To prepare your dog for boarding for the first time, tour the facility, check in with your vet, and pack familiar items along with clear written care notes.1,2 Then plan for a short settling-in period at both ends of the stay.1
With Thanksgiving on November 26, now is a good time to make arrangements for your dog if you plan to travel.3 If your dog does not need to come along, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests options such as hiring a reliable pet sitter or boarding your dog at a veterinarian-recommended facility.4
What is the timeline to prepare your dog for boarding?
Work in order: choose the facility, talk to your vet, then pack and write notes. The timeline below pulls each step from veterinary sources, so you can see what to do and when.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Step 1: while choosing a facility | Tour it and look at cleanliness, organization and daily routines. Ask how often dogs are fed and whether they get enough exercise.1,3 |
| Step 2: before you book | Check in with your regular vet, especially if your dog is elderly, medically fragile or highly anxious.1 |
| Step 3: before the stay | Confirm vaccines are up to date and meet the facility's requirements.1,3 |
| Step 4: in the days before | Ask the facility which forms it needs, choose an emergency contact, and, if your dog is microchipped, add that person to the microchip registry.2 |
| Step 5: packing day | Pack food for the stay plus a few extra days, feeding instructions, a familiar item and vaccine records.1,2 |
| Step 6: after pickup | Expect a short readjustment. Your dog may want extra attention, sleep more or take a day to settle back in. Watch for signs that do not fade.1 |
How do you choose a dog boarding facility?
Pick one you can tour, that asks for vaccines, and that suits your dog's energy. A Texas A&M veterinarian encourages owners to match the facility to their pet's personality. A high-energy dog, for example, may benefit from outdoor access or structured play.1
During a visit, you should be able to see how clean and organized the place is and how the day runs.1 A facility that is not open to questions and tours may be giving you an important sign.1 Noise can also add stress, and kennels with many dogs tend to be loud.1
Keep a few questions in mind as you look around:3
- How often are the dogs fed?
- Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring?
- Are veterinary services available?
- Will my dog get enough exercise?
What vaccines does a dog need for boarding?
Bring proof of rabies vaccination and current shot records.2 Ask the facility which vaccines it requires, and make sure your dog is up to date on them.1,3 Group settings increase the risk of disease spreading, so vaccines are essential.1 A facility that does not ask about vaccines may be a reason for concern.1
What should you pack for dog boarding?
Pack your dog's usual food, a comfort item from home and the right paperwork. A T-shirt that smells like you or a favorite toy can help, though strong chewers may not be able to keep some items safely.1
- Food: enough of your dog's regular food for the stay plus a few extra days in case plans change, with clear feeding instructions.2
- Daily extras: any medication and supplements your dog already gets, as your vet directs, plus a note on which treats are okay and which to avoid.2
- Comfort: a worn T-shirt or favorite toy, if your dog will not chew it up.1
- Records: vaccination history, including proof of rabies, and up-to-date medical information.2
- Contacts: every way to reach you, plus your regular vet's name and contact details.2
What should you tell the boarding facility?
Tell staff how to reach you, who can decide for you in an emergency, and what your dog's normal day looks like. The AVMA suggests picking an authorized agent who can act if your pet has an emergency and you cannot be reached.2
Many boarding services have their own emergency authorization form, so check ahead to find out exactly what documentation they need.2 Share your dog's exercise routine, favorite games or toys, and any medical conditions that could lead to an emergency.2 If your dog is microchipped, you can also add your agent as a backup contact in the microchip registry.2
Is it normal for a dog not to eat while boarding?
Yes, a short dip in appetite at the start is common. Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says: "It's really common for animals to not eat for the first 12 to 24 hours."1
Being apart from their family and other pets can be stressful, even for easygoing dogs, and the change can briefly affect appetite, digestion and behavior.1 Mild loose stool, pacing, panting or hiding can also happen at first.1
How do dogs act after boarding?
It is common for dogs to go through a short readjustment period back home. They may want extra attention, sleep more, or take a day to settle back into their routine.1
If signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, lethargy or big behavior changes last or are severe, call your vet.1
Boarding is a big change in routine, but smaller shifts matter too. If the clocks just changed, see does daylight saving time affect dogs.
Holiday travel brings other seasonal questions too. Before the big meal, see what Thanksgiving foods can dogs eat, and if you are heading somewhere chilly, check how cold is too cold for dogs. For more everyday dog care, browse more Learn guides.
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Frequently asked questions.
Does my dog need vaccines for boarding?
Yes. Group settings raise the risk of disease spreading, so vaccines are essential.1 Check what the facility requires, and make sure your dog is up to date on those vaccines.1,3
What do I bring when boarding my dog for the first time?
Bring enough food for the stay plus a few extra days, written feeding instructions, vaccination records with proof of rabies, your contact details and a familiar item such as a worn T-shirt.1,2
Why is my dog acting weird after boarding?
A short readjustment period after boarding is common, and your dog may want extra attention, sleep more or need a day to settle in.1 Persistent or severe signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or lethargy, should not be ignored, so call your vet.1
Should I tour a boarding facility before booking?
Yes. Tour the facility before you decide to use it.3 A place that avoids questions or tours may be a warning sign.1
Sources.
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Pet Talk. Planning ahead: reducing stress when boarding your pet. 2026.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Ensuring your pet is protected when you're away. AVMA, n.d.
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Pet Talk. Holiday travel: should pets come along? 2017.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Traveling with your dog or cat. AVMA, n.d.
