Leaving your beloved dog behind while you travel can be emotional and stressful. Whether it’s for work, a family function, or a long-awaited vacation, you want your furry companion to be safe, healthy, and happy while you’re away. Pet boarding is one of the best solutions, offering professional care and supervision — but for a smooth experience, preparation is key.
It’s tempting to simply choose the nearest boarding facility because it feels convenient — but distance alone should not be the deciding factor. Your pet is a family member who loves you unconditionally, and they deserve the very best care even if it means traveling a bit further. In metro cities, focus on travel time rather than distance — and be open to facilities within a 45 minute travel radius if they provide better care and safety. You can also check the option for pickup and drop facility.
You can also look for practical conveniences like boarding that lies along your route to the airport — making it easy to drop off your dog before a flight or pick them up on the way back home. In such cases, consider facilities that offer 24/7 operations or flexible timings, since flight schedules can be unpredictable.
🐾 Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Once you find a boarding facility you trust, try to stick with it every time. Familiar smells, caregivers, and routines help your dog feel secure, and each stay becomes smoother and less stressful.
At Our World of Dogs (OWD), we believe that pet boarding should feel like a second home, not just a holding space. Dogs should enjoy their time, make friends, and receive care as lovingly as they would at home. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare step by step, ensuring your dog’s stay is safe, enriching, and stress-free for both of you.
1. Choose the Right Boarding Facility
Selecting the right facility is the first and most important step. A good boarding experience starts with a place that prioritizes your pet’s health, safety, and emotional well-being.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: Take a tour before booking. The environment should be clean, smell fresh, and have proper waste management.
- Safety Measures: Look for secure fencing, CCTV monitoring, separate play zones, and controlled entry points.
- Qualified Staff: The team should be experienced, compassionate, and trained in canine behavior and first aid.
- Home-Like Environment: Dogs thrive in a calm, welcoming space — not in cold, sterile kennels.
Special Care Options to Look For
If your dog is elderly, sensitive, or has special medical or emotional needs, make sure the facility provides:
- Special Needs Bay: A quiet, low-stimulation area for dogs that need peace — perfect for senior pets, anxious dogs, or those recovering from illness.
- Private Boarding Spaces: Some premium facilities (like OWD) offer completely private rooms for dogs who require full-time monitoring, special diets, or one-on-one care. This is a great choice for very senior pets, highly sensitive dogs, or those with specific medical conditions.
2. Stick to the Same Boarding Facility
Once you’ve found a facility that meets your expectations, try to use the same place every time. Dogs thrive on familiarity — they remember the smells, the caregivers, and the routines.
Each repeat visit becomes easier for them, reducing separation anxiety and helping them settle faster. The staff also gets to know your dog better, allowing them to tailor the care more precisely with every stay.
3. Schedule a Trial Stay
Before committing to a long boarding stay, arrange a short trial stay — a day-care session or an overnight stay. This allows your dog to get familiar with the facility’s environment, smells, and people. It also helps the staff understand your dog’s temperament, making future stays more comfortable.
4. Update Vaccinations and Preventives
A safe boarding experience begins with good health. Most reputable facilities will require proof of vaccination, and it’s in your dog’s best interest. Make sure:
- Core Vaccinations: Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Leptospirosis (Lepto), and Canine Coronavirus vaccine are all up to date. The Core vaccines are mandatory for most boarding facilities and hence this is not optional.
- Kennel Cough Vaccine (Bordetella): Crucial for preventing infectious tracheobronchitis, which spreads rapidly in group settings.
- Flea, Tick & Mite Protection: Keep your dog on a regular preventive to protect them and other dogs.
- Deworming: Recommended every few months, ideally just before boarding.
Keep copies of vaccination records ready and share them with the facility before drop-off.
5. Pack a Comfort Kit
You don’t need to send your dog’s food in most cases — reputable facilities provide healthy meals — but do pack a few familiar items that make your dog feel at home:
- Favorite Toys and Blanket for comfort
- Medications (with dosage instructions, labeled clearly with your dog’s name)
- Collar, Leash, and Updated ID Tags
- A T-Shirt or Cloth with Your Scent (Optional) — a simple but powerful way to ease separation anxiety if you are pet is vey sensistive
6. Exercise Before Drop-Off
A good play session or a long walk before boarding can help burn off nervous energy. A tired dog is calmer and will settle in faster when they arrive at the facility.
7. Communicate Your Dog’s Routine and Personality
The more information you share, the better the care. Let the staff know:
- Preferred walk times or play routines
- Allergies, medications, and special needs
- Fear triggers (e.g., fireworks, loud noises)
- Personality quirks (loves fetch, hates cats, enjoys belly rubs)
Written notes are helpful so nothing is forgotten during the stay.
8. Socialize in Advance
If your dog isn’t used to being around other dogs, gradually introduce them to playgroups, parks, or dog-friendly events before boarding. Socialization helps them feel less anxious when sharing space with other dogs.
9. Train for Short Separations
Dogs with separation anxiety benefit from gradual exposure to being alone. Start with a few minutes at home, then increase the time. This prepares them emotionally for boarding and reduces stress.
10. Stay Calm at Drop-Off
Dogs mirror their owners’ emotions. If you are calm and confident, your dog will be too. Keep goodbyes short and positive. A cheerful departure helps your pet feel secure and reassured.
11. Share Emergency Contacts
Provide the boarding facility with:
- Your phone number and email
- A secondary contact (friend or relative)
- Your veterinarian’s name and number
- Clear instructions on how to proceed in case of a medical emergency
This ensures quick, decisive action if needed.
12. Confirm Pick-Up and Drop-Off Timings
Each facility has specific timings for check-in and check-out. Confirm these in advance to avoid last-minute confusion or extra charges.
13. Plan for the Homecoming
After boarding, dogs are often pleasantly exhausted from socializing and playing. Give them time to rest, keep fresh water available, and gradually transition them back to their usual home routine.
14. Stay Connected During the Stay
Many facilities, including OWD, offer WhatsApp updates with photos and videos. These little check-ins can give you peace of mind and let you enjoy your time away without worrying about your furry friend.
Final Thoughts
Pet boarding is not just a practical solution — it’s an opportunity for your dog to enjoy a fun, enriching experience in a safe environment. With proper planning, clear communication, and consistency (using the same facility), your dog’s boarding stay can be positive and stress-free.
At Our World of Dogs, we go beyond just providing a boarding space — we create a loving, safe, and enriching environment for every dog in our care. From our spacious main bay to our quiet special needs bay and premium private suites, we have thoughtfully designed options for every personality — from playful puppies to senior companions who need gentle, individualized attention.
Our location near the airport makes drop-offs and pick-ups effortless for traveling pet parents, and our truly 24/7/365 operations mean we are here whenever you need us — even during late-night flights or last-minute emergencies. Because emergencies don’t wait for business hours — and neither do we.
Our mission is simple: To give your dog a home-away-from-home experience where they feel safe, cared for, and happy — and to give you complete peace of mind while you are away.
