The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Dog for Boarding

Whether you’re planning a well-deserved vacation, business trip, or special event with family and friends, boarding your dog is a great way to ensure your dog is well taken care of while you’re away. And while you may know exactly what to pack in your own suitcase, you may be wondering what to pack for boarding or dog daycare. 

In this blog, our team at The Bark Park Pet Resort & Daycare shares essential Sacramento dog boarding tips, including what to pack for boarding or dog daycare.

Preparing for Dog Boarding

New to dog boarding or new to us? No problem! Here are some tips for first-time boarding success:

Vaccinations
All dog boarding facilities to include The Bark Park requires the following vaccines:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• Canine Influenza
• DHPP (4 in 1)
• Rabies ll guests must be up to date on the following vaccinations: Bordetella (Kennel DapouCough), Canine Influenza, DHPP (4 in 1), and Rabies

Spay/Neuter Requirement
If over 10 months old, your dog must be spayed or neutered.

Schedule A Short Visit
Dogs and their owners can tour the facility, meet the staff, and observe firsthand our day-to-day activities.

Book A Daycare Session
Booking a dog daycare session is a great way for your dog to get to know our team and experience the sights, sounds, and smells in the pet resort.

Adjust Your Dog’s Routine

Gradually adjust your dog’s routine, including mealtimes, potty breaks, and bedtime, to align with our schedule at The Bark Park (we will provide you with a schedule when you book your dog’s stay). 

Packing for Boarding

These are the must-haves you’ll want to pack for your dog:

• Veterinary records, including proof of vaccinations, parasite prevention records, and date of spay/neuter (for dogs over 10 months)
• Prescription medications and instructions
• Emergency contact information and number for your dog’s veterinarian
• Preferred food and treats
• Comfort items from home, including toys, blankets, and other bedding
• Collar and leash
• If your dog is a fast eater or needs an elevated feeding station, bring any specialized food bowls. 
• Any additional instructions

Dog Daycare Requirements

Dogs joining us for dog daycare have the same requirement as boarding with exception of our Play Style Evaluation. All dogs must pass this temperament test to ensure dogs are ready for group play.

What to Expect When You Pick Your Dog up after Boarding

You may notice that your dog behaves a bit differently for a few days after coming home. 

Here are some effective tips to comfort your dog after they return from boarding:

1. Calm greeting:
   To help your dog adjust, greet them calmly with gentle petting and soothing words. Avoid overly excited greetings.
2. Walk first, then food:
   Take your dog for a short walk outside before bringing them inside to avoid accidents due to excitement. 
3. Gradual feeding:
   Don’t immediately give them a full meal; wait a bit and offer smaller portions to prevent stomach upset. 
4. Limited water:
   Monitor water intake, offering small amounts initially to avoid overdrinking. 
5. Quiet space:
   Provide a comfortable, quiet area for your dog to relax and decompress. 
6. Re-establish routine:
   Slowly get back to their regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedule as quickly as possible. 
7. Abnormally clingy:
   Many pets experience mild separation anxiety when away from their owners. As a result, clingy behavior upon reunion is normal. To help your dog readjust, return to your usual routine as quickly as possible. This will restore familiarity and provide a sense of security.

We are always happy to answer your questions when preparing for dog boarding. Please call us at (916) 459-3030. We can’t wait to welcome your dog to The Bark Park!