Tips to Make Your Dog’s Boarding Stay a Tail-Wagging Success! 🐾
- Retreat Nuggets
- Feb 12
- 4 min read

Before the Big Day
1. Health Check & Vaccinations
First things first – let’s talk health, shall we? We want to make sure your doggo is in tip-top shape! Here’s what you’ll need to check off:
Up-to-date on all vaccinations (this one’s a must!)
Flea and tick free (no one likes uninvited guests!)
Recently dewormed (for those extra good vibes)
Healthy and showing no signs of illness (no sniffles allowed!)
Pro Tip: Boarding facilities (like ours!) require vaccination records from your vet. Keep them handy so you can breeze through check-in!
2. Trial Stays Are Your Friend
Not sure how your pup will do in a new environment? Why not schedule a short daycare session before the full stay?
Let your dog get familiar with their new home (temporary, as it maybe)
Meet the wonderful caretakers who’ll be looking after them
See the daily routine in action (spoiler alert: they’ll probably love it!)
3. Pack Their Comfort Kit
We know your dog has their favorite things, and we want them to feel at home! So, here’s what you should pack:
Regular food (we portion-packed if you can)/ Cessna Pet Retreat customizes food according to your regular home food diet
If your dog has some very special mealtime requests, let us know so we can prep their meals just the way they like!
Favorite toys (2-3 will do the trick)
Their bed or cozy blanket (familiar scents = happy pup)
Any medications (with instructions, of course!)
Those tasty treats they love to snack on
Making the Transition Smooth
1. Maintain Regular Routines
Your dog thrives on consistency! Try to keep their routine as close to normal as possible:
Stick to their feeding schedule
Don’t change their diet right before boarding
Keep up their regular exercise patterns (they’ll thank you!)
Continue any meds they’re on (we’ve got this covered too!)
2. Emotional Preparation
Dogs are total emotional sponges – they pick up on our vibes! So, here’s how to make drop-off stress-free:
Stay calm and positive! Your pup will follow your lead.
Keep your goodbye short and sweet – no teary-eyed goodbyes (trust us, it’ll make it easier on both of you).
Trust in the boarding facility’s expertise – we’ve got years of experience taking care of furry friends!
3. Emergency Contact Information
It’s always good to be prepared:
Your contact info (just in case!)
Backup contact person (because it’s always good to have a plan B)
Your vet’s details if it’s not Cessna Lifeline (we’re happy to collaborate if your dog needs a quick check-up)
Any special care instructions or concerns (we’re all ears!)
Special Considerations for Dogs
Every dog is unique, and we want to make sure their stay is perfect! Here’s what to think about:
Are they social with other dogs? (Let us know so we can match them up with the right pack!)
Don’t forget their leash and collar (or harness, if that’s their thing)
Any special walking or playtime instructions? (We’ve got their daily adventures covered!)
Let us know their favorite play styles! Do they love fetch? Or would they prefer a nice nap? 😊
Red Flags to Watch Before Boarding
To make sure your dog is feeling 100%, keep an eye out for:
Sudden changes in appetite
Unusual tiredness or lethargy
Signs of stress or anxiety (a little change is fine, but big shifts are worth noting)
Any health issues (even minor ones) – always better safe than sorry!
After the Stay
1. Give Them Time to Adjust
When your pup gets home, it’s time to ease them back into normal life:
Let them rest and decompress – all that fun can be exhausting!
Gradually return to their regular routine
Spend some extra cuddle time together (they missed you, after all!)
2. Watch for
Sometimes, a stay away from home can cause a few new habits or behaviors to pop up:
Any changes in behavior (they might be excited or a little extra tired)
A different appetite or eating pattern
Stress signs, like licking or chewing more than usual
New quirks they picked up during their stay (maybe they learned a new trick?)
The Boarding Facility Checklist
When you’re choosing the best place for your dog, here’s what to look for:
24/7 supervision (no pup left unsupervised here!)
Clear emergency protocols (we’ve got a plan for anything that comes up)
A clean, safe environment (your dog’s safety is our top priority!)
Regular updates while your dog’s away (so you’ll always know how they’re doing)
Fun exercise and playtime (they need to burn off that energy!)
Medical care access (just in case your dog needs a little extra attention)
Final Thoughts
Don’t worry – boarding doesn’t have to be scary for your dog. With the right preparation and an experienced team (like us!), your dog’s stay can be a fun, enriching experience. Your pup might even look forward to their next stay with us!
Ready to make your dog’s boarding experience even better? We’d love to show you around our facility at Cessna Pet Retreat! Our team is excited to answer all your questions and show you why pets love staying with us. 🏡✨
This blog is brought to you by Cessna Pet Retreat, where every pet is family. For bookings and inquiries, contact us today!
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