. If daycare is not available, ask for special cuddle time, or one-on-one time for your pet. These additional services are well worth the extra money.

9. If you have more than one pet, ask if they can be boarded together.

If your pets get along well, ask if they can share space while boarding. They will keep each other great company while you are gone.

10. Schedule a bath or full groom before your pet goes home.

Even in the cleanest of boarding facilities, accidents do happen. Also, there are certain breeds of dogs, Golden Retrievers for example, that tend to really absorb doggie odors. With many pets in close proximity, it is always a good idea to schedule a groom before pick up. Your pet will look, feel, and smell great.