How to Prepare Your Pet for Boarding

What to do before your pet goes to a boarding facility

Preparing your pet for boarding starts two to four weeks before drop-off and involves three main tasks: making sure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccines, teaching the facility staff what your pet needs, and getting your pet used to being away from home. The boarding facility will ask for vaccination records and medical history, so gather those documents now. You'll also write down your pet's routine, any medications, behavioral quirks, and emergency contact information — the more detailed you are, the less stress your pet experiences during the stay.

The single biggest factor in a smooth boarding experience is whether your pet has spent time away from you before. If this is your pet's first time, plan a short visit to the facility a week or two ahead so your pet can see the space, smell it, and meet the staff. Even a 30-minute visit reduces anxiety on the actual boarding day.

Key Takeaways

• Bring vaccination records, medical history, and a list of current medications at least one week before boarding, because facilities will not accept pets without proof of vaccines.
• Write down your pet's daily routine, feeding schedule, behavioral habits, and any triggers that cause anxiety, so staff can keep things as normal as possible.
• Visit the facility with your pet one to two weeks before boarding so your pet becomes familiar with the space and staff.
• Pack enough food and medication for the entire stay, plus extra in case your pet stays longer than planned.
• Leave your veterinarian's contact information and an emergency contact person who can make decisions if your pet becomes ill.

Gather medical records and vaccination proof

Boarding facilities require proof that your pet is current on vaccines, typically rabies and DHPP (for dogs) or FVRCP (for cats). Call your veterinarian's office and ask them to send records to the boarding facility, or pick up a copy yourself. This usually takes a few days, so request it at least one week before your pet's stay. If your pet is due for vaccines, schedule an appointment now — most facilities will not board a pet whose vaccines are expired or not yet due.

Bring a written list of any medications your pet takes, including the dosage, how often, and what time of day. If your pet has a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease, write down the symptoms of a problem and what the facility should do if they notice those symptoms. Include your veterinarian's phone number and after-hours emergency clinic information. Some facilities ask you to fill out a medical form; others want you to provide this information verbally during a tour. Either way, have it ready before you arrive.

Create a detailed routine sheet for the facility

Write down what time your pet eats, how much, and what type of food. Include whether your pet eats wet food, dry food, or both, and whether there are any foods to avoid. Note what time your pet usually goes outside or uses the litter box, how long walks typically last, and whether your pet has any bathroom issues (like needing to go out frequently or having accidents when stressed). The more specific you are, the less your pet's routine changes during boarding.

List your pet's behavioral habits and what calms them down. Does your dog get anxious in new places? Does your cat hide when scared? Does your pet have a favorite toy or blanket? Write down what your pet does when nervous and what has worked to calm them in the past. If your pet has bitten, snapped, or been aggressive with strangers, tell the facility directly — they need to know before your pet arrives. If your pet is shy or takes time to warm up to people, mention that too. Staff can adjust how they interact based on what you tell them.

Bring items that smell like home

Pack a blanket, bed, or toy that smells like your home or like you. Your pet will recognize the scent and feel less anxious in an unfamiliar space. Some facilities allow this; others do not. Call ahead and ask what items they permit. If the facility allows it, bring something your pet already sleeps with or plays with regularly — not a new toy your pet has never seen.

Do not bring expensive items or anything you cannot afford to lose. Boarding facilities are not responsible for lost or damaged personal items, and things can get mixed up, especially in a facility with many pets. A worn blanket or an old toy works just as well as something new and costs less to replace if something goes wrong.

Visit the facility before boarding day

Schedule a tour one to two weeks before your pet's stay. Bring your pet with you if the facility allows it. Let your pet walk around, sniff, and see where they will spend time. Meet the staff who will care for your pet. Ask where your pet will sleep, where they will eat, and where they will spend time during the day. If the facility has outdoor space, ask your pet to walk through it. This familiarity reduces stress on the actual boarding day.

During the tour, ask about the facility's daily schedule, how often pets go outside or have playtime, and what happens if your pet refuses to eat or becomes ill. Ask whether staff will give medications on time and whether they can handle special requests like keeping your pet away from certain other animals. Take notes so you remember what you learned, and ask any questions that come up later before your pet arrives.

Pack food, medications, and supplies

Bring enough of your pet's regular food for the entire stay, plus extra in case your pet stays longer than planned. Use a container the facility can easily open and label it with your pet's name, the type of food, and how much to feed at each meal. Do not switch your pet to a different food right before boarding — dietary changes can cause stomach upset, and stress makes it worse. If you need to change food, do it at least two weeks before boarding so your pet's digestive system adjusts.

Pack all medications in their original bottles with labels showing your pet's name, the medication name, dosage, and how often to give it. Bring a written list of medications as backup. Include any supplies your pet might need: poop bags for dogs, litter for cats, or any medical equipment like a feeding tube or insulin pen. Label everything with your pet's name. If your pet wears a collar, leash, or harness, bring one the facility can use during your pet's stay.

Confirm details the day before boarding

Call the facility the day before your pet arrives to confirm drop-off time, what to bring, and any last-minute questions. Confirm that the facility has your emergency contact information and your veterinarian's phone number. Ask what time you can pick your pet up and whether there are any fees for early pickup or late pickup. Confirm the total cost and what payment method the facility accepts.

If your pet has not eaten well or seems sick, tell the facility before you drop your pet off. If your pet has diarrhea, vomiting, or a cough, the facility may refuse to board your pet to prevent spreading illness to other animals. If your pet is sick, contact your veterinarian instead and reschedule boarding for when your pet is healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccines does my pet need before boarding?

Most facilities require rabies and DHPP (for dogs) or FVRCP (for cats). Some also require Bordetella (kennel cough vaccine for dogs). Call your facility and ask which vaccines they require, then contact your veterinarian to make sure your pet is current. Vaccines must be given by a licensed veterinarian and documented on an official certificate.

Can I board my pet if they are on medication?

Yes. Bring medications in original bottles with clear labels, and write down the dosage and time of day to give them. Tell the facility during your tour and again at drop-off. Some facilities charge an extra fee for administering medications, so ask about this when you call to reserve a spot.

What should I do if my pet has never been boarded before?

Visit the facility with your pet one to two weeks ahead so your pet becomes familiar with the space and staff. Keep the visit short — 20 to 30 minutes is enough. Bring your pet's favorite toy or blanket if the facility allows it. On boarding day, keep your goodbye brief and calm; long goodbyes can increase anxiety.

Will my pet eat if they are stressed about boarding?

Some pets eat normally; others eat less when stressed. Bring your pet's regular food so the facility does not have to switch brands. Tell staff if your pet is a picky eater or has refused food in new situations before. Staff can try hand-feeding or offering food at different times if your pet is not eating.

What happens if my pet gets sick while boarding?

The facility will contact your emergency contact person or veterinarian. Make sure you leave your veterinarian's phone number and an emergency contact who can make decisions if you are not reachable. Ask the facility whether they take pets to a veterinarian or an emergency clinic, and whether you pay the facility or the veterinarian directly for emergency care.