Getting Your Dog Ready for Their First Boarding Stay

Boarding here is not a kennel — dogs stay in our home, on the couch, in the yard, part of the day. Still, the first stay is a big change. A little prep makes it much easier.

Do the meet-and-greet first

Every new dog meets us before they stay. It lets your dog see the house and yard while you are still there, and it lets us see how they settle.

Pack what smells like home

• Their own food, portioned by meal
• A bed, blanket, or worn t-shirt
• Any medications, clearly labeled with times
• Their regular collar, harness, and leash

Skip the brand-new toys and the sudden diet change. Consistency is what keeps a stomach settled.

Share the honest version

Tell us the awkward stuff: counter surfing, resource guarding around chews, fear of the vacuum, an accident record when stressed. Nothing on that list disqualifies a dog. It just lets us set the house up so nobody is surprised.

Expect a quiet first evening

Most dogs eat a little less the first night and sleep hard the second. By day two they usually have a favorite spot picked out.

Say goodbye quickly

Long, emotional goodbyes tell your dog something is wrong. A calm handoff and a quick exit works better every time — and you will get updates once they have settled in.