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Cruisin' Canines

Whether it’s your first or 101st time searching for dog boarding services, it never gets more comfortable leaving your dog in another’s care. Not only is it difficult saying goodbye to your furry friend, even if it’s just for a short while, but it’s also surprisingly tricky getting everything prepared for your dog’s stay at a pet sitter’s. 

So, if you were looking for some dog boarding tips, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at everything you should do to ensure that your pooch has the best time while you’re away. 

Research Dog Boarding

If you want to make sure that your dog will be in good hands while you’re away, you need to dedicate some time to research. Not all dog boarding options are the same, and not all of them are safe for your pooch. 

Different pet boarders offer different types of accommodation and various services. Some offer solely a place to sleep, a backyard, and three meals a day, while others can have grooming services, one-on-one playtimes, long walks, training sessions, and more. 

You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your dog what they deserve. Dog boarding goes typically from $25 to $85 per night, and you can find superior services at affordable costs. More expensive options usually come with much more luxurious accommodation and trained and certified staff. 

Schedule a Visit Before Dog Boarding 

One of the essential dog boarding tips is that you should schedule a visit before you commit to a pet sitter. A dog boarding home can appear to be perfect, and you can receive trustworthy recommendations, but you’ll never know what it’s like until you see it for yourself. 

You’ll get a chance to meet the staff, see how your dog reacts to the new place, people, and animals, and ask any questions that may be on your mind before your departure. Visiting the boarding home with your dog before you commit to it will give you peace of mind and will allow you to prepare for dog boarding properly. 

Visit the Vet 

If you’ll be leaving your dog for over five days, it’s always a good idea to visit your vet first. This will ensure that your dog is in good condition, and the vet might even give you some advice on how to deal with your pup’s separation anxiety. 

Most boarders have vaccination requirements for your dog and will not accept dogs that don’t have papers that show flea and heartworm medication’s been taken recently. Your vet will ensure that your dog has received all the necessary vaccines and medications before dog boarding. 

Talk to the Boarding Staff 

Every dog is different. All of them have unique personalities, routines, and requirements, and it’s always important to talk to the staff of the boarding home before you leave your dog there. Let them know which food your dog eats, and how much. Talk to them about any medications that your dog may be taking, and let them know about any behavior quirks. The more information you give, the easier it will be for the staff to adapt to the needs and requirements of your pooch. 

It’s also essential to leave emergency numbers and provide the staff with your vet’s contact information. 

Pack Extra Food & Medications 

If possible, it would be best to pre-portion your dog’s food into separate bags to ensure that your dog is receiving adequate amounts of food per meal. If you cannot do this, make sure that you let the staff know exactly how much food your dog should be given and how often. 

The same thing goes for medications. Bring clearly labeled bottles of medication, and go over the instructions with the staff. 

Always pack extra food and medication just in case. Many pet boarders do offer their food at an additional cost, but it’s best if your pet follows their regular diet. If you want, you can also pack some of your dog’s favorite toys, or even your clothing item. This can help keep your dog calm as they’ll have the scent of home with them. 

Goodbyes Should Be Brief 

While you’ll likely miss your dog a lot while you’re away and will want to give them as many hugs and kisses as possible, it’s best to keep your goodbyes short and sweet when you’re dropping your pooch off. As you’re probably well aware, dogs can sense your energy and will pick up on your anxiousness, which can cause them to develop separation anxiety. 

Come Back to a Happy Dog 

With these dog boarding tips, both you and your dog will find the experience much more relaxing. You’ll be able to enjoy your trip, and your dog will quickly acclimate to the new environment. Once you’ve returned, you’ll see a happy dog who will shower you with puppy kisses and tail wags.

For a dog boarder you can trust, reach out to Cruisin’ Canines today!

3 Responses

  1. I love that you mentioned researching and getting an idea of the different services these places offer. My husband and I are looking for an animal boarding service that can help take care of our dogs while we go on vacation next month. We will keep these tips in mind as we search for a professional that can help us best.

  2. My family and I are planning to go away during the school semester break and we have been scratching on what to pack for our dogs when we send them off to be boarded. I appreciate that you reminded us to pack extra foods and medication as a means to ensure our dogs receive an adequate amount of food daily. My kids are actually handling the food and medications for the dogs, so I will remind them to pack extra and to label the medications.

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Cruisin' Canines logo of a white dog with an orange background