Ways to make Long Term Boarding for Dogs a happy experience.

When your dog can’t be home for awhile for certain reasons, long-term boarding can be a good place for him to stay. Whether you’re going on a long trip abroad or having your home renovated, finding a boarding facility for your dog to stay can provide you with peace of mind. However, what about your dog’s own peace of mind? Your dog might not be happy about being away from home at first, but there are things you can do to improve his experience.


Find a Clean and Safe Dog Boarding Facility
The dog boarding facility you choose should provide dogs with an environment that is both clean and safe. When you tour the facility, make sure that dogs have clean water to drink and that there are no messes left lying around. The boarding facility should also have a safe and enclosed play area, as well as knowledgeable staff members who supervise dogs.


Consider Short-Term Stays First
Having your dog do a couple of short-term stays at the dog boarding facility before doing a long-term stay can also help. These short stays give your dog a chance to get used to the new surroundings and get to know staff members. If you’re worried about how your dog will handle a long-term stay, consider scheduling a stay for one or two days first. If the facility offers doggy day care playtime, you might also want to consider doing this for a few days or even a week before the long-term stay. This will allow your dog to become familiar with the boarding facility, staff, and being around other dogs.


Pack a Favorite Toy or Familiar Item
When you’re getting your dog’s supplies ready for boarding, pack one of his favorite toys or an item that reminds him of home, such as a blanket or one of your shirts. Having this kind of item around can help your dog adjust to staying at a long-term boarding facility. His favorite toy gives him something to play with, while a blanket or shirt have familiar scents on them to help him feel at home.