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Dog Boarding: How to Keep Pets from Digging a Tunnel Back Home

Leaving your best friend behind can be the hardest part of preparing for vacation. Take these extra steps to help the transition from home to boarding kennel go smoothly.

Do a Test Run: It’s good to know your dog will adapt to a specific boarding facility before you’re 1,000 miles away. Putting them up for a night of boarding a few days before you leave will help them get used to new surroundings and assure them that you’ll come back soon. If you have any questions about the facility or the daily activities there, ask if you can take a tour or interview the current dogs.

Pack Mementos: Dogs find comfort in the familiar, so bring anything along that might remind them of home during lonely afternoons. A T-shirt you’ve recently worn, for example, will retain your scent, easing separation anxiety. A favorite chew toy will both remind dogs of playtime at home and help relieve stress naturally through the act of chewing.

Pay Your Vet a Visit: Most dog-boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations before your dog can stay there. Ask which ones are required and have them done in advance of your dog’s stay. 

Write a Note for the Staff: If your dog has special needs—such as a sensitive stomach averse to certain treats—the staff should be aware of it ahead of time. Jot down any specifics, such as how much food your dog gets at each feeding, how often your dog takes medication, and any other important information that will help them care for your pet.

Don’t Freak Out: When leaving your dog, it’s important not to make a big deal out of your departure or to cry into their kibble. Your dog can sense your stress, which could lead them to think something’s wrong. If you stay upbeat about the impending vacation, chances are your dog will, too.