Preparing your dog for boarding: a practical guide

Boarding can be a source of worry for owners and dogs alike. With a little preparation, it becomes an enriching experience: new smells, new companions, new routines. Here's how to prepare for the stay.

Before booking

• Visit the facility: a good boarder welcomes a preliminary meeting
• Check the conditions (space, walks, human presence)
• Ask specific questions about how the day unfolds
• Ask for references or check customer reviews
• Book in advance, especially during holidays

Documents to prepare

• Up-to-date health record with vaccinations
• Identification (chip or tattoo)
• Prescription if ongoing medical treatment
• Vet contact and emergency contact details
• Detailed feeding habits (brand, portion, frequency)

The day of

Stay calm and natural. Dogs sense their owners' anxiety. Avoid endless dramatic goodbyes: a quick hug and you leave. Most dogs adapt within a few hours.

What to pack

• Their usual kibble (portions prepared per day)
• Their bed or a blanket that smells like home
• A familiar toy
• Their flat collar (no harness in boarding)
• Medications if needed

“

A well-prepared dog comes back more relaxed, more sociable, and often more balanced than before their stay.

— Estelle, dog trainer