Going Away? Here’s How to Make Boarding Easier for Your Pet

Planning a trip can be exciting, but leaving your dog or cat behind may bring a different set of concerns. Will your pet settle in? Will they eat normally? What can you do to make the change in routine less stressful?

For pet owners in Baxter, MN, choosing a suitable boarding option and preparing your pet ahead of time can make the experience easier. A little planning can help your pet feel more comfortable while also giving you greater peace of mind while you’re away.

Pet boarding can be a practical option when family members or pet sitters are unavailable. The key is to prepare your pet for the change, provide accurate care information, and make sure their health and daily needs are clearly communicated before their stay.

How Can You Prepare Your Pet for Boarding?

The best way to make boarding easier is to prepare your pet before the day you leave. Dogs and cats often adjust better when they have familiar routines, clear care instructions, and time to become comfortable with new surroundings.

Start by considering your pet’s personality and previous experiences. A social dog may adjust quickly to a new environment, while a pet that is shy, anxious, or unfamiliar with boarding may need more preparation.

If possible, ask about the boarding environment, daily schedule, feeding arrangements, exercise opportunities, and how staff handles pets that become nervous.

What Should You Pack for a Boarding Stay?

Providing familiar items can help your pet settle into an unfamiliar environment. Depending on the facility’s policies, you may want to bring:

• Your pet’s regular food and feeding instructions
• Necessary medications with clear directions
• A familiar blanket or bedding
• A favorite toy or comfort item
• Updated emergency and veterinary information
• Your contact information and an alternate emergency contact

Keeping your pet’s routine as consistent as possible can make the transition easier. If your pet has specific feeding habits, behavioral needs, or activity preferences, write them down rather than relying on memory during drop-off.

Should You Keep Your Pet’s Routine Consistent?

Yes. Maintaining familiar routines can help reduce unnecessary disruption during boarding. If your dog normally eats at specific times or your cat is accustomed to a particular feeding schedule, share those details with the boarding staff.

Try not to make several major changes right before your trip. For example, suddenly switching food or introducing unfamiliar treats could upset your pet’s stomach. Maintaining their usual diet and routine, when practical, can make the boarding experience more predictable.

What About Medications?

If your pet takes medication, provide complete instructions and enough medication for the entire stay, following the facility’s requirements. Make sure staff know the medication name, dosage instructions, and timing.

Never assume boarding staff will know about a medication simply because it appears in your pet’s veterinary records. Clear instructions help reduce the chance of confusion.

Should Your Pet Have a Veterinary Checkup Before Boarding?

A routine veterinary visit may be worthwhile, particularly if your pet is older, has an ongoing health concern, takes medication, or has recently experienced changes in appetite, energy, or behavior.

Before boarding, make sure your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention are current according to veterinary recommendations and the boarding facility’s requirements. You can also ask about [preventive veterinary care] if your pet is due for a wellness examination.

If your pet has dental concerns, mobility problems, allergies, or other ongoing needs, discuss them with your veterinarian before the stay so appropriate care can be planned.

How Can You Help a Nervous Pet Adjust?

Some pets may experience stress when separated from their families or placed in an unfamiliar setting. Signs can include reduced appetite, excessive vocalization, hiding, restlessness, or changes in bathroom habits.

You can help by introducing changes gradually when possible. A short trial stay or visit may give your pet an opportunity to become familiar with the environment before a longer boarding period.

Keep your departure calm and predictable rather than making a prolonged goodbye. Your own emotions can influence the atmosphere surrounding the transition, so a relaxed handoff may help your pet settle more easily.

When Should You Seek Veterinary Care?

If your pet becomes ill before boarding, develops unusual symptoms, or experiences a significant change in health, consider postponing the stay and seeking veterinary advice. Vomiting, diarrhea, severe lethargy, difficulty breathing, significant pain, or other concerning changes may require prompt evaluation.

It’s also helpful to make sure the boarding facility knows how to reach your veterinarian or emergency veterinary service if a health concern develops during your absence. Providing written authorization for veterinary care, when required, can prevent delays if an unexpected situation occurs.

A successful boarding experience starts before your pet arrives. Familiar food and routines, clear care instructions, appropriate health records, and thoughtful preparation can help reduce disruption and make the transition more comfortable. Lakeland Veterinary Hospital can also help you keep your pet’s routine veterinary care and health needs on track before an upcoming stay.

If you’re preparing your dog or cat for boarding, schedule an appointment to discuss any health or preventive care needs before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I make boarding less stressful for my dog or cat?

Ans: Keep familiar routines whenever possible, provide approved comfort items, share detailed care instructions, and consider a short trial stay if the facility offers one.

Q2. Should I bring my pet’s regular food when boarding?

Ans: If the boarding facility allows it, keeping your pet on their regular diet can help avoid unnecessary dietary changes and potential stomach upset.

Q3. What health information should I provide before boarding?

Ans: Provide current vaccination information, medication instructions, feeding details, relevant medical history, your veterinarian’s information, and emergency contact details.

Q4. Does Lakeland Veterinary Hospital provide care that can help before boarding?

Ans: Veterinary services such as wellness examinations, preventive care, vaccinations, and health assessments can help ensure your pet’s routine needs are addressed before boarding.

Q5. Should my pet have a checkup before staying at Lakeland Veterinary Hospital’s boarding facility?

Ans: The need for an examination depends on your pet’s health, age, medical history, and boarding requirements. A veterinary visit may be helpful if your pet has ongoing health needs or is due for routine care.

Q6. Can veterinary staff help with my pet’s health needs before a trip?

Ans: Yes. A veterinary team can evaluate your pet’s health and discuss preventive care, medications, nutrition, or other concerns that may be relevant before boarding.