How to Board a Dog

Dog boarding — leaving your dog at a facility or in-home boarder while you travel — is a practical solution for trips when you can't take your dog with you. Done right, boarding can be a positive experience for your dog. Done wrong, it can be stressful and even dangerous. Here's how to find a good boarding facility and prepare your dog for a successful stay.

What You'll Need to Prepare

• Calming chews: ThunderBites calming chews to send with your dog — give to the facility to administer before stressful periods like drop-off or group play.
• Calming spray: Bodhi Dog calming spray applied to your dog's familiar blanket before boarding — your scent and the calming formula help reduce stress in an unfamiliar environment.
• A comfortable dog bed or blanket: A familiar dog bed or blanket from home gives your dog a comforting, familiar-smelling space in the boarding facility.
• A Kong toy: A frozen stuffed Kong toy to send with your dog — ask the facility to give it during settling-in periods.
• A dog first aid kit: An EVERLIT pet first aid kit — while the facility should have their own supplies, it's good practice to have one available.

Types of Dog Boarding

Traditional Kennel Boarding

Dogs stay in individual kennels or runs at a dedicated facility. Staff provide feeding, exercise, and basic care. Quality varies enormously — from basic kennels to luxury facilities with individual suites, webcams, and enrichment programs. Always visit before booking.

In-Home Boarding (Home Boarding)

Your dog stays in a private home with a host family. Often less stressful than kennel boarding because the environment is more home-like. Available through platforms like Rover. Best for dogs that are anxious in kennel environments.

Doggy Daycare with Overnight Boarding

Facilities that offer both daycare and overnight boarding. Your dog spends the day in group play and sleeps in individual kennels at night. Good for social dogs that enjoy the company of other dogs.

How to Choose a Boarding Facility

Step 1: Visit Before Booking

Always visit the facility in person before booking. A reputable facility will welcome tours. Look for: cleanliness, adequate space, appropriate supervision, happy dogs, and staff who interact warmly with the animals.

Step 2: Ask the Right Questions

• What is the staff-to-dog ratio?
• How are dogs grouped for play?
• What happens if my dog gets sick or injured?
• Which vet do you use for emergencies?
• How often are dogs exercised and for how long?
• Can I bring my dog's own food, bed, and toys?
• Do you have webcams so I can check in?
• What vaccinations do you require?

Step 3: Check Vaccination Requirements

Reputable boarding facilities require proof of current vaccinations — typically rabies, distemper/parvo, and Bordetella (kennel cough). Ensure your dog's vaccinations are current before booking. Schedule a vet appointment if needed.

Step 4: Read Reviews

Read reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Look for consistent themes around cleanliness, staff attentiveness, and how the facility handles problems. A few negative reviews are normal; a pattern of the same complaint is a red flag.

Step 5: Do a Trial Stay

Before a long trip, book a one-night trial stay. This lets you assess the facility and your dog's response before committing to a longer boarding period.

What to Bring to Boarding

• Your dog's regular food (labeled with name and feeding instructions)
• Medications with clear instructions
• A familiar blanket or bed sprayed with calming spray
• A frozen Kong for settling in
• Calming chews with instructions for the facility
• Your contact information and emergency contacts
• Your vet's contact information and authorization for emergency treatment

Red Flags to Watch For

• Reluctance to allow tours
• Strong smell of urine or feces
• Dogs that appear stressed, fearful, or neglected
• Inadequate supervision during group play
• Vague answers about emergency procedures
• No vaccination requirements

Final Thoughts

Good boarding facilities exist — but finding them requires research, a personal visit, and a trial stay before a long trip. Bring familiar items from home, send calming chews and a frozen Kong, and choose a facility that welcomes tours and has clear emergency protocols. Your dog can have a genuinely positive boarding experience with the right preparation and the right facility.