Essential Pet Boarding Prep: What Every Owner Needs

Successful pet boarding preparation requires current vaccinations, detailed care instructions, familiar items for comfort, emergency contacts, and advance booking. Start planning 2-3 weeks ahead to ensure all medical requirements are met and your pet has time to adjust to any new routines before their stay.

Why Does Proper Boarding Preparation Matter?

Preparing for pet boarding isn't just about packing a bag—it's about ensuring your pet's safety, comfort, and well-being while you're away. Well-prepared pets experience less stress, adapt faster to new environments, and receive better care because staff have all the information they need. Proper preparation also protects other pets at the facility by ensuring all health requirements are met. Most importantly, thorough preparation gives you peace of mind knowing your pet is in good hands. The investment in preparation time pays dividends in reducing anxiety for both you and your pet, making the boarding experience positive rather than traumatic.

What Medical Requirements Must You Meet?

Every boarding facility requires specific medical documentation to protect all pets in their care. Start gathering these requirements 2-3 weeks before your boarding date:

1. Current rabies vaccination (must be valid through your pickup date)
2. DHPP vaccination for dogs or FVRCP for cats (within the last year)
3. Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccination for dogs, often required within 6 months
4. Flea and tick prevention verification from your veterinarian
5. Health certificate or wellness exam within 30 days for extended stays
6. Spay/neuter documentation if required by the facility
7. Any additional vaccines specific to your region (like Lyme disease)

What Personal Items Should You Pack?

Familiar items help reduce boarding stress and make your pet feel more at home:

• Enough regular food for the entire stay plus 2-3 extra days
• Current medications in original containers with clear dosing instructions
• Favorite blanket or bed that smells like home
• A few familiar toys (avoid expensive or irreplaceable items)
• Comfort items like an unwashed shirt that smells like you
• Special treats for good behavior (check facility policies first)
• Leash, collar with ID tags, and harness if used
• Any special bowls if your pet is a picky eater

What Information Does the Boarding Facility Need?

Detailed information helps boarding staff provide the best possible care for your pet. Create a comprehensive care sheet that includes your pet's daily routine, feeding schedule, medication times, and any behavioral quirks or preferences. Include your veterinarian's contact information, emergency contacts who can make decisions if you're unreachable, and your detailed itinerary with phone numbers. Document any medical conditions, allergies, or special needs clearly. Note your pet's temperament, whether they're social with other animals, and any triggers that cause stress or anxiety. The more information you provide, the better equipped the staff will be to keep your pet comfortable and happy.

How Should You Prepare Your Pet Behaviorally?

Mental and behavioral preparation can significantly reduce boarding stress:

• Schedule a facility tour and meet-and-greet before the boarding stay
• Practice short separations at home to build independence
• Maintain consistent feeding and exercise routines leading up to boarding
• Consider a trial daycare visit if the facility offers this service
• Avoid major changes to diet or routine in the weeks before boarding
• Exercise your pet thoroughly before drop-off to reduce initial anxiety
• Stay calm and positive during drop-off—pets pick up on your emotions

What Financial and Logistical Details Should You Confirm?

Clear financial arrangements prevent surprises and ensure smooth service. Confirm the total cost including any add-on services like grooming, extra playtime, or medication administration. Understand the payment policy—some facilities require full payment at drop-off, while others allow payment at pickup. Verify what's included in the base rate versus additional charges. Get clarity on their policy for extended stays if your return is delayed, including additional daily rates and any required authorizations. Confirm pickup and drop-off hours, late pickup fees, and holiday policies. Ask about their procedures if your pet becomes ill and needs veterinary care, including authorization limits and preferred veterinary partners.

How Far in Advance Should You Book and Prepare?

Peak seasons like holidays, summer months, and spring break require booking 4-6 weeks in advance, while regular periods need at least 2-3 weeks notice. Quality boarding facilities fill up quickly because pet owners return to providers they trust. Early booking also gives you time to complete all medical requirements without rushing. If your pet needs vaccinations or a health check, schedule these immediately after booking your boarding stay. Use the weeks leading up to boarding to introduce any necessary routine changes gradually. Some pets benefit from multiple short visits to the facility before their extended stay, which requires advance planning and coordination with the boarding staff.

What Questions Should You Ask During the Pre-Boarding Consultation?

A thorough consultation reveals how well the facility will care for your pet:

• What is your staff-to-pet ratio during different shifts?
• How do you handle medical emergencies and which veterinarians do you use?
• What is your daily routine for feeding, exercise, and social time?
• How do you separate pets based on size, temperament, and play style?
• What cleaning and sanitization protocols do you follow?
• Can you accommodate special dietary needs or medication schedules?
• What happens if my pet shows signs of stress or refuses to eat?
• Do you provide updates or photos during extended stays?