In spite of all of the benefits of boarding your dog through a licensed kennels, boarding a dog in  kennels will always be different to being at home or in their owners’ care. It is only natural that dogs will feel some stress when they are staying away from home, and away from their owners. As stress can affect your dog’s mood and immune system, and your own peace of mind,  it is important to minimise this stress, both for you and for your dog.

Early life

If your dog is a young dog it may benefit from spending a few days in kennels, every so often, so that they can get used to the experience and find it easier to cope with a longer stay when they are bigger.

There are simple things that you can do as a dog owner to help reduce stress for your dog, whether it is their first stay or not.

Before you go

Preparing in advance will give you peace of mind before you even leave the house. We would suggest packing the following items for your dog’s stay

A written list of your dog’s ailments, medications, food intake and any other special requirements

• Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) spray
• Your dog’s up to date vaccination certificate
• An item of your clothing that smells of you and will retain your scent, this will comfort your dog whilst you are away
• A supply of your dog’s normal food, bedding, favourite toys, chews and treats (if the kennel will allow you to do so)

Getting there

Use the Dog Appeasing Pheromone spray (DAP) in your car. Arrange for the kennels to spray this in the sleeping area of the kennel before your dog arrives and leave the spray with the kennels to use during your dog’s stay.

Leave early, giving yourself plenty of time to get to the kennels and settle your dog in. If you are feeling relaxed then your dog will feel relaxed too, rather than absorbing your stress if you are rushing around in a panic.

At the kennels

Again, take your time and relax, this will rub off on your dog

Be happy when you leave your dog, this will show your dog that there is nothing to worry about. Don’t fuss or console them as this may make them worry.