Tips for Preparing Your Dog for Boarding

Table of Contents:

1. Start Preparing Your Dog for Boarding Early
2. Bring Familiar Items From Home
3. Provide Nutritious Food and Treats
4. Create a Checklist
5. Exercise before Boarding
6. Hired Help in the Home
7. Conclusion
8. Summary

Fit & Go Pets understands that leaving your furry friend in a boarding facility can be challenging and stressful. We want to help make the experience as smooth as possible for both you and your dog. The following tips will assist in preparing your dog for boarding and reduce anxiety, allowing for a more comfortable stay at our facility.

Start Preparing Your Dog for Boarding Early

If you are planning to board your dog for the first time, give them ample time to adjust to the idea. Whether or not your dog has gone through the boarding process before, you want to help them prepare and know what to expect.

Schedule a visit to Fit & Go Pets ahead of time to familiarize your pet with the facility, take a tour, and meet the staff. This is beneficial for your dog to establish an initial connection, reduce anxiety, and promote trust with the staff.

Bring Familiar Items From Home

Dogs can find comfort in familiar surroundings and items, especially when in an unfamiliar environment. Before leaving your dog at Fit & Go Pets, bring along some of their favorite toys, bedding, treats, and anything else that reminds them of home.

Familiarizing your pet with the scent of the boarding facility before dropping them off can make it easier for them to adjust. Bring the items you plan to leave behind, such as small items or toys.

Provide Nutritious Food and Treats

One of the keys to helping your dog adjust to boarding is to ensure that they are well-nourished. Pack enough of their regular food and treats to last their stay. If you typically give fresh meals to your dog, you may want to speak to Fit & Go Pets about any special requirements while your dog is in their care.

Ensure that all meals and treats are labeled correctly with instructions. Packaging meals according to daily portions can also simplify feeding requirements for the staff while your beloved pup is staying with us.

Did you know:

Create a Checklist

A checklist for your dog's boarding essentials can ensure you don't forget anything important when it comes to preparation and packing. This can include:

• Enough medication/correct medication for their stay
• Contact information, such as your phone and your vet's phone number
• Emergency contacts for pickup or to act in an emergency if they arise
• Health or dietary restrictions
• Feeding instructions

Exercise before Boarding

A well-exercised dog is more likely to sleep soundly and reduce anxiety when away from home. Ensure you give your dog plenty of activity in the days leading up to boarding and even take them for an energetic walk before leaving them at the center. It can help to tire them out and prepare them for a stress-free nap.

Hired Help in the Home

If you are concerned about your dog's anxiety while away, consider hiring assistance in the home. Ask a trusted family member or dog sitter to drop by and spend quality time with your dog regularly. This can alleviate stress by keeping your dog in familiar surroundings with familiar faces.

Conclusion

Leaving your furry friend in a boarding facility can be a trying experience for both you and your pup, but it doesn't need to be. Ensuring their safety, reducing anxiety, and familiarizing them with the process, and keeping them well-fed can ensure both you and your pup have an anxiety-free stay. We want your dog's stay to be just as enjoyable as your time away. Contact Fit & Go Pets ahead of time and meet our caring professional staff to help prepare your furry friend for their next boarding experience.

Summary:

• Start preparing your dog for boarding early to help them adjust.
• Schedule a visit to the facility beforehand to familiarize your pet with the environment and staff.
• Bring familiar items from home, such as toys and bedding, to provide comfort.
• Provide nutritious food and treats, labeled with clear instructions.
• Create a checklist for boarding essentials, including medication, contact information, and instructions.
• Ensure your dog gets enough exercise before boarding to reduce anxiety.
• Consider hiring assistance at home to alleviate your dog's stress.