Introduction
Boarding a dog can be a necessity for pet owners who need to travel or be away from home for an extended period. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, around 69 million U.S. households own a dog. With so many dog owners, boarding services have become an important option when owners cannot bring their dogs along.
There are many reasons owners may need to board their dogs, including vacations, business trips, family emergencies, military deployment, and medical procedures. Boarding provides a way for dogs to be cared for outside the home in a safe, structured environment. It’s an alternative to relying on friends, family or in-home pet sitters.
Dog owners have choices when it comes to boarding. Traditional kennel boarding places dogs together in shared spaces. Specialty boarding offers amenities like private suites, webcam access, and specialized care. Daycare facilities also provide boarding. Ultimately, owners must weigh factors like duration, cost, amenities, and their dog’s needs when choosing boarding services.
Ideal Boarding Duration
Veterinarians and dog experts generally recommend keeping a dog’s boarding stay to less than 2 weeks (https://www.purewow.com/family/how-long-can-you-board-dog). Boarding for longer durations can lead to behavioral issues in dogs as they get anxious being separated from their family and regular home environment for too long. According to veterinarian Sarah Wooten, most dogs can tolerate 2-4 weeks of boarding before negative effects start to emerge (https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/long-board-dog-long-too-180000362.html).
Some exceptions are highly social dogs that thrive on playing with other dogs all day at boarding facilities. These dogs may be able to stay for longer periods without issues. However, any stay over 2-3 weeks should be carefully considered based on the individual dog’s personality and age.
Boarding for over a month is not recommended for most dogs. The unfamiliar surroundings and lack of family contact tends to create stress, confusion, and anxiety in dogs left for such long periods. Separation anxiety, problem behaviors, and health issues could develop or worsen with month-long or longer stays.
Consider the Dog’s Age
When deciding how long to board your dog, it’s important to consider their age. Puppies under 6 months old generally shouldn’t be boarded for more than 2-3 nights at a time, as they need more frequent care and attention. Senior dogs over 10 years old may also find boarding stressful, so limit stays to 3-4 nights.
Puppies need more frequent potty breaks, play time, and overall monitoring of health and wellbeing. Being away from their family for too long can be traumatic. According to The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre, most kennels require puppies to be at least 12-17 weeks (4 months) before boarding.
Senior dogs can experience separation anxiety when away from home and their normal routine for extended periods. As dogs age, boarding can become more stressful on their bodies too. Limiting boarding to 3-4 nights reduces chances of issues arising. Provide any medical or dietary instructions so their needs are met.
While age impacts ideal boarding duration, also assess your individual dog’s temperament and health. Work gradually up to longer stays as they grow accustomed to boarding. Prepare them physically and mentally for the best experience.
Assess the Dog’s Temperament
The dog’s personality and temperament are key factors when deciding how long to board them. Nervous dogs who experience separation anxiety will likely benefit from shorter stays, according to the AKC [1]. High energy dogs may also struggle with longer kennel confinements since they can become restless or bored more easily. Here are some tips for boarding dogs with different temperaments:
- Nervous Dogs: Ask the kennel about options for anxious dogs like increased human interaction or calming treats. You can also help your dog adapt by doing short trial runs at the kennel beforehand.
- High Energy: Make sure the facility has enough outdoor time and exercise. Inform staff of your dog’s energy level so they can properly stimulate and tire out your pup.
- Separation Anxiety: Gradually get your dog used to being alone during short practice runs. Leave them with worn t-shirts with your scent to reduce stress.
Knowing your dog’s unique personality and making preparations based on their needs can help make boarding easier for pups of all temperaments. Be sure to disclose any behavioral concerns to your kennel ahead of time.
Choose the Right Boarding Facility
When choosing a boarding facility, you’ll need to decide between a traditional kennel or an in-home setting. Kennels offer 24/7 supervision and are experienced caring for many dogs. However, some dogs prefer a home environment with fewer dogs. Do your research to find reputable options with stellar reviews for either setting.
Vet potential facilities thoroughly. Schedule an in-person visit to inspect the facilities. Look for cleanliness, adequate indoor and outdoor spaces, and evidence of humane and loving care. Ask questions about feeding schedules, exercise and playtime, and overnight staffing. Also ask what training staff has in animal behavior and healthcare. Avoid facilities that cannot thoroughly answer your questions.
Look for a facility that provides accommodations suited to your dog’s needs. Some facilities offer luxury suites with cots and TVs for high-anxiety dogs. Make sure outdoor spaces are secure and regularly cleaned. Also ensure proper protocols are in place to avoid disease transmission between dogs.
Most importantly, observe how your dog responds to the facility. Are they at ease with the staff and environment? Trust your instincts in choosing the right fit. Also, ask for references from other pet owners to further evaluate quality of care.
Cite: https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/10-things-to-consider-when-looking-for-a-boarding-facility
Prepare for Boarding
Before dropping your dog off at a boarding facility, it’s important to take some steps to get them ready for the experience. This will help reduce stress and make their stay more comfortable.
Vet Visit & Vaccines
First, schedule a veterinarian visit 1-2 weeks before boarding to ensure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccines. Most facilities require proof of the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine within 6 months or 1 year of boarding. Your vet may also prescribe medications for anxiety if needed (Source).
Bring Comfort Items
Pack familiar items like their favorite toys, treats, and bedding to help your dog feel at home. Having recognizable scents and textures can be very comforting. You may also want to bring their regular food to avoid digestive issues (Source).
Practice Short Stays First
Ease your dog into boarding by first practicing a few short daycare sessions, then overnight stays if possible. Gradually acclimating them to the environment and routine can make longer boarding less stressful. Go for a tour and meet the staff before committing to a longer stay (Source).
Boarding Best Practices
When boarding your dog, it’s important to maintain their normal routine as much as possible. Request that the staff follow your dog’s regular feeding, walking, playtime, and sleeping schedule. This will help them feel more secure and comfortable in the new environment.
Also ask the boarding facility staff to provide periodic check-ins on your dog via phone, email, or text. Most reputable places will gladly send regular photo or video updates of your pet so you can see that they are doing well.
Be sure to leave very detailed instructions on all of your dog’s care needs, preferences, anxieties, health issues, and anything else relevant to their stay. Let the staff know of any behavioral problems or sensitive areas that need special handling. Providing thorough information will allow them to give your dog personalized attention.
Bringing familiar items from home like a bed, toys, or treats can also help ease the transition. And consider easing them into boarding with short daycare visits first, so it’s not their very first time being away when you leave them for an extended stay.
Pickup & Homecoming
When picking your dog up from boarding, take things slowly and be patient. Boarding can be stressful for dogs, so you’ll want to help them reacclimate to home life. According to this source, wait at least an hour after bringing your dog home before feeding them their normal dinner. Stick to your usual routines as much as possible. Your dog may seem anxious or overwhelmed at first.
Watch for symptoms of stress like diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or clinginess, according to this source. Give your dog time to decompress and provide extra affection. Take them on gentle walks around familiar areas to help get their bearings again. It may take a couple days for your dog to fully settle back in at home.
When to Avoid Boarding
While boarding can be a convenient option for many dog owners, there are certain situations when it’s better to avoid boarding your dog. This includes dogs that are elderly, chronically ill, or have just been adopted.
Elderly dogs, especially those with health problems like arthritis or incontinence, often find boarding highly stressful. The change in environment and routine can exacerbate medical issues. According to veterinary experts, elderly or chronically ill dogs usually do better with pet sitters who can care for them in a familiar setting [1].
Likewise, dogs who have just been adopted from a shelter or rescue should avoid boarding right away. These dogs need time to transition, bond with their new family, and feel secure in their new home environment. Boarding too soon after adoption can cause anxiety, confusion, and undo early socialization [2].
Finally, boarding is not recommended when introducing a new pet into your home. The stress of meeting a new animal combined with a totally new environment at a boarding facility can be very traumatic. It’s better to allow proper acclimation first before considering boarding.
Alternatives to Boarding
If you don’t want to board your dog, there are other options to consider that may reduce stress and anxiety for your pet. Here are some of the top alternatives to boarding your dog:
Hire a Pet Sitter – Having a pet sitter come to your home to care for your dog allows your dog to stay in their normal environment. Pet sitters can provide walks, playtime, companionship and care while you’re away. Sites like Rover make it easy to find experienced pet sitters who can care for your dog in your own home.
Take your Dog to Doggy Daycare – Doggy daycares provide a fun, stimulating environment for dogs to play and socialize during the day. This allows your dog to get exercise and attention while you’re at work or away. Many daycares have webcams so you can check in on your pup!
Bring your Dog to a Friend or Family Member’s House – If you have a trusted friend or family member willing to host your dog while you’re gone, this can be ideal. Your dog gets the comfort of a home environment with someone familiar. Make sure the caregiver is aware of your dog’s routine, needs and quirks.