How To Prepare Your Dog For The Kennel

Preparing for vacation and being away from home is often stressful whether you are a person or a dog.  To reduce the stress your dog feels away from home we recommend the following:

Make preparations in advance.  Reserve your dog’s kennel spot early.  Don’t wait to the last minute to plan for your dog’s accommodations.  There are far more dogs in an area then kennels, so kennels fill early especially around the holidays.

Get all necessary shots early.  Keep your dog current on shots, but if they are coming due near vacation, try to get shots two weeks prior to kennel time.  (Some dogs have reactions to immunizations.)  Almost all kennels require proof of current Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella (kennel cough vaccine).  Your kennel may also require your dog to be on some type of Flea and Tic Program.  You may also be required to provide proof of a yearly Negative Fecal exam.

Familiarize your dog with the kennel.  Once you decide on which kennel will keep your dog, take your dog for a visit.  If you have time let your dog stay over at the kennel a few times or go for several doggie day visits. (We don’t just say this for our monetary gain.) Familiarization with the surroundings and meeting the kennel staff will help reduce nervousness and stress in both you and your dog. 

Bring your dog’s food during kenneling. Prepare daily portions in zip-lock bags or a small container, label with serving size.  Keep your dog on its regular diet when away from home. Going to a new place adds stress to your dogs system, changing their regular food can add stress to their digestive system.  So, when possible keep them on their regular diet two weeks prior to visiting the kennel.  Don’t feel guilty about leaving your dog and give them a variety of new treats before your trip.

Make Going to the kennel Fun. Your dog feels your emotional state, so if you are in a panic preparing for your vacation, your dog will begin to panic also.  If you are feeling guilty about leaving your dog, he will sense your emotional turmoil and feel stressed.  If you are in a hurry trying to prepare for your vacation, and your dog doesn’t get his regular exercise and attention, your dog’s system will be stressed.  Tell your dog he’s going to Doggie Camp, he’ll meet lots of friends, have hours of playtime, and get plenty of exercise.