If you have never boarded your dog before, you are probably feeling a lot of emotions like worry, fear, and confusion. Whether you’re going away for a weekend trip to the mountains or an extended getaway, making sure you feel comfortable and confident about boarding your furry friends is of utmost importance. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know before boarding your dog for the first time.
Leaving Your Dog for the First Time
Whether you’re leaving for a short weekend getaway or an extended vacation, leaving your dog for the first time can be scary for you and your pup. It might cause a little anxiety for you and some separation anxiety for your furry friend, but leaving your dog for the first time can be a positive experience if you have all of the necessary information. We’re sure that you and your fur baby want a little extra comfort when being separated for the first time and being prepared for an overnight trip to the kennel will definitely ease those anxious jitters.
Your Dog Boarding Checklist
Making sure you know what you and your pup are getting into before you head off on your vacation is super important. There is a lot of information out there for what you should and shouldn’t do before dropping your dog off for a little playtime with their friends, an overnight stay, or an extended pupcation! Here’s our list that covers everything you need to know:
- Find a reputable kennel/boarding facility or pet boarding service: DO YOUR RESEARCH! For us, our pets are equivalent to our children and if you’re reading this, we’re sure you feel the same! Doing your research and finding the best place to board your dog can take some time, but it’s well worth it. TIP: Don’t price shop – the cheapest boarding facility you find might not be your best option. Higher prices usually mean better quality facilities and services.
- Visit the kennel or boarding facility before dropping your pet off if possible.. Visiting the dog boarding facility will typically give you a sense of what kind of place it is and what matters to them.
- Make an appointment: Most boarding facilities, including ours, ask for reservations placed in advance for daycare and overnight boarding. We recommend making a reservation for boarding your dog at least 24 hours in advance if possible to guarantee a spot for your pet at your desired time. (That said, please, do not hesitate to contact us for last minute reservations. Many times, we can absolutely accommodate you!)
- Prep your pet for their visit: Gather up your dog’s favorite toys and comfort items! They like to be reminded of home when they are in a new environment. You can bring your own bedding, but better to ask if the dog boarding facility provides blankets (we do!) Also, it’s always a good idea to drop off your dog’s food with them as they are already used to this food – you don’t want to risk an upset tummy! You should also bring any medications your dog is taking on a regular basis and make sure to communicate this to the boarding facility.
- Make sure the facility has your contact information: It would be really unfortunate if we couldn’t get a hold of you while you’re away, so making sure the boarding facility has your contact information is always important!
What to Ask When Looking for a Boarding Facility
If you’re anything like us, feeling confident about who is providing care to your dog while you’re away is top on your priority list. As much as you want to find a boarding facility that meets and even exceeds the needs of your furry friend, they want to do that as well! The boarding facility will most likely ask you questions regarding your dog’s vaccination record, health history, and if they are on any daily medications. Some questions you might want to ask when researching boarding facilities are:
- Where do they play?
- How often to do they go out?
- How much playtime do they get per day?
- Is playtime usually inside or outside?
- Would you accommodate my dog if they can’t play with other dogs? (Many places will not do that or they will charge extra. We accommodate those at no extra charge.)
What You Should Bring to a Dog Boarding Facility
There’s no such thing as being over prepared when it comes to your fur babies, so making sure you know what to bring when dropping your dog off at a boarding facility is important. Each dog has different needs, but in general, the main items you should bring are:
- Food (but no water or food bowls please)
- Any medications
- Toys
- Bed and blanket(s)
- Treats or bones
- Leash (and make sure your pup’s collar in on snug enough that they can’t easily wrestle out of it!)
- Anything else your dog uses on a given day
About Zen Doggy Den
Zen Doggy Den is one of the only holistic dog daycare centers in the Wheat Ridge area. Our doggy daycare is designed with a home-like environment. Dogs live in a home with you, which is why our mission at Zen Doggy Den is to create a home away from home where your dog will feel comfortable and cozy. Other ways that we set ourselves apart is by separating the dogs into smaller groups with similar personalities, as well as giving all the dogs breaks from playtime to keep them happy and healthy. We offer services such as dog daycare, dog training, and dog boarding.
To contact Zen Doggy Den, you can email us at info@zendoggyden.com or call at (720) 507-7364. You can find us at 4575 Wadsworth Blvd Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. More information and online booking can be found on our FAQ’s.
