What To Expect From Your Dog’s Overnight Boarding Stay
Taking your dog to a boarding facility keeps them engaged, active, and cared for while you’re away from home. It places your dog in a space built around a routine. A dog overnight boarding stay offers structure, supervision, and social interaction for your pet. Here’s what to expect from your dog’s overnight boarding stay:
Pre-Stay Requirements
Before your dog’s overnight visit, you’ll need to complete a registration form that includes your contact information and your veterinarian’s details. Provide proof of up-to-date bordetella, rabies, and distemper (DA2PP) vaccinations, including a signed rabies certificate. The dog overnight boarding facility relies on the details you provide to enhance the safety of the dogs in their care. If your dog is older than six months, they may also be required to be spayed or neutered before staying overnight.
Some facilities conduct a temperament trial before your dog can join overnight stays or group daycare activities. This session helps staff observe your dog’s comfort level, energy, and social behavior around other dogs. Your pet’s reactions during group play help determine where they fit in the facility.
Group Play Setup
Your dog’s size and personality affect which playgroup they join. Small and large dogs may use different indoor playrooms, but both spaces have consistent supervision from trained team members. The boarding facility may also provide a separate space for when your dog needs a break from playing and socializing. This allows your pet to take a nap and return to group play when they’re ready.
Make sure to communicate any concerns about your dog’s behavior or play style during the temperament trial. Your dog can benefit from supervised socialization and group play, as it allows them to remain active. It also helps keep them mentally stimulated to minimize boredom.
Feeding Routine
Feeding schedules may be followed based on the details you provide when registering. Ask the facility if you can pack your dog’s regular food to minimize dietary disruption during their stay. If your dog has any dietary restrictions or allergies, communicate them at the time of booking. Some facilities can accommodate special dietary or medical needs when arrangements are made in advance.
Overnight Arrangements
At night, the dogs may sleep together in the same room with dividers separating them by size. The spacious room can be furnished with plush donut beds, air beds, and blankets. You may also provide a familiar bed or blanket from home to enhance your pet’s comfort.
Sleeping in a shared space allows a staff member to remain with the dogs and supervise them throughout the night. If your dog would be more comfortable in a separate space, some boarding facilities offer private rooms. This allows you to tailor your dog’s overnight experience.
Prepare for Dog Overnight Boarding
Preparing your pet for dog overnight boarding involves more than packing their food and favorite blanket. Begin with short daycare visits to help them adjust to the sounds, people, and group setting. You may also gradually increase the time your dog spends away from home to build comfort with separation. Visit a dog overnight boarding facility today to tour the space and ask questions before booking.
