• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Like any loving pet parent, you might feel a little nervous about boarding your dog or hiring a sitter for the first time. Try not to worry, though! A little preparation can help you and your dog feel safe and comfortable until you’re back together.

Preparing for your trip starts with considering your options early. This helps make sure your boarding facility or sitter of choice has availability—and it’s always wise to line up a backup, just in case.

Find out everything you need to set your dog up for success—and get some peace of mind yourself—with these 10 tips for boarding your dog.

1. Write Out Your Dog’s Likes and Dislikes

There isn’t a single “best” boarding option for all dogs. That depends on their individual personalities, explains Dr. Paige Adams, a veterinarian with Etowah Veterinary Hospital.

For example, dogs who are more cautious or reserved may prefer to stay on their home turf with a pet sitter. The same goes for dogs with separation anxiety, says Petrina Firth, certified separation anxiety trainer (CSAT) and founder of The Pet Coach.

Meanwhile, social and outgoing dogs will likely enjoy a kennel or doggy daycare where they can meet plenty of new friends. Dogs who came from shelters can also do well in kennel environments, adds Karen Piwinski, a certified dog trainer at Woofz.

To help your decision-making process, write out a list of all your dog’s likes and dislikes, including their:

• Friendliness towards new people
• Tolerance for new dogs
• Experience with strange places
• Comfort level in a crate or confined space

2. Review Your Facility or In-Home Boarding Options

Once you’ve figured out which boarding option might make a good match for your pup, it’s time to explore your options. While you can review boarding facilities and sitters online, we always recommend meeting your sitter in person or visiting the kennel before making a commitment.

Must-haves for a boarding facility include:

• Clean, smell-free rooms
• Good staff-to-dog ratio
• Attentive and experienced staff
• Happy dogs who don’t seem anxious

A great dog sitter should:

• Have good communication skills
• Get along well with your dog
• Practice gentle training methods
• Be willing to do a third-party background check
• Have plenty of good online reviews

3. Do a Trial Run at Day Care or with Your Sitter

If you’re unsure how your dog will react to boarding, consider doing a practice run at your doggy day care of choice. You can even try an overnight stay.

This can help your dog get used to the kennel, Piwinski explains. And if anything goes wrong, you’re already in town and ready to pick them up!

For young puppies, trial runs can even be helpful if you’re not going out of town, Firth says. The experience helps socialize them and prepares them for boarding later in life.

4. Visit the Location

Taking your dog to the boarding facility without dropping them off can also help, Adams explains.

This quick visit helps your dog get used to the space, learn the employees’ scents, and gain confidence with you by their side.

When it’s finally time for you to drop them off, it might not be such a big deal to them, since they already know some of the sights and smells to expect.

5. Ask About Upgrades or Other Add-Ons

Some boarding facilities may offer add-ons to make your dog more comfortable, like bigger kennels or more outside time during the day.

Piwinski and Dr. Adams suggest asking about the following upgrades before booking your pup’s stay:

• Socialization with other dogs
• More outdoor time
• Extra walks
• One-on-one time with staff

6. Adjust Your Dog’s Routine Gradually Before The Stay

While leading up to your stay, it’s a good idea to stick to your pup’s usual meal times and exercise routine as much as possible to avoid stressing them out.

However, if a kennel has different times for meals or playtime, you can start gradually tweaking your dog’s routine leading up to boarding for an easier adjustment.

Important: If your dog is particular about their schedule, a pet sitter might be a better choice. They can give your dog individual attention and follow their regular schedule.

7. Pack Everything Your Dog Needs

Your dog will need a few essentials—plus some extras—for their time away from home. When packing for dog boarding, remember to bring:

• A well-fitting collar and a harness or leash: Make sure the collar has an up-to-date ID tag, in case of an emergency escape.
• Your dog’s usual food: For dry food, fill a bag with enough for the duration of your pet’s stay, plus an extra day or two. For raw diets, use plastic containers and check with the boarding facility first to make sure they have fridge space.
• Comfort items: Grab a blanket or bed to help your dog’s kennel space smell like home—but leave the toys behind. “Boarders often don’t want you bringing toys,” Firth explains. After all, one dog taking another’s favorite toy could cause a scuffle. Some kennels may allow toys in your pup’s private space, but ask first.
• Written instructions: Write down anything staff members need to know about your dog’s care and handling. This might include, for example, their usual food portions or the commands they understand.
• Emergency contact info: When writing your instructions, include your contact information, your regular vet, and an emergency contact in case you’re unavailable.
• Medication: If your dog takes medication, bring enough for the duration of their stay, plus an extra dose or two, and include the dosage info in your instructions. If your dog needs pill pockets, include those with their food supply!
• Proof of vaccination: Kennels typically only accept dogs old enough to receive their core vaccines. Make sure to bring your dog’s proof of immunization from home or ask your vet for a copy.

Of course, with an in-home sitter from Rover, you won’t need to pack—your pup will already have everything they need. All you have to do is write instructions and contact info for the sitter!

8. Stay Calm When Dropping Your Dog Off

If you prepped your dog with a trial visit or brief overnight stay at the kennel, they should already know the drill on drop-off day. It’s understandable that you might want to shower your dog in cuddles and kisses, but lengthy emotional goodbyes can actually stress them out.

Instead, take a deep breath and give your dog an affectionate but quick goodbye. Try to leave while they’re calm, so they can maintain their chill throughout their stay.

9. Remind Staff How To Reach You and When

Before you head out, have one last conversation with the kennel staff or your sitter to remind them of your communication expectations.

Whether you want a phone call every other day or daily check-in texts, reviewing your preferences helps everyone stay on the same page—so you get the regular updates you want while you’re away!

10. Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Behavior When You Return

Once you’re reunited, your dog may need a day or two to get back into their usual routines at home. During this time, monitor them for new or unusual behaviors, like anxiety, agitation, or skittishness. If your dog seems a little off or scared, you may want to avoid using the same kennel or sitter a second time.

Keep in mind, too, that even though vaccinations can protect your dog from serious illnesses, boarding in close quarters with other dogs could put them at risk of catching a dog cold.

Make an appointment with your vet if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing or coughing
• Trouble breathing
• Irritated, red, or watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite or weight loss
• Fever

That said, if your dog seems completely fine and happy to be back with their favorite person, that’s a good sign their first boarding experience was a resounding success!

Are you gearing up for a trip but anxious about finding the right pet sitter or boarding facility for your dog? Leaving your dog with someone else can be difficult, but being armed with the right questions for a new sitter or facility can give you the peace of mind that your dog will be in good hands.

Each facility is designed to meet a different clientele, and pet sitters have different specialities and levels of experience—which means there’s a lot to know before you sign on. To learn how to tailor your questions to your specific dog and needs, we asked certified professional dog trainer Paige Gordon (CPDT, PCTIA) of SpiritDog Training for advice.

1. Accommodations

The first thing to ask about is your dog’s environment. You’ll want to know whether your dog will have enough space, whether the space will be comfortable, and how the facility deals with emergencies.

Make sure you know:

• How many other dogs will be there, and how will my dog share space with them?
• Where will my dog eat and sleep?
• Does my dog have their own space or enclosure, and how big is it?
• What kind of outdoor access will my dog have?
• Is the indoor space temperature-controlled?
• How many people are present at any given time?
• What kind of certifications do you have?
• Do you have business insurance?
• How close is the nearest vet, and how would you get my dog there?
• How can I get updates on my dog’s stay?
• Can I take a tour and see the space?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all right answer to these questions. For example, some dogs will be just fine being left alone by their sitter for a few hours—but for other dogs, it might be important to have someone present on site at all times. The biggest green flag when it comes to accommodations is transparency, especially the ability to visit the space. Gordon recommends touring all the spaces if possible, not just the public-facing ones.

Red flags are things like small kennels, low staff-to-dog ratios, and vague emergency procedures. Anything that makes it hard to give dogs their own space or separate them by age, size, and energy level can signal a problem.

2. Schedule

It’s important to know what your dog’s day will look like. Even if some options cost more, the answers to these questions can give you a lot of information about the facility and their operating philosophy.

Make sure you know:

• What will a typical day look like for my dog?
• How long will my dog be alone, and where will they be when they’re alone?
• When and where will my dog be fed? Do you leave food out if they don’t eat right away?
• When are play and walks scheduled?
• Are nighttime potty breaks and/or walks available?
• Can my dog’s medication schedule be accommodated?

A good schedule doesn’t have to be rigid—but it does need to match your dog’s general needs. Great kennels and pet sitters will be able to keep your dog relatively close to their home routine, from the number of meals to the amount of exercise.

Having alone time to decompress in their own space isn’t a bad thing for many dogs, but a lack of supervision or long absences can be. Other causes for concern are feeding dogs in shared spaces (which can force competition for food) and the inability to accommodate any extra feedings, walks, or potty breaks—that speaks to a kennel or sitter that’s overwhelmed.

3. Exercise and Activities

Ask questions to make sure your dog will get enough exercise and mental stimulation while you’re away—and ensure that exercise is supervised and safe.

Make sure you know:

• What kind of exercise will my dog get every day?
• What kinds of activities will be scheduled or available?
• Are any dog play groups separated by age, size, or energy level?
• How are dogs supervised during exercise and play?
• What kinds of games or enrichment do you offer?

A menu of activities and ideas for enrichment shows that your kennel or sitter has thought through their approach to exercise. Good answers will leave you feeling comfortable with the types of activities and the level of supervision, confident that your dog will have the interaction and stimulation they need—whether with humans or other dogs.

Red flags when it comes to exercise are a lack of regulated activities, no games or puzzles, and low levels of interaction. If a facility can’t accommodate your dog’s play style—whether that’s exuberant or more sedate—this likely isn’t a good fit for your pet.

4. Preparation

One of the best ways to ensure your dog’s stay is a happy one is finding out how to prepare your pup for a sitter or a boarding facility.

Make sure you know:

• How should I prepare my dog’s food and medication for their stay?
• Can I bring a comfort item?
• What vaccinations do you require?
• Can I leave a list of emergency contacts if I’m not available?
• Can I bring my dog by for a visit before their stay?
• Can we schedule a one-night trial run?

Many places will ask you to prepare daily food and medication and may have specific instructions about how to package and label them. These are good signs, because it means they have thought through the best way to feed and administer medicine. If the facility or sitter lets you bring a comfort item, even better.

Many places will also want you to leave additional emergency contacts who will be local—a good sign of careful planning. Lastly, a reputable place should allow you to visit beforehand so that your dog will be more comfortable with familiar surroundings during their stay.

If a facility won’t allow you to bring your own food, consider this a warning sign. Many dogs have specific dietary needs that a generic food cannot meet, or they could have a stomach too sensitive to switch foods on no notice.

Though requesting that you leave toys at home isn’t always a red flag—after all, toys can trigger resource guarding—great kennels and sitters will make sure your dog has a space all their own for comfort items. If you’re not allowed to see that space ahead of time, that’s always a red flag.

5. Is This a Good Fit for My Dog?

Some dogs need special consideration before they go to stay with a sitter or at a kennel. Here’s what to ask about puppies, seniors, dogs with health issues, and more.

Puppies

Before boarding your puppy, make sure you know about age requirements, energy levels, social activities, and rest times.

• How old do puppies need to be to stay here?
• Do you have specific food and rest times for puppies?
• What vaccinations do you require? Are all other dogs on the premises vaccinated?
• What types of activities can puppies do?
• Will puppies share space with older dogs?

High-energy dogs

Dogs with high energy levels that don’t get met can become destructive or suffer from increased anxiety. A few questions of your prospective new sitter can help to alleviate concerns.

• Will my dog be able to play with other high-energy dogs?
• Can I purchase extra playtime or walks?
• Can I bring toys for my dog to keep them occupied?
• Will there be the opportunity for games like fetch or frisbee?

Reactive dogs

Dogs who are reactive to noises, easily overstimulated, or don’t respond well to other dogs may have some very specific needs at their new boarding facility. As you talk to the operator or to the sitter, be sure to be honest about your dog’s needs and get answers to some important questions:

• Can my dog have a stay with lower sensory stimulation?
• Can my dog have a single accommodation?
• Can my dog be fed without other dogs around?
• Is the staff trained to handle reactive dogs?
• What techniques will the staff employ with a reactive dog?

Anxious dogs and dogs with separation anxiety

If you have a high-anxiety dog and/or one who experiences separation anxiety, leaving them with a sitter or at a facility can be stressful for you too. Gordon notes that for high-anxiety dogs, you might consider asking whether your dog can do a trial night just to be sure. As you talk with your prospective sitter, here are some good things to consider:

• Can my dog have a stay with lower sensory stimulation?
• Can my dog have more interaction with humans/dogs if that helps with their anxiety?
• Can my dog bring comfort items and toys?
• What activities are available for anxious dogs?
• Can my dog have a longer test visit?

Shy or dog-selective pups

Not all dogs love other dogs. If you have a dog who is shy or dog selective, be up front with the new sitter or boarding facility. Talk about your dog’s specific needs and ask questions about how the facility might best accommodate your dog’s personality. Gordon recommends that you ask for references, especially if you have a shy dog. See how other pet parents of shy dogs felt about the experience.

• Can my dog have minimal interactions with other dogs?
• Can my dog have more interaction with the staff?
• Can my dog have a stay with lower sensory stimulation?
• Can my dog have interactions only with certain types of dogs (quiet, low-energy, confident)?

Dogs with health issues

If your dog has temporary or permanent health issues, be sure to talk to the prospective facility about your dog’s specific needs and how they can help to make sure that your dog is comfortable while you are away. This could include special bedding, medications, or exercise needs.

• Can you meet my dog’s health needs? (Be specific!)
• Can you administer medications on my dog’s schedule?
• Can you make accommodations to help keep my dog comfortable?
• Can I bring items that will help my dog be more comfortable (e.g., an orthopedic dog bed)?
• Will my dog be able to be isolated from specific allergens?
• Is there a vet on call?

Seniors

Senior dogs can have some very specific needs. Getting the answers to some key questions from the sitter or facility can help to give you confidence that this boarding option is right for you.

• Is there flexibility with the schedule?
• Can I provide soft foods (e.g., wet or fresh food)?
• Can my dog have designated rest or quiet times?
• Can you administer medications throughout the day?
• Can you make accommodations to help keep my dog comfortable?
• Can I bring items that will help my dog be more comfortable (e.g., an orthopedic dog bed)?
• Can my dog only play with similarly-aged dogs?
• Is there a vet on call?

Asking the right questions can not only help you find the right sitter or the right facility for your dog, but also give you and your pup peace of mind while you’re away. You can even ask for a phone number you can reach out to if new questions occur while you’re away. A good sitter will always be happy to help.