Planning a getaway is exciting, but you may not be able to bring your pet along. If you must leave your pet behind when you travel, you may feel worry, stress, and guilt. However, boarding your furry pal can provide a sense of relief, knowing they are in a safe and comfortable environment while you’re away. For many pets, the boarding experience is a fun and exciting break from their routine and a time to socialize with new people and animals. You can help set up your pet for a successful boarding experience, helping ensure they are in good health, mentally prepared, and have everything they will need during their stay. Prepare your pet for the ultimate boarding staycation by following our Oliver Animal Hospital team’s tips. 

#1: Find a boarding facility that meets your pet’s needs

When preparing your pet for boarding, do your research to select the right boarding facility for your furry pal. Ask your friends, family, and veterinarian for recommendations. Visit facilities to find out which ones meet your standards. Meet with staff members to determine whether you feel comfortable leaving your pet in their care. 

#2: Schedule a preboarding visit for your pet 

Schedule a preboarding visit for your pet to help them become familiar with the facility and the staff. This visit will help your pet become comfortable in their new surroundings and reduce their anxiety during their stay. Introduce your pet to the staff and let your four-legged friend explore the boarding area. Leave your pet overnight and ask the staff for feedback on your furry pal’s behavior, so you can address any concerns. 

#3: Schedule your pet’s wellness exam

For your pet’s health and that of other animals at the boarding facility, ensure your four-legged friend’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Most reputable boarding facilities only accept pets who receive veterinary-approved parasite control products and whose vaccinations are current. So, do your homework before your pet’s wellness examination to ensure they receive all the vaccinations a potential boarding facility might require.

#4: Practice obedience skills with your pet

Before bringing your pet to boarding, brush up on their basic training to help ensure their safety and wellbeing during their stay. Practice these essential skills with your furry pal:

  • Basic commands — Basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, come, and leave it, are important for managing your pet’s behavior and can ensure their and others’ safety at the boarding facility.
  • Leash walking — Ensure your pet is comfortable on a leash. Practice loose-leash walking, during which your pet walks calmly beside you without pulling or lunging. This skill will make walks more enjoyable and manageable for both your pet and the boarding facility staff.
  • Socialization — For your pet to feel safe and comfortable at a boarding facility, they should be comfortable around new people and pets and in new environments. To socialize your pet appropriately, use positive reinforcement when exposing them to all new places and experiences. Doing so helps your furry pal have a positive and calm outlook on their world. 
  • Handling — Practice gentle handling to help your pet tolerate having their paws, ears, and mouth touched. In addition, acclimate your four-legged friend to having their fur and teeth brushed. Doing so helps boarding staff more easily provide necessary care during your pet’s stay.
  • Crate training — If your pet will be housed in a crate or kennel at the boarding facility, crate training is essential. Gradually introduce your pet to the crate and ensure they are comfortable spending time within. This will help your four-legged friend feel secure and relaxed during their stay.

#5: Pack your pet’s essentials

As you plan for your pet’s boarding stay, ask staff which items are necessary and which ones are recommended. To meet your furry pal’s basic needs, provide them comfort, and ensure their wellbeing during their boarding facility stay, pack the following: 

  • Food and treats — Pack enough of your pet’s regular food to last for the duration of their stay, and include extra in case your return is unexpectedly delayed. To ensure your four-legged friend is fed the right amount, include instructions for your pet’s daily meal portions. In addition, include plenty of your pet’s favorite treats.
  • Medications — If your pet takes any medications or supplements, ensure you pack an adequate supply that is labeled with clear instructions about timing and dose.
  • Leash and collar — Ensure your pet has current identification (ID) tags attached to their collar. To keep your pet safe in the parking lot, leash your furry pal as you bring them into the facility. 
  • Favorite toys — To help keep your four-legged friend mentally stimulated and provide a sense of comfort during their boarding stay, include a few of their favorite toys. For your furry pal’s safety, do not send toys, rawhides, or other items your pet could destroy, swallow, or on which they can choke.

Taking time to prepare your pet for their boarding stay will help them enjoy a positive and stress-free experience, and provide you with peace of mind. Schedule your pet’s preboarding wellness examination with our Oliver Animal Hospital team.